5 ways to adventure more sustainably
Whether you’re a hiker, climber or hunter, there’s something we have in common: a love for the outdoors.
But have you ever considered how your favorite activities affect the planet you enjoy exploring? In celebration of Earth Day, we put together some easy improvements you can make to minimize the environmental impact of your adventures, as well as a few sustainable gear picks from our experts.
1. Choose human-powered adventures
Because they’re powered by you and not fossil fuels, activities like hiking, biking, skiing, climbing and paddleboarding are healthier for the environment (and you, too). See how these experts are getting outside.
Expert Tip: Into overlanding, boating or snowmobiling? You don’t have to give up your favorite activity. Instead, try to minimize your impact in other ways, like exploring closer to home or carpooling with your adventure buddies.
2. Leave No Trace
You’ve probably heard of Leave No Trace (LNT), a code of ethics that encourages everyone to respect the places they’re exploring. Explore the full list of LNT principles here.
Let’s talk about Principle number 3, “dispose waste properly.” This means packing out all trash and taking care of human waste, too. Check out these tips for a greener clean-up.
When you pack out your garbage in a single-use plastic bag, you’re adding to your waste. Instead, try a reusable food storage bag for hikes or backpacking trips. They are resealable, leak-proof and easy to clean after use.
Instead of throwing everything into the trailhead trash bin, organize your waste into trash, recyclable and compostable. To make it easier, consider bringing three reusable bags and separate as you go.
Put together a sustainable sanitary kit with a DIY pee cloth cut from an old bandana and biodegradable wipes like these from Dead Down Wind. Remember, even though they’re biodegradable, you still have to pack out them out.
3. Reduce your plastic use
Did you know less than 5% of plastic is actually recycled in the U.S.? That means 95% of the plastics we use end up in landfills and even pollute the natural places we love. Single-use plastics show up a lot in the outdoors, from our snacks to our hydration.
Here are some easy swaps you can make to curb your plastic use.
Bulk snacks
Buy nuts, trail mixes and candies from your local grocery store’s bulk bins and pack them in a trail-friendly reusable container, like the Silipint Lidded Bowl.
Reusable water bottle
The EcoVessel BOULDER Trimax water bottle not only keeps plastic out of landfills — it keeps your water refreshingly cold. Can a single-use plastic bottle do that?
CLIF Bar
You can feel good reaching for a CLIF Bar knowing that its packaging is purposely designed to minimize plastic and recyclable through TerraCycle. CLIF Bar is also working towards 100% reusable, recyclable or compostable packaging by 2025.
Omni-degradable pouches
Freeze-dried backpacking meals are traditionally packaged in plastic, but Farm to Summit uses bags that are omni-degradable — which means they are biodegradable, recyclable and, under the right circumstances, compostable. For a brand that’s most likely in your local outdoor store, Mountain House is a TerraCycle partner, meaning its pouches can be recycled.
4. Repair your gear
The outdoors can be tough on your gear. A tree branch could snag your rain jacket or a cactus could puncture your sleeping pad. When your gear rips, breaks or stops working, these are some options that don’t involve a landfill.
Many brands offer warranties that cover manufacturer defects and more for a specific length of time. If covered, a brand may replace or repair your gear for you.
Sew the rip in your baselayers. Tape up the hole in your tent. P-tex that core shot on your ski. There’s a sense of accomplishment you get from fixing your own gear and keeping it in action. Plus, repairs give your gear character, and often a fun story to tell.
See if your local gear shop offers repairs; some even have in-house tailors who specialize in outdoor gear. There are also a few brands that have a repair policy, where they will fix their own products to maximize use and minimize waste — check out a few examples below.
Expert Tip: Stay up to date on sustainable brands that offer repair services for their products like Cotopaxi, Stio, Dueter and Mountain Hardware (Psst — you can shop all these brands on ExpertVoice.com)
5. Make mindful new gear purchases
If you are in the market for new gear, consider high-quality (which means longer-lasting) products that are sustainably made by brands committed to minimizing their environmental impact. Here’s a cheat sheet to help you find sustainable brands. Select each icon to learn more.
Learn more about brands that are focused on environmental responsibility and available to shop on ExpertVoice here.
What is a product made from?
Look for: organic and natural fibers (like cotton, merino wool or hemp), recycled materials and PFC-free treatments.
How is a product made?Look for: solution dyeing, renewable energy-powered factories, transparency about how and where products are made and fair-trade practices.
Is the brand’s sustainability verified by any third-party certifications?
Look for: Fair Trade, bluesign®, Certified B Corporation, Climate Neutral Certified, Leather Working Group, Responsible Down Standard, Responsible Wool Standard, Forest Stewardship Council, USDA Organic and Global Recycled Standard.
How long will this product last and what happens to it after it’s reached the end of its life?
Look for: durability (which often comes at a higher price), product reviews praising a product’s durability, biodegradable or recyclable materials, lifetime warranties, repair policies, “take back” programs and circular models.
By incorporating simple changes into our outdoor activities, we can all contribute to a more eco-conscious future. From embracing human-powered adventures to repairing and mindfully selecting our gear, every choice we make can have a positive impact. Let’s continue to be mindful and intentional in our outdoor pursuits, and remember that even small actions can make a big difference in protecting our planet for generations to come.
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