Reducing Our Environmental Impact
Spring is here. The sun is shining, the birds are singing, and the snow has melted. What do we see after the snow melts? Garbage. The sight of garbage can spoil your experience of the great outdoors, whether you’re in an urban or rural community. And garbage is just one way we affect the environment. We humans have a huge impact, and often we don’t even realize it.
As you enjoy being active in the great outdoors this summer, remember that the quality of your outdoor adventure depends on your respect for nature and for others.
This article gives you advice on how to reduce your environmental impact so that we can all enjoy activities in the beautiful outdoors for years to come.
Respect all things in the natural world
Respect wildlife. One of the reasons we head into the wilderness is to see animals and plants we don’t see every day. They don’t see us every day either. Be respectful of all wildlife. You can observe them, even photograph them, but don’t disturb them. Remember, you are a guest in their home, so act accordingly.
Leave what you find. Take only pictures. Leave rocks, plants and other natural things as you find them. If you take or disturb things, you may damage a habitat. For example, some plants need the other plants around them to survive. And dead trees aren’t firewood, but homes for woodpeckers and other animals that nest in their cavities.
Leave no trace
Always bring home what you take in. There’s nothing better than travelling to a secluded spot for a picnic or a few days camping. The peace and quiet, the animals and the scenery can be exhilarating. So that others may enjoy the same experience, make sure that you leave nothing behind when you depart. It should be as if you were never there.
Travel on durable surfaces. It’s tempting to take off into the bushes for some real “off-roading,” but that can hurt the very things you appreciate in the great outdoors. Cycling or even hiking in some areas damages the forest floor. It disturbs the ground cover, and that disturbs the wildlife. Off-roading can also erode the soil and damage the root systems of trees and shrubs. Stick to paved paths or existing groomed trails.
Obey signs. Signs are there for a reason. They may be protecting a habitat or an ecosystem. They may also be there for your personal safety, keeping you away from dangers such as an unstable bank or poison ivy.
Go one step further
You’ve heard the term “go the extra mile.” In this case it’s taking a few extra steps to pick up at least one piece of garbage on each journey you take outdoors.
If you’re willing to go an extra mile or two, you can get physically active and clean up at the same time by participating in spring cleanup programs such as:
* the 4-H ditch cleanup
* Capital City Clean Up
* cleanup programs organized by your local community league
Think beyond yourself to the greater good of your community and the environment. Take pride in both and chip in. Lead by example, and think before you act. Ask yourself, “If everyone did what I’m doing, would this trail or park still be as nice?”
As American President Lyndon B. Johnson said upon signing the 1964 Wilderness Act: “If future generations are to remember us with gratitude rather than contempt… we must leave them a glimpse of the world as it was in the beginning, not just after we got through with it.”
Source: HealthyAlberta.com
Tags: Active Outdoors, Environmental Impact, garbage, natural world, Respect wildlife