There are so many ways to bring stewardship to your hiking adventures. I feel very lucky to have been able to learn and participate in efforts to help minimize human impact in this world. The more I learn, the more I know that I don’t have all the answers. What I do know is there are many ways to contribute and every single one makes a difference. Figuring out where to start is often the biggest barrier. Not one of us individually will be able to take on the big work, but if we band together, we can have tremendous impact.
Looking for ideas of where to start? Here are ones I’ve found. Don’t see your favorite listed? Leave a comment and suggest additions to the list.
Learn
Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics – learn about Leave No Trace Principles, advocate and support the LNTCOE.
The 11th Essential – the folks at The 11th Essential want to make outdoor stewardship as important to our outdoor pursuits as our 10 Essentials.
Leave No Trace Dude – my friend Paul has a bevy of helpful resources on his page to help you learn more about leaving less.
Volunteer
Opt to Act with REI – take #OptOutside one step further by making simple steps every day.
United By Blue Clean Up Crews – Join a cleanup in your area.
Clean Trails – dedicated to keeping our wild places and the trails that access those spaces free of litter.
Advocate
Outdoor Advocacy Project – visit this website for resources to support outdoor advocacy.
Responsible Consumerism
Consider how, where and what you shop for year round. I’m a huge fan of thrift shopping. The less we consume, the less resources we take from our planet. The less trash we create. The more we remove harmful contaminates from our lands and waters. Consider shopping from brands like these that have made a commitment to rethink retail. Look for brands that are Certified B Corporations – committed to putting profits to work to benefit us all.
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