If you’re an outdoors-lover like me, you might have (at least I hope you have) heard about the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace. If you’re not quite sure what they are or why their important, keep reading!
Even if you wouldn’t consider yourself an “outdoorsy” person, these principles are important to know. So, let’s dive in and learn about them together, friend!
Leave No trace
Leave No Trace is a non-profit organization that specializes in the conservation of our planet. The organization has become a scientific pioneer and offers research-based environmental solutions. They also provide the average Joe (aka you and me) easy-to-understand education and tactical tools to enjoy and protect the environment!
This is where the 7 principles come in. The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace provide an easy framework to enjoy your outdoor experience while minimally impacting the environment.
These principles were initially made for the backcountry—aka, a remote (and most likely underdeveloped) location where people can hike/camp. Over time, the principles have been adapted for any outdoor environment (National Parks, State Parks, local parks and trails, etc.).
the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace:
1. Plan Ahead & Prepare
Not all of us can be spontaneous little butterflies and live the #bestlifeever in the process. Spontaneity can be fun and all, but I’ve learned that being prepared makes the experience much more enjoyable. Oh, and it helps keep you and the environment safe–that’s an important bit to mention. Here are some things to think about before your trip outdoors:
- What are your goals/expectations for your time outside?
- What is the skill level of you and/or the people going with you?
- Research the area you plan to visit.
- Choose the appropriate comfortable and safe clothing for your time outside.
- Plan your time outside to match your “goals, skills, and abilities”.
- Reflect on your time outdoors to make necessary changes for next time.
And don’t forget to consider things like the weather, regulations, wildlife, food, and terrain.
2. Travel & Camp on Durable Surfaces
Staying on marked trails is important for your and the environment’s safety. When you decide to meander off the path and create your own, you can unintentionally damage the environment and its inhabitants.
Thankfully, land management agencies across the world have decorated the beautiful natural areas we want to see with trails to help mitigate the impact on the environment. Yes, they had to basically alter the environment to make a trail, but it was necessary with the high demand for outdoor recreation.
Can you imagine what it would be like if there were no trails? Everyone would make their own and ruin the natural areas altogether.
The best plan of action is to stick to a trail, but in the occasion that you’re traveling to a remote area, finding a spot to use the bathroom, setting up camp in a secluded area, or exploring the area surrounding your campsite, some off-trail trekking may be necessary. But just because it’s necessary, doesn’t mean you should do and go wherever you want.
If you have to go off-trail, stick to more rocky, sandy, and gravelly areas because the surfaces are highly durable and can withstand being trampled. If possible, try to avoid trampling over vegetation, living soil (thick, black crust-like soil found in desert climates), and desert puddles/mud holes.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Ah, the topic we all love to talk about. Which would you rather start with? Plastic waste or waste waste?
Let’s start with plastic. Well, I should actually say, let’s start with every single item you bring outdoors with you (i.e., plastic water bottles, plastic cutlery, tissues, the National Park receipt you forgot to take out of your backpack, etc.).
Whatever you pack in, pack out. It’s really that simple. Oh, and while you’re at it, go ahead and pick up any other trash items from the lazy buckos who like to RUIN THE EARTH. Just kidding, accidents happen. But seriously, do the environment a solid and pick up any trash you see (because it doesn’t have hands to do it itself).
Now on the to more exciting topic—poop!
It’s important to properly dispose of your human waste so you don’t pollute the surrounding areas or spread disease. In some instances, human waste will need to be packed out, but normally, this is how you can go about discarding your waste:
- Find a spot about 200 ft. from any trails, camps, and water sources. This spot should be unnoticeable and likely to get limited/zero amount of foot traffic from walkers or campers.
- Dig (preferably with a garden trowel—aka small garden shovel) a hole that’s 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 centimeters wide.
- Do your business (the goal is to get it in the hole…just saying).
- Cover your cat hole back up and go about your merry way (hopefully feeling a little lighter).
For extensive “pooping in the woods” info from the experts, check this out.
4. Leave What You Find
As exciting as it may be to take a shell or rock from the area you’re exploring for “memory” purposes or build one of those rock cairns you see all over your Insta feed, don’t. I’m not going to lie, I’ve done this before, but after familiarizing myself with Leave No Trace, I don’t ever plan to do it again. Why? Because you’re unknowingly (well, now you know, so you have no excuse) altering the site you’re exploring.
