Have you decided where you are going to celebrate Earth Day? This year provides a great opportunity to appreciate Earth’s natural environment away from home: the date (22nd April) coincides with Good Friday; therefore, Easter long weekend getaways can be planned!
Once you have selected your destination, make sure you are aware of the following principles in order to preserve the outdoor experience:
- Plan ahead. Adequate trip planning and preparation help to enjoy a trip and minimize damage to the land. Inform yourself about weather, terrain, fire and camping restrictions. Consider one-pot meals and reduce commercial packaging from food.
- Travel on durable surfaces. Choose a natural durable surface on which to camp (rock, sand, gravel, ice and snow) in an already impacted area. If possible, travel on trails when available.
- Proper disposal of waste. Bring proper equipment to avoid pollution of water sources. Minimize the possibility of spreading disease.
- Leave what you find. Respect natural settings: minimize site alterations; avoid damaging live trees and plants; and, leave natural objects and cultural artifacts.
- Minimize campfires. Bring stoves for minimum-impact camping. The use of a fire pan is a good alternative for fire building.
- Respect wildlife. Learn about wildlife through quiet observation. You are a visitor to their home.
- Be considerate of other visitors. Maintain courtesy towards other campers so everyone enjoys their outdoor experience.
If you want to learn more about the programmes of Leave No Trace, you can check out this online training. Don’t forget to put these principles into practice at your next outdoor travel destination!
Photo by Jason Pratt
Alberto is the Community Connector of 
Excellent post and recommendations, thank you so much Beto!