cover everything from how to prepare and plan an excursion to the best way to dispose of waste.
Putting the seven principles into practice also helps preserve therestorative aspects of nature we crave, Watts says.
And thats important because more and more of us are dipping our toes into all that nature provides.
Photos by Geber86, Benjamin Rondel via Getty Images / Design by Amanda K Bailey
Throughout thepandemicexploring outdoor spaces has been one of the safest forms of recreation.
At the same time, theyre also grappling with how to make access more equitable and inclusive.
Thats why developing a greater understanding of theseven principlesis so important.
Turn the principle into everyday practice:Cutting down on food wasteand single-use plastic requires forethought.
Sticking to settrailshelps preserve vegetation and reduce soil erosion.
So staying on the routes already constructed for foot traffic preserves the ecosystem.
Walking through the mud is the correct way to do it; otherwise, youre widening the trail.
Campsite selection is also important for low-impact recreating.
Turn the principle into everyday practice:Durable surfaces can extend to durable transportation to get to your activity.
In the grander scheme?
Cutting down on air travel reduces your carbon footprint significantly.
But burying your waste in cat holes is also a widely accepted method, according to the Center.
Use that as your toilet.
Pack out any other materials like tampons and toilet paper.
Leave It as You Find It
Whatever you see in nature, you should leave there.
Take a picture instead.
The same goes for cultural artifacts, antlers, petrified wood, or rocks.
All of the items you see are part of the natural beauty of the land.
Stop and think before you do thatmaybe you send people to a visitor center nearby instead.
They can get more information there and explore the area themselves.
Turn the principle into everyday practice:Do you really need to buy something new?
Consider the lifecycle of whatever youre purchasing and how it will eventually end up in a landfill.
Keep Wildlife Wild
When were outdoors, were visitors to the wildlifes home, so we should show respect.
If youre photographing any creatures, do so from afar.
No Instagram post is worth a close encounter with a bear.
But managers need to be really clear as to what is acceptable.
Aside from noise, simple etiquette goes a long way toward peaceful coexistence out there.
Uphill hikers have the right-of-way, so step to the side and let them through.
Give a nod or a wave.
When youre passing somebody on the trail, say hello, Watts says.
Just knowing that we all need and want these outdoor experiences, feeling welcome is really critical.
Put the principle into everyday practice*:* We can all practice consideration of others every day.
