Op Ed: The Best Way to Preserve Nature While Hiking
Perhaps no other physical activity does as much for the body and mind as taking a day hike through a wilderness area. The serenity of silence, combined with an aerobic workout you will never see on television, can transform you for days at a time. On the other hand, a hike has the potential to wreak havoc on the environment. Although picking up trash plays a huge role in cleansing Mother Nature, there are several other ways you can help preserve nature while hiking.
Make and Take Your Own Snacks
We need energy to sustain ourselves during hikes. Man hikers turn to energy bars and even dehydrated protein shakes to maintain the energy buzz of a hike. Instead of buying packaged snacks, why not make and take your own snacks? You simply store the snacks in an airtight container and eliminate the possibility of leaving trash on the trail.
Say No to Plastic
If you accidentally leave a plastic container behind on a hike, the container will remain in basically the same condition for hundreds of years. We have an incredible problem with plastic in our society and by eliminating plastic from hikes, we go a long way towards preserving the natural integrity of a wilderness area. Even when plastic begins to decompose, it leaves behind a dangerous toxin.
Leave Only Feet Impressions
You have heard the timeless adage: Leave it like you found it. Well, the same principle applies to nature during a hike. The only trace of evidence that shows you were on a trail should be the feet impressions made after each step. Never remove any natural artifacts to add for a collection at home. Take photos, do not take from nature.
Keep the Water Supply Clean
We often forget about the delicate status of our water supply. Just look at all of the water issues we have witnessed in the United States over the past decade. When you are hiking, you should pay special attention to ensuring one of our most valuable resources remains protected from outside contaminants. Make sure to wash dishes using a biodegradable soap, as well as prevent the water you brought from home mixing with any natural water sources you find along the trail.
The Trail is There for a Reason
Although it might seem like a proper challenge to find an alternative to getting from point A to point B, the fact remains the trail is there partly to ensure the integrity of the surrounding wilderness. Walking off the trail places the delicate ecosystem at risk of being compromised. Taking out plants and other types of vegetation off the trail can lead to a serious case of erosion.
Finally, when the hike is over and the stomach begins to growl, spend your hard earned cash at a local eatery that features organic ingredients and serves healthy foods. Sustainability is one of the hot button environmental topics and you can help increase the amount of sustainable land by eating local. It is the little things like eating local that go a long way in preserving nature while hiking.
This article was provided by www.personalinjury-law.com, an organization dedicated to providing the public with information about personal injury and safety information. Nothing in this article should be construed as legal advice, and it is intended for informational use only.
In addition to the advice above, the Catskill Center is a proud partner of the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics. The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace are the national standard for minimizing ones impacts while recreating outdoors. To learn more about Leave No Trace please visit their website, or chat with one of the Catskill Stewards this summer season!