I have a confession: I’ve left a trace.
When I started hiking over a decade ago, I picked wildflowers, forgot to check the weather, and left toilet paper behind (I’m cringing while writing this). But with experience and time, I’ve learned how to explore more responsibly by referencing Leave No Trace (LNT).
Practicing LNT helps protect fragile ecosystems, keeps wildlife safe, and helps ensure the land stays beautiful and accessible to everyone. But at the end of the day, it’s about respect – for Mother Nature, for each other, and for future generations.
While there’s so much more we can do to protect our planet, today I want to focus on something simple and powerful: the Leave No Trace principles.
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How To "Leave No Trace"
The truth is, it’s nearly impossible to leave no trace. But we can do our best to leave places better than we found them. The Leave No Trace principles are simply a guide to help us move through nature with more awareness and respect.
With that – here are the seven ways to Leave No Trace:
1. Plan Ahead and Prepare
In my opinion, this is the most important principle because proper planning can make or break your adventure. This looks like researching your destination, checking weather forecasts, looking up current fire regulations, and packing necessary supplies (like the Ten Essentials).
Being well-prepared helps you stay safe and minimize damage to the land.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
I know it can be tempting to wander off-trail, but sticking to established trails helps prevent erosion, protects fragile habitats, and lowers your chances of getting lost.
When it comes to camping, choose spots that have clearly been used before, and make sure you’re at least 200 feet away from lakes and streams. This helps protect water sources and the wildlife that depend on them.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
Pack it in, pack it out! That means carrying out all trash, leftover food, and litter -including anything you find along the way.
When nature calls, use established bathroom facilities whenever possible. If none are available, dig a cat hole 6–8 inches deep, at least 200 feet from water, trails, and campsites, to bury solid human waste. Always pack out used toilet paper and hygiene products in a sealed bag. Yup, even the gross stuff.
In sensitive environments like alpine zones, deserts, or heavily trafficked areas, a Wag Bag (a portable toilet bag) is the best option to pack out everything. Some places even require them!
And since I mentioned toilet paper earlier… my favorite solution? A reusable pee cloth! I swear by it, and I wrote a whole blog post about how it works right here.
4. Leave What You Find
You know that phrase “Only take pictures and leave footprints”? Leaving what you find helps preserve the past and protect the future. Please don’t touch cultural or historic structures and artifacts. Leave rocks, plants, flowers, and other natural objects as you find them so others can enjoy their beauty.
5. Minimize Campfire Impact
Did you know 87% of campfires are human caused? If you live in the western United States, you know how devastating wildfires are. In my opinion, you don’t need a campfire to enjoy camping.
Before you start a campfire, be sure to check local fire restrictions. If you build a fire, keep it small, use established fire rings, and bring a shovel and plenty of water to properly extinguish your campfire. Douse, stir, add more water, and stir it again. Your campfire should be cold to the touch before you leave!
6. Respect Wildlife
Observe animals from a distance and never feed them. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators. Store food securely and keep a clean camp to avoid attracting animals.
7. Be Considerate of Other Visitors
Respect other visitors and protect the quality of their experience. Yield to others on the trail, keep noise levels down (please leave portable speakers at home), and camp away from trails and other visitors. Being kind and considerate to others outdoors helps build more inclusive spaces and allows everyone a personal connection to nature.
Bonus: Consider Your Social Media Impacts
If you aren’t familiar with geotagging, it is a feature on platforms like Instagram that allows users to tag the location of where they took a picture. As an outdoor enthusiast and full-time outdoor content creator, I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about this hot topic issue.
This post dives into the topic of geotagging nature – is it gatekeeping or conservation?
What If I See Someone Breaking The Leave No Trace Principals?
As I mentioned, I have left a trace. I’m sure every outdoor enthusiast has left a trace at some point. Leave No Trace isn’t about perfection; it’s about doing our best to minimize our impact.
It can be disheartening to witness people violating Leave No Trace principles, whether in person or online. However, it’s important to approach these situations with empathy and a desire to educate rather than criticize.
Here are a few steps you can take if you see someone not following Leave No Trace principles:
- Lead by Example: Often, the best way to influence others is by demonstrating good practices yourself. Show how to respect nature through your actions and if you’re an active social media user, consider creating content that encourages responsible recreation.
- Engage in a Friendly Conversation: If appropriate and safe, consider having a polite conversation. People are often unaware of their impact and will appreciate learning how they can do better. For example, you could say, “Hey, did you know that [specific action] can harm the environment? Here’s a better way to do it!”
- Use Social Media Thoughtfully: If you see violations online, avoid public shaming. Instead, send a private message and share informative and positive content about Leave No Trace principles. Shame is never the answer – promote responsible behavior through education rather than condemnation.
- Report to Authorities: For more serious violations, such as illegal dumping or poaching, report the behavior to the appropriate authorities. They can take action to address the situation.
- Support Educational Initiatives: Support organizations promoting Leave No Trace education. This helps spread awareness and encourages responsible outdoor practices on a broader scale.
Remember, we all make mistakes and have opportunities to learn and improve. By fostering a culture of respect and education, we can all contribute to preserving the beauty of the places we love to explore.
Next time you head outdoors, remember: leave it better than you found it.
Happy adventuring!
