For us, Leave No Trace is an important rule we try to follow when we're exploring the world. We are so lucky to be able to travel and experience these epic places, but the only way for them to be around in the future is to leave them better than we found them.
That's why the resource we always refer back to is the Leave No Trace Centre and its seven principles😊 This movement started in the 60s and 70s, and continues to educate visitors on how to reduce their impact when camping outdoors. If you've never heard of Leave No Trace, here's a quick summary of the concept 👇
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1. Off The Ground Fire
By keeping your fire off the ground, it leaves absolutely no trace of ever having existed. We bring our fire pit with us on every trip and they are so easy to set up and pack away.
However, even if the fire is off the ground, there are still times when it's better not to light one at all. During dry summer months, one spark could set in motion something that can quickly become out of your control, and you will be liable for. Honestly this is such a terrifying thought and one of the main reasons we we often choose to only have a fire if we are camped close to water or have a bucket filled close by if not. (We use the collapsible bucked that came with our camp shower.)
Choosing a fire pit: There are so many options for raised fire pits and we were slightly overwhelmed by the amount of choice... but we'd heard great things about this fire pit, and after seeing our friends use one at Billing Off Road Show, we were so shocked how sturdy it was! And it's so freaking cheap?!
We also always have this fire extinguisher close by and ready to go.
✨ It's good to remember too that lighting a fire is not necessary for a nice evening around camp. One thing we always have with us is these outdoor lights that give evenings around camp a real vibe, without a campfire. ✨
Click here to view the Fire Pit we have on Amazon
2. Portable Toilet
The thing no-one wants to talk about; taking a number two, dropping the kids off at the pool, going for a poop 💩 However you describe it, we all do it and it's nothing to be ashamed about.
We'll usually drive past a petrol station or supermarket, which are the best places to do your business because there's an actual flushing toilet. Oh the joys of living in a car, you really learn to appreciate basic necessities...
But, if there isn't enough time to drive to a supermarket, or you're in the middle of nowhere, then having a small portable toilet is the safest and most responsible alternative. They usually come with all you need to responsibly pack out your business, and is a key part of not leaving a trace.
If you haven't got a small portable toilet, then digging holes for human waste is generally accepted as long as its ALWAYS at least 200ft (60m) from any water, 6-8inches deep, 4-6 inches wide, and you make sure that you pack out your toilet paper.
However, it's always worth checking local guidelines about digging holes for your number two's because in some places this isn't an option. This is why we have a toilet with us on board or we bring WAG bags for hikes.
"As more and more people enjoy parks and protected areas every year, packing out human waste is likely to become a more common practice to ensure long-term sustainability of our shared lands. In some environments, particularly in fragile alpine settings, land managers may require that all solid human waste must be packed out." - Leave No Trace Centre
Click here to view portable toilets on Amazon
3. A Bin
Pretty much the words we live by are 'Pack It In, Pack It Out', if we bring something with us, we don't leave it behind🥰 (this includes toilet paper & baby wipes, even if they're 'biodegrable')
You can use something as simple as a folding dry bag, we have two big 20L ones so we can separate our recycling from other waste. If you're worried about what you'll do with a big bag of rubbish when you're on a trip, we've found that supermarket car parks are great places to find recycling stations!
Choosing a bigger size means we don't have to worry about an overflowing bin in our camper and dry bags seal in the smells too. We've found the ones with thicker material are better so there's no holes or chance of any ✨bin juice✨ leaking out.
Leaving any place better than how we found it is the best feeling, so we always try to pick up any trash that's been left behind by previous campers. Just one of the little things we can do to try and preserve these places so that people can enjoy them in the future too 💛
4. Showering Outdoors
Using biodegradable soaps, shampoos, suncreams, lotions etc. in moderation is the best way to ensure you make as little impact on the environment as possible when washing in the outdoors. Nevertheless, it's still best to follow the 200ft away from water rule. The same goes for washing dishes and clothes!
We currently use Avalon Organics, but would love to hear what your favourite brands are or if you have any other recommendations?
Here's what the Leave No Trace Centre has to say about washing in the outdoors:
"Soap, even when it’s biodegradable, can affect the water quality of lakes and streams, so minimize its use. Always wash yourself well away from shorelines (200 feet), and rinse with water carried in a pot or jug. This allows the soil to act as a filter. Where fresh water is scarce, think twice before swimming in creeks or potholes. Lotion, sunscreen, insect repellent and body oils can contaminate these vital water sources." - Leave No Trace Centre
5. Lifesaver Water Filtering Jerry Can
One of the worst things you see lying around is crumpled old plastic bottles. Not only is producing plastic bottles terrible for the environment to start with, but leaving them behind can be just as damaging to the environment, and it's something that can be easily avoided...
Since buying the Lifesaver, we've never had to worry about running out of drinking water and we can't remember the last time we needed to buy a bottle of water. Stopping off at a stream or waterfall to fill our jerry can with fresh water just never gets old 💙
Click here to view on Amazon
⚡️FULL REVIEW COMING SOON⚡️
We'd love to hear if there's any Leave No Trace essentials that you think we should know about! We're always keen to learn & improve 🌎🌿
