Practicing Leave No Trace: Tips for responsible hiking and camping

Outdoorsy

In this episode of Outdoorsy, I dive into the principles of Leave No Trace (LNT) to give you a practical, thoughtful guide on how to enjoy the outdoors while protecting it for generations to come. This topic is more critical now than ever, particularly with recent budget cuts for the U.S. Forest Service, which will impact their ability to maintain public lands. I break down each of the seven LNT principles, covering practical steps for planning ahead, camping responsibly, handling waste, respecting wildlife, and more. I also explore some nuances within these principles, like how to properly extinguish a campfire, safely handle human waste, and navigate tricky situations involving wildlife.
[00:00:08] - Introduction and Election Reflection
[11:50:00] - Leave No Trace Overview
[14:05:00] - Principle 1: Plan Ahead and Prepare
[21:09:00] - Principle 2: Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
[23:32:00] - Principle 3: Dispose of Waste Properly
[28:04:00] - Principle 4: Leave What You Find
[32:52:00] - Principle 5: Minimize Fire Impact
[37:30:00] - Principle 6: Respect Wildlife
[39:51:00] - Principle 7: Be Considerate of Other Visitors
[42:11:00] - Additional Actions Beyond Leave No Trace
[48:57:00] - Performative Leave No Trace and Social Media
[53:38:00] - Conclusion: Leave No Trace as a Mindset
[58:25:00] - Supporting the Podcast
RESOURCES:

• 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: If you or someone you know is in emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, you can reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988. You can also chat with the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline here.
• The National Alliance on Mental Illness HelpLine: For more information about mental health care resources and support, The NAMI HelpLine can be reached Monday through Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) or email at [e-mail].
• The Trevor Project: For LGBTQIA+ youth looking for free, confidential crisis support, call 1-866-488-7386, text 'START' to 678-678 or visit their website to chat with a gender-affirming and queer-friendly counselor.
• The Miseducation of Leave No Trace - Policing Black and Brown Bodies in the Outdoors (Melanin Basecamp)
• Official Leave No Trace website
• Support the Patreon
• Photography prints and downloads
• Join the Discord