How does zero waste hiking actually work and how can excursions in the mountains be combined with conscious waste avoidance? If you're looking for clear answers to these questions, you've come to the right place!
Mountain landscapes magically attract us and awaken our thirst for adventure and the joy of experiencing untouched nature. Unfortunately, when we hike, we often leave behind traces that last forever and go far beyond our footprints.
In particular, the The problem of non-biodegradable plastic waste in the environmentbecause, for example, disposable water bottles and food packaging or used toiletries are carelessly thrown away. But of course we can also do without plastic - because there really are many ways to avoid waste.
In this article, I would like to show you how you can (almost) avoid littering while hiking in the future and how you can help keep the unique mountain worlds and forest landscapes clean. Let's go!
Advantages: Why should you avoid litter when hiking?
I have placed the embedded image on a Hike up the Rinjani volcano in Indonesia snapped. I kept coming across human waste on the way up and then huge piles of garbage at the very top - even though I didn't follow the classic route up the mountain. Mass tourism would assign.
Such moments - of course also on other hikes - finally motivated me to write this article.
To give you an extra boost of motivation along the way, I've put together some The most important reasons for plastic-free hiking compiled:
- Preserving unique natural landscapes: The visible plastic waste that we humans leave behind when hiking in forests and mountains sometimes lingers on site for centuries, as it does not or only very slowly decomposes into smaller plastic waste. Microplastics decomposes. By hiking with zero waste, we are all doing our bit to preserve the breathtaking beauty and diversity of the hiking areas and at the same time protecting the environment. natural resources the earth.
- Protecting animals and ecosystems: Plastic waste in particular can cause serious injuries to animals or even kill them. For example, when birds build their nests with plastic waste or mistake it for food. Pollution can also harm sensitive surrounding ecosystems - especially soils and water bodies.
- Promote local tourism: Nobody likes hiking in places where a lot of garbage is disposed of in nature. Accordingly, conscious and mindful hiking is also an important contribution to the protection and promotion of local people who are dependent on tourism.
- Be a role model: Ultimately, we all have a role model function - both towards our children and grandchildren, as well as towards people who don't (yet) know any better. By setting an example of waste avoidance as a hiker, you also inspire others to keep the mountains clean.
10 tips: How can you avoid litter when hiking in the mountains?
The motifs are therefore aesthetic, ecological, economic and also ethical nature. But the habits of our throwaway society have also ensured that these motives are not always in the back of our minds.
That's why I would now like to give you the promised Zero Waste Tips for your next plastic-free hike and the constant cleanliness on the mountain. Have fun with the implementation!
1. plan your hiking route and meals in advance
If you plan your route at least roughly in advance, for example, you can make a much better estimate, at which waypoints there is an opportunity to go to the toilet or stop for a bite to eat.
This preparation will ultimately help you, Leave superfluous items at home if possible and only take as much (but just enough) food with youas you will consume. This is an important basis for avoiding food waste and other unnecessary garbage when you are out and about.
2. use reusable and drinking bottles
Once you've laced up your hiking boots and set off on your favorite trails, you should instead of disposable plastic bottles and juice packs always have a reusable water bottle with you as a loyal hiking companion.
I personally prefer a classic Stainless steel drinking bottlewhich, even apart from the hikes in everyday life, are part of my general Zero Waste Basic Equipment counts. It can also be enjoyed on the move (e.g. in a mountain hut or a waterfall). refillso that you always have enough water with you.
If you don't have a suitable bottle yetI can give you this stainless steel drinking bottle* in any case to your heart.
Tip: And if you want to take hot drinks with you on your adventures and avoid waste, you are on the safe side with the combination of thermos flask and enamel or stainless steel mug.
3. fill the zero waste lunchbox and take it with you
An important tip for zero waste hiking is also to use your prepared snacks and meals in a reusable lunch box or alternatively also in a preserving jar to fill. This way you can avoid disposable packaging and don't run the risk of leaving any garbage behind when you're out and about in the mountains.
This stainless steel lunch box* I can warmly recommend it to you!
4. take reusable travel cutlery with you
Plastic spoons, forks, straws or knives naturally have no place on a zero waste hike. Such short-lived disposable products are even a kind of symbol of our Disposable society. The waste-free and plastic-free alternative for this is reusable Stainless steel or slightly lighter wooden cutlery.
