Bill Michie
Mountaineering and ecology are interconnected fields, and sustainable practices in outdoor activities are crucial as we work to protect our environment and natural spaces so future generations can enjoy them. As Mountaineers, you’re likely well versed in how to adventure responsibly, but in honor of Earth Month, here are some simple tips to help you reduce your impact on the environment and maximize your enjoyment.
Leave No Trace (LNT). As a Mountaineer, I'm sure you know the drill when it comes to Leave No Trace. This set of responsible recreation principles helps reduce our impact on the environment. LNT is the fastest way to practice more sustainable recreation practices.
Carpool. Carpooling not only takes additional cars off the road and reduces pollution, it also helps protect our trailheads and the roads leading to them and provides more space for others to enjoy. The Mountaineers strongly encourages carpooling and offers a variety of tools and tips to help members connect for Mountaineers activities.
Use public transit. Want to be a super carpooler? Take transit. If you live in King County, Trailhead Direct is a service provided by King County Metro that seeks to ease vehicle congestion, reduce safety hazards, and expand access to trails along the I-90 corridor. Not only will you be helping protect the environment, but you may also make a new hiking partner along the way.
Avoid idling. This is a super easy way to make an impact. Turn off your car when you get to the trailhead. On early mornings it’s tempting to stay warm in your vehicle while you wait to start your adventure. But those exhaust fumes are stinking up and polluting the trailhead. Remember to be bold, start cold, and turn off that car!
Dispose of waste properly. Although it’s covered by the Leave No Trace principles, it’s worth reinforcing — dispose of your waste properly. This includes wrappers, food scraps and biological waste. Consider bringing a trash bag with you and pick up waste you find along the way.
Respect the environment. Also covered in detail under Leave No Trace, it’s important to remember we are guests in nature, and we should do our best to leave it undisturbed. Respecting the environment means staying on the trail, leaving wildlife alone (don’t feed the bears!), leaving things where they are, and only foraging where allowed.
Clean up after your pets. We’ve all seen it, that green bag of dog poo someone forgot to pick up. If you’re traveling with your dog, make sure to pick up after them and remember your green bag on your way out. If you see a bag that’s been sitting a while, work up the courage to pick it up and dispose of it. Everyone will thank you.
These small steps will help protect our trails and environments for future adventurers. If you’re already doing all of this, high five! Bring a friend along and show them the ropes. A few small choices now mean more natural places to explore later.
Thank you for showing up for our public lands and for each other as we step into a new season of learning and adventure.
