{"id":31921,"date":"2018-12-11T11:50:21","date_gmt":"2018-12-11T09:50:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.faithful-to-nature.co.za\/blog\/?p=31921"},"modified":"2018-12-11T11:50:47","modified_gmt":"2018-12-11T09:50:47","slug":"an-eco-outdoorsmans-guide","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.faithful-to-nature.co.za\/blog\/an-eco-outdoorsmans-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"An Eco-Outdoorsman\u2019s Guide to becoming an Eco-Outdoorsman"},"content":{"rendered":"

Now that we\u2019re firmly in the midst of summer, more and more of us will be spending time outside. Some things, however, become more tricky when you move isn\u2019t nature. Cooking isn\u2019t as simple as in the kitchen, ordering UberEATS to atop a mountain is even more difficult, and maintaining eco-conscious practices is also a challenge. But\u00a0<\/span>when we\u2019re in nature, our actions have a direct influence on the environment so it\u2019s best to tread lightly. Before you next go on your next outdoor adventure, remember these tips to ensure your ways are eco-friendly:<\/p>\n

1. USE BIODEGRADABLE PRODUCTS<\/b><\/h1>\n

Toothpaste<\/a>, sunscreen<\/a>, bug spray<\/a> and, if you\u2019re washing in rivers, shampoo<\/a> and body wash<\/a> should be organic, chemical-free and not harm the environment. Research has recently come out showing how sunscreen is driving the bleaching of coral reefs<\/a> in the tropics. And in busy places one can often see a film of sunscreen on the water. Look for non-toxic sunscreen so you aren\u2019t polluting your skin or the environment. The same goes for toothpaste, shampoo and body wash. Mosquitoes and bugs are also a natural part of the outdoors, but tackle them with non-toxic spray that won\u2019t bugger up the environment. <\/span><\/p>\n

2. LEAVE NO TRACE<\/b><\/h1>\n

This is probably the first rule that all outdoorsman are taught and embrace. In the States, they have seven guidelines<\/a> to follow to ensure no one leaves no trace. The two most important rules from the list are, \u2018dispose of waste properly\u2019 and \u2018leave what you find.\u2019 In other words, take all your rubbish with you and resist the urge to collect rocks or plants on the trail. As people like to say, \u2018take only photographs, leave only footprints.\u2019<\/p>\n

3. PICK UP TRASH, EVEN IF IT ISN\u2019T YOURS<\/b><\/h1>\n

This rule isn\u2019t compulsory as I understand many people can\u2019t bring themselves to pick up other people\u2019s trash. But I\u2019ve hiked with many people who stop and put trash in their bags and you know what? Not only does it make little difference to what you\u2019re carrying but you tidy up the environment and feel good about it at the same time. Sometimes people drop rubbish without realising it and it will sit in that bush until someone has the initiative to pick it up and carry it out with them. Wouldn\u2019t it be cool if everyone on the trail decided they would do what they could about this? Take what you can when you can and little by little we can ensure our environment gets cleaner. Keep in mind that individual actions do have an impact on the bigger picture, and if everybody thinks their little ol\u2019 bad habits won\u2019t have an effect, then we\u2019re actually contributing to regression rather than progression when it comes to environmental change.<\/span><\/p>\n

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Eco Outdoor Entertainer Bundle<\/p><\/div>\n

4. REMAIN FIRE SMART<\/b><\/h1>\n

Never make a fire in the wilderness unless there are clear areas to do so. Even then, make sure your fire never gets too big and take note of the\u00a0<\/span>surrounding vegetation. Strong winds are a hazard so be aware if it picks up. Depending on the seasons, mountains can be wildfires waiting to happen. Smoking while hiking and carelessly dropping embers or butts can escalate into fierce bushfires that not only threaten human life but that destroy vast amounts of land and wildlife. If you\u2019re a smoker, carry a butt bin. If you’re camping and have made a small campfire, ensure it’s completely extinguished before you move on. And please pay attention to all fire danger warnings.<\/span><\/p>\n

5. CHOOSE AN ECO-FRIENDLY WATER BOTTLE<\/b><\/h1>\n

Pass over the plastic and go with a reusable option that you can use time and time again. Plastic bottles not only account for a large portion of our waste but they can be detrimental to your health. Bottled water companies increasingly use BPA-free plastic, but laced into plastic bottles are other chemicals that can seep out if bottles are exposed to heat or sit around for a long time.<\/span><\/p>\n

6. DON\u2019T POLLUTE THE WATER<\/b><\/h1>\n

Camping near water is important, but often little thought is given to the potential pollution of our natural water sources. When you\u2019re choosing a campsite, ensure your waste doesn\u2019t end up in the water. Wash your plates and dishes with collected water as far away as possible from the water source, to prevent the soaps and detergents (hopefully non-toxic) polluting the water that animals will drink out of.<\/span><\/p>\n

7.\u00a0USE THE SAME ECO PRINCIPLES YOU HAVE AT HOME<\/b><\/h1>\n

Just because you\u2019re in nature doesn\u2019t mean you can forget all your domesticated habits. When packing your food and items, avoid plastic bags and use reusable ones<\/a>. The environment will thank you. Batteries are often used in head torches, be sure to dispose of them responsibly as well as look to embrace solar products. <\/span>
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Do you have any extra tips for being the ultimate eco-outdoorsman? Leave a comment below.<\/p>\n

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10 Reasons I Fell in Love with Hiking (and so Could You)<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n