“Take
nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints”
The
mantra of Leave No Trace, an outdoor ethics program, reflects their ideal of
maintaining nature as a resource to be responsibly enjoyed by anyone. Leave No
Trace works to raise awareness of the huge impact humans, and their garbage,
can have on fragile eco-systems.
L.N.T.
principles are a daily part of life on the Appalachian Trail. Hikers answer
only to themselves along many portions of the trail, even those maintained by
national park rangers. When hikers abuse this responsibility by ignorance or
disregard, they threaten the beauty and the eco-systems unique to
Appalachia.
Their
biggest enemy? Ignorance.
Many people simply don’t know the effects that even
biodegradable waste can have on plants and animals. Apple cores and orange
peels tossed alongside the trail aren’t just eye-sores for fellow hikers. They
draw animals to the trail, making them more comfortable with humans and
upsetting their natural