Practical Methods to Reduce Your Environmental Footprint Whilst Hiking
The internet is full of eco-friendly hiking tips. Sorting through the abundance of advice can feel daunting and sometimes, even overwhelming. In this article, we have compiled a list of our favourite simple and practical ways to reduce your environmental footprint on the trails.
How to lessen your ecological impact with responsible toilet practices
A big challenge that many face is managing one of the most natural bodily processes: taking care of your toilet needs. Improper disposal of human waste can harm water sources, wildlife, and contribute to the spread of disease. Below are a few tips that could help you take care of your bathroom needs whilst hiking:
1. Carry out used toilet paper
Toilet paper is essential for many hikers and must be disposed of properly. Since toilet paper is not naturally found in the wild, it needs to be carried out after use. One method you could use is the double-bag approach: place used toilet paper in a small trash bag, secure it, and then seal it inside a Ziploc bag.
2. Use a bidet
If you find that regularly carrying out used toilet paper is inconvenient, we suggest using a portable bidet. Portable bidets, like the CuloClean, offer a hygienic and eco-friendly alternative to traditional toilet paper. A bidet is a single item that allows you to maintain personal cleanliness without paper waste. To use it, you simply remove a water bottle’s cap, attach it and squirt.
Bidets not only aid in personal hygiene; they may also help reduce chafing as they are not abrasive like toilet paper. Additionally, the high-pressure water flow from a bidet can also be a great addition to a first aid kit for cleaning minor wounds.
3. Carry a trowel to bury waste
Another method for proper waste disposal is using a trowel. A trowel can help you dig a cathole at a depth of 10–15 cm, helping prevent contamination and discouraging wildlife from disturbing the site. We recommend bringing durable trowels, like the BoglerCo Trowel (13.5g), which has a plastic end cap to protect your palm while digging.
4. Create a system for carrying your waste out
Some regulations require hikers to carry out all human waste, such as those in Kosciuszko National Park or the Main Range on the AAWT. In these areas, you need to develop a system where you can hygienically and comfortably carry out waste. Whilst this may seem difficult, having the right setup can make it manageable. Our preferred system includes:
- Biodegradable baking paper (e.g. Glad to Be Green)
- Paper bags
- 1 large ziploc bag
- 2 garbage bag liners
- Dry bag
The waste (including used toilet paper) is wrapped in baking paper, which is then placed in a paper bag and sealed inside a ziploc bag. The ziplock bag is tucked into the two garbage bags which line the dry bag, providing extra layers to contain the odour and reduce the chance of leakage. Future waste can be placed in the same zip lock bag for simplicity. This system allows you to easily take out and dispose of the waste-containing paper bags when you come across drop toilets.
5. Use a wee rag
For female hikers, a wee rag is another practical alternative to toilet paper. Simply carry a reusable piece of cloth to wipe after peeing. Clip it to the outside of your backpack during the day and the exposure to UV sunlight will sanitise it. You can also wash it when water is available.
For more insights and a live discussion on these practical tips, watch our AAWT Planning Session on environmental best practices.
Washing
1. Minimise soap usage
When washing in the bush, we avoid using soap as it is not biodegradable. If you choose to use it, it is best to apply minimal quantities and always away from water sources to help prevent contamination.
For cleaning pots and pans, boiling water can be a good alternative to soap along with gravel and sand to create some abrasion. We also recommend washing the pots away from water sources to help prevent contamination.
2. Don’t bathe in rivers if you have a lot of chemicals on your skin (e.g. insect repellent, sunscreen)
Before swimming, it is important to wash off chemicals like sunscreen and insect repellent to prevent contaminating the water source. It is best to do this a few meters away from the water. Sunscreen can harm marine life and disrupt the growth of green algae, entering waterways and accumulating in shallow areas. Insect repellents, particularly those that have DEET, can also be toxic to fish and other aquatic animals.
Other ways to reduce your impact
1. Camp in established campsites
To reduce your environmental footprint when hiking, we suggest camping in established or designated areas. Pitch your tent on durable surfaces, such as dry grass, gravel, or pre-existing campsites. Additionally, make an effort to camp at least 100m away from water sources to help reduce the risk of water pollution.
2. Carry your food scraps and rubbish out
Proper waste management also extends to food scraps. Avoid discarding them on the ground as this can attract animals and make them sick. We tend to eat most of our food scraps, such as eating apple cores, or pack them out in a waste bag.
We also avoid burning our rubbish in a campfire. Whilst it may seem like a convenient solution, burning does not effectively decompose all materials and can even release harmful substances into the area.
3. Follow the track (if there is one)
Lastly, one of the simplest ways to reduce your ecological footprint is to stick to the designated trail. Sensitive plants can be trampled, and repeated off-trail walking can disrupt wildlife and contribute to soil erosion.
If the trail seems to have faded, instead of creating a new one, we suggest using Strava heatmaps. They can help you find routes that others are using, ensuring you stay on the most-trodden path.
Conclusion
Reducing your environmental footprint whilst hiking can feel like a challenge, however, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming! Simple methods like using a bidet, being mindful of waste disposal, and camping in established sites are fairly easy to remember and implement. It is all about taking small, practical steps that can lead to a big impact.
