Leave No Trace: How to be a responsible Hiker
The 7 Principles of Leave No Trace
When exploring the outdoors it is important to put in effort to reduce our human impact on the environment when bushwalking. These 7 Principles are simple things we can do to leave no trace on the environment from our adventures:
1.Plan ahead and prepare
Check the weather, local regulations, and trail conditions before you go! Also know the groups abilities and make sure adequate safety precautions and equipment are in place
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces
Only use established trails to avoid excess damage to vegetation. When camping also only use established campsites.
3. Dispose of waste properly
Do not leave behind any rubbish even something as innocent seeming as a banana or orange peel.
Leaving food behind can disrupt the natural ecosystem.
All rubbish, including hygiene and toilet paper should be packed away and disposed off properly in a bin. Everyone Can Hike Guides realises during day hikes this is one of the Leave No Trace Principles we are most likely to encounter and endeavour to do our best at reducing our groups impact. We will be carrying rubbish bags for rubbish and gloves to pick up waste left by others on the trail to leave the environment better than when we found it when possible.
4. Leave what you find
Although tempting to take home that cool shell or rock (we love nature!) we should not collect natural items and move them.
5. Minimise Campfire Impacts
Although we wont be making campfires during our day hikes, it is important to know for your other adventures what the local campfire and stove regulations are. Make sure any campfires are completed burnt out or extinguished and do not cut green material from trees to make your fires.
6. Respect Wildlife
We have a fair amount of cool wildlife to be seen in Australia. Unfortunately most wild animals do not appreciate being approached. It is best to appreciate we are in their world, and to observe from a distance.
7. Be considerate of other visitors
Generally when walking the people going uphill have right of way (they are the ones that need the momentum to keep going after all!). It is especially important as a group not to interfere with others, try to move to the side if other people behind you want to pass, or if people are coming from the opposite direction. Also try to be respectful of nature as a public space, lots of people use it to enjoy the serenity and break from the hustle and bustle of life so try to speak quietly, and not play music out loud.