Anyone who has done any type of hiking, backpacking, or dispersed camping has heard the term, “Leave no trace”…
But what does that mean?
Well… It means what it says… Try to leave nature the way you found it… Or if it’s possible… BETTER than you found it.
The main principle behind Leave No Trace, is litter control. Simply put… Carry out what you carried in! Don’t leave it behind for someone else to clean up.
Sanitary waste is handled differently. Typically the National Parks, and National Forest guides and regulations say solid human waste needs to be buried. And no closer that 200′ from water sources. Which is why a small trowel, or camping shovel is something you need to bring with you besides your “TP”…
Always check with the agency responsible for the area you will be hiking in for details.
For more information on the “Leave No Trace” project and all the great things they do for the environment, and the wild areas of the world, please visit their website at:
https://lnt.org/
Of course, as a Non-Profit, they are going to hit you up for donations etc… But that is up to you.
And to go back to something I mention earlier, and something that “LNT” talks about… If it’s possible… If you come across an area that is littered by people with no sense of responsibility… clean up after them… While it’s not your mess to clean up, by cleaning it up, you’re making it better for the next person who does visit wherever you’re at.
Sage Adventures 