Leave No Trace: The 7 Ethical Principles for Responsible Trekking

Here are key guidelines and practical advice for reducing your environmental impact in the wilderness, as outlined by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics.

The 7 ethical principles are:

1. Plan ahead and prepare – Knowing where you'll camp in advance prevents haphazard camping and minimises environmental damage.
2. Travel and camp on durable surfaces – Always stick to established trails rather than cutting shortcuts and trampling vegetation. This protects the delicate ecosystems of sensitive areas. Similarly, camp near shelters or designated areas that have been previously used for camping.
3. Dispose of waste properly – We produce both organic and plastic waste, so it's crucial to know how to dispose of it correctly.

Start with human waste—a small spade in your pack is invaluable. Bury waste about 8 inches (20cm) deep, at least 200 feet (60 metres) from water sources, trails and shelters. Break down the waste with a stick and mix it with soil to speed decomposition and prevent wildlife from scavenging.

For food scraps, never bury or burn them. Instead, seal them in a plastic bag and pack them out, disposing of them properly at the earliest opportunity.

1. Leave what you find – Don't pick even a single flower. What you see in nature is sacred and belongs to the wilderness, not to you. Leave the environment exactly as you found it.
2. Minimise campfire impacts – Cook using your camping stove rather than building fires, which have significant visual and ecological consequences. If you must have a fire, use only pre-existing fire rings, don't add rocks, and use only dead wood already on the ground. Always fully extinguish fires—forest fire risk is always present.
3. Respect wildlife – Avoid damaging or disturbing local flora and fauna.
4. Be considerate of other visitors – Treat fellow hikers and outdoor enthusiasts with respect and courtesy.

The fundamental principle is: be aware of your impact on the environment and work to minimise it as much as possible. In essence, walk without leaving a trace.