Pack It In, Pack It Out
4. Taking Responsibility for Your Waste
The third of the leave no trace principles (noun) is perhaps the most straightforward: pack it in, pack it out. Simply put, whatever you bring with you into the outdoors, you must take back out with you. This includes everything from food wrappers and empty cans to orange peels and cigarette butts. Even seemingly biodegradable items can take a long time to decompose, and they can attract wildlife or alter the natural environment.
It's amazing how often people think it's okay to leave behind "biodegradable" items like banana peels or apple cores. Sure, they'll eventually decompose, but they can still attract animals, introduce non-native species, and disrupt the natural nutrient cycle. Plus, nobody wants to stumble across a half-eaten apple core in the middle of a pristine forest. So, even if it seems harmless, pack it out!
To make packing out easier, repackage your food into reusable containers before your trip. This reduces the amount of packaging you'll need to carry and minimizes waste. Bring a trash bag with you and make it a habit to pick up any litter you see, even if it's not yours. Remember, you're a steward of the land, and every little bit helps. You're setting a great example for others to follow, and keeping the trails clean for everyone's enjoyment.
Packing it in and packing it out is more than just a leave no trace principles (noun); it's a matter of respect. Respect for the environment, respect for other visitors, and respect for yourself. By taking responsibility for your waste, you're demonstrating that you care about preserving these natural spaces for future generations. So, embrace the pack-it-in, pack-it-out mentality and leave no trace of your presence.