For on the go there are extra such a practical travel cutlery set*that makes it much easier for you to avoid waste on your hikes. Also a so-called Spork (is available here*) helps immensely.
Speaking of making things easier! There are definitely Some dangers and risks when hiking and mountaineeringwhich you should definitely familiarize yourself with before you set off. I'll be happy to explain what you need to look out for in the linked blog article.
5. have waste-avoiding hygiene articles with you
When hiking, you can get a little dirty or work up a sweat. Conventional cosmetic products However, they cause a lot of plastic waste.
Biodegradable, solid soaps, shampoos and deodorants are fortunately the perfect companion for any plastic-free hike. They are usually packed in paper and can be easily transported in a tin can. Ideal for anyone who wants to reduce waste when hiking in the mountains.
Sustainable, solid, vegan organic natural cosmetics are mainly available here:
6. prefer a hiking rucksack made from recycled marine waste
Waste-free hiking without a rucksack? Not imaginable. But how cool would it be if even the made from recycled plastic waste from the environment and counteract the waste problem? In fact, there is such a backpack that is not only extremely environmentally friendly, but also Flexible, water-repellent and robust is.
At this point I can therefore tell you with a clear conscience this backpack from Got Bag* recommend
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Travel cutlery17 € -
Large stainless steel drinking bottle25 € -
Backpack139 €
7. rely on digital maps and apps
Of course, disposable hiking maps made of paper or tickets also generate new waste on hikes. With the help of your smartphone you can use the But significantly reduce paper waste.
For example, I sometimes use Google Maps to find my way. And local apps or websites to get tickets for national parks or to use mountain railroads. It all works without any waste - and in the spirit of the Zero Waste Lifestyle.
Book Tip: At this point, I absolutely have to give you my Book " Sustainable travel for beginners" recommend. It will help you to vacation more consciously and mindfully in the future. If you like, get it here*.
8. pack a small shovel for sustainable urination
The longer the hiking route, the more likely it is that you will have to do your "big business" along the way. If there is no toilet nearby, you should bring a scoop with you. dig a small holedo your business in it and scoop it up again.
If possible, use natural materials such as Large leaves from trees instead of conventional wet wipes or toilet paper, as the latter do not decompose or decompose only slowly.
9. take back any waste produced
It's actually self-explanatory that you can use the Waste that cannot be avoided when hikingput it back in your backpack and dispose of it at home. It is best to always take a small paper bag with you.
Incidentally, this tip applies to both Packaging wasteas well as for Toilet paper and Cigarettes. Especially the Cigarette butts pollute the environment immensely. But with the help of a Pocket ashtray or a Quit smoking completely they can be easily avoided.
Tip: If you are still a smoker, I can offer you this pocket ashtray* recommend
10. pick up litter and take it with you when you see it
You can of course use the Littering (i.e. carelessly leaving garbage in the environment). But you can't completely prevent other people from doing it. That's why conscious hiking groups should also Always have a large bin liner with youto be able to collect some plastic waste along the way. Every piece of waste counts.
You might even find people who regularly organize CleanUp campaigns and Zero waste hikes in which you can participate spontaneously.
And if you observe other people on a hikeIf you notice how they carelessly leave their garbage lying around or brazenly throw it in the countryside, you should not hesitate to confront them in a friendly but firm manner. This is the only way to change their mindset and make them aware of the consequences of their own actions.
Tip: I have also written a helpful article about why it is so important to also collect garbage on vacation. Let yourself be motivated and inspired there too.
Zero waste hiking is the miller's delight!
The Environmental awareness and actively avoiding waste when hiking is a clear statement of respect for nature. At the same time, it is also an indispensable step towards preserving the beauty of our planet for us and future generations.
Simply put the tips for zero waste hiking into practice bit by bit. In this way you reduce the impact on hiking trails and natural areas and inspire other people to follow your example.
"Take only memories, leave only footprints."
Chief Seattle (more at Hiking Quotes)
I hope that you will find it much easier to hike as waste- and plastic-free as possible in the future. Do you have any questions, suggestions or other tips for avoiding waste in the mountains? Then I look forward to your comment.
Stay clean,
PS: In keeping with hiking, I have also written an article about Zero Waste Camping written. Take a look and get more valuable tips on how to avoid waste.
