Pack it in & pack it out |
Behaviour
Pre-trip PlanningPre planning is the key to many of the minimal impact techniques and especially this one. Please consider the following points when planning, packing for and speaking to people about your trip.
The RationalThe main concept here is that we are entering another environment and that any thing that is introduced makes a change. Something have more effect than others, but since our goal is to have the least impact we should make every effort to avoid leaving anything that wasn't there when we got there.
Against popular belief burying rubbish can actually slow down the rate of decomposition as sunlight and heat plays a role in accelerating the decomposition process. Although burying rubbish will increase the microbial and humidity role in the decomposition. Whether buried or left on the ground rubbish will leach chemicals and nutrients into the soil making changes to the environment.
Rubbish can cause serious issues with native animals, remember that many native animals can smell and dig up rubbish that has been buried. The impact can be varied and serious they include;
Everything in your pack
Minimising rubbish overall is very important in minimising our impact on the earth, as well as on your expeditions. Less packaging means less weight to carry, so buy carefully, and repackage when needed. Particularly avoid wet waste like food left overs as they are heavy, smell and be a hygiene risk.
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