In some places, it is illegal to remove objects from nature – yes, even that rock you think would be perfect for the memorabilia box you’ll probably throw away in 10 years. Like Baltimore Grotto says, “Take only photos, Leave only footprints.”
This quote is a classic, too: “Look with your eyes and not your hands.” A blast from the childhood past, right? Not only is this quote perfect for taking something from the area, but it’s also perfect for when you get the itch to carve your and your boyfriend’s name into a tree. I know, Hollywood makes it seem all cute and romantic to sit in a tree and carve your initials into the bark because you’re going to last foreva eva (*cue Last Song*). But it’s best to just leave the tree alone and write it down in your diary like the rest of us.
When it comes to camping, make sure to leave the area as you found it. Don’t try and alter a site for you and your tent. Not only does this require more work (and who wants to do that after a long day of hiking/backpacking/driving to your spot??), but you’d also be disrupting the ecosystem that already had dibs on the spot. Best rule of thumb is to find a space where you don’t have to alter anything.
Less work for you, and it’s good for the environment? It’s a win-win!
For more information/motivation to leave nature in nature, click here.
5. Minimize Campfire Impacts
Can you really call it camping if you don’t have a campfire?
Campfires are one of the most traditional things you can do while camping, and the last thing I’m here to tell you is you’re not allowed to have one. Where else are you going to tell scary ghost stories and roast s’mores?
While spending time with loved ones and enjoying the warmth of the campfire, there are a couple of precautions you can take to make sure it’s not going to harm the environment around you. Here are a couple of examples:
- Use an existing fire ring
- Make sure your fire is completely out when you’re done
- Build a mound fire or use a fire pan
If you’re looking for an easier way to cook your food while camping, try a lightweight camp stove. Camp stoves are a great way to minimize your environmental impact and save you from the (sometimes frustrating) process of starting your own fire.
6. Respect Wildlife
Why’d I have to choose such a cute and cuddly-looking animal for this section? Don’t you just wanna go up and give them a big hug or take a video with them to go viral on TikTok?
Pro tip for ya: don’t.
No matter how cute and cuddly they look, it’s best to keep your distance and observe an animal’s cuteness from afar. You can’t really observe their cuteness from the inside of their mouths or getting gut-punched by their horns, right? At least, that’s probably not what you’re going to be thinking about in the moment.
One of the best parts of getting outdoors is the ability to see wildlife in their own habitats, but that’s just it, they’re in their own habitat, and we need to respect that.
You wouldn’t like a complete stranger inviting themselves into your home and invading your personal bubble to get a “social media-worthy” picture of you, so why do you think wildlife does? We can enjoy and learn a lot about wildlife by quietly observing them at a safe distance away.
7. Be Considerate of Others
Ooof. I don’t think there’s anything more annoying than trying to get some peace and quiet out in the woods, and then someone comes along and ruins it by BLASTING their loud obnoxious music no one really wants to hear.
Unfortunately, one thing society lacks today is the consideration of others. We tend to put our needs above everyone else’s.
When it comes to spending time outdoors, being considerate of others’ experiences is just as important as your experience. When we lose our consideration for others, everyone has a poor outdoor experience.
On the flip side, when we respect others and put their needs above our own, it makes for a better overall experience. Leave No Trace says, “Excessive noise, uncontrolled pets, and damaged surroundings take away from the natural appeal of the outdoors.” Can I get an amen?
One of the reasons I encourage you to get out and enjoy God’s beautiful creation is so we can explore His goodness and glory on display. Spending time outside allows us to get away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and find peace by admiring the beauty and serenity all around us. This can be quickly destroyed by people who want to blast their own music, stop right in the middle of the trail to check their phone, or worse, leave no room on the trail for anyone coming from the opposite direction.
To truly enjoy the outdoors and admire its splendor, we ALL need to be considerate of each other. And if someone isn’t, then kindly speak to them about it rather than get worked up and make harsh/rude comments or yell at them (because that’s not going to help)!
Let’s Wrap It Up, Shall We?
Every time I’m outdoors, whether exploring a remote area or taking a walk in the local park, I try to abide by these Leave No Trace principles. They help influence the way I see and take care of God’s beautiful creation, and I pray they do the same for you.
If you want more information on the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace, visit their website. And if you have any questions about these principles or how I use them in my outdoor adventures, leave a comment below or send me a message on my contact page.
Even if you don’t have a question, comment, or concern, I would love to hear from you! What else would you like to see on this website or know about getting outdoors?
