10 ways you can protect what you love

As an outdoorsy person, you have the unique opportunity to experience and appreciate the beauty of nature up close. But with that privilege comes a responsibility to protect and advocate for the natural world.

10 ways you can protect what you love
Photo by Zetong Li / Unsplash

10 ways you can protect and advocate for nature as a hiker and camper

As an outdoorsy person, you have the unique opportunity to experience and appreciate the beauty of nature up close. But with that privilege comes a responsibility to protect and advocate for the natural world.

Here are ten ways you can do just that:

  1. Leave No Trace: When hiking and camping, make sure to leave the trail and natural areas as you found them. This means picking up after yourself and not disturbing the plants, animals, and natural features in the area.
  2. Respect wildlife: Observe wildlife from a distance and do not disturb or feed them. This helps protect them and their habitats.
  3. Support conservation organisations: Donate to or volunteer with organisations that work to protect and preserve natural areas.
  4. Get involved in local conservation efforts: Join a local conservation group or volunteer to help with trail maintenance or other conservation efforts in your area.
  5. Support sustainable tourism: When visiting natural areas, support local businesses committed to sustainability and conservation.
  6. Use sustainable hiking gear: Choose hiking gear made from sustainable materials and produced in an environmentally-friendly way.
  7. Reduce your carbon footprint: Take steps to reduce your carbon footprint, such as using public transportation or carpooling to get to the trailhead and reducing your energy use at home. Vote with your dollars so to speak and buy sustainable items from the food you eat to the way you furnish your home. Think local!
  8. Learn about the natural world: Education is essential! The more you learn about the natural world and its challenges, the more informed and motivated you will be to protect it. Consider taking a course or reading up on local indigenous history, conservation, and environmental issues. For example, the Wet Tropics Ambassador workshop - Savannah Guides.
  9. Vote for conservation: Support politicians and policies that prioritise conservation and environmental protection.
  10. Spread the word: Share your love for nature and the outdoors with others and encourage them to get involved in conservation efforts. If you lead groups or take friends outdoors, educate them on the Leave No Trace philosophy and how they too can reduce their impact on the world.

By following these simple tips, you can play a vital role in protecting and advocating for nature as a hiker. Remember, we all have the power to make a positive impact on the natural world, no matter how small. So next time you hit the trail, be sure to do your part to conserve and protect the beautiful landscapes you enjoy.

See our Leave No Trace article for more information and ideas.

See also TIDY, a local Facebook group that cleans up illegally dumped rubbish, Plastic Free Townsville, Townsville Trash, and TIDY Instagram profiles.


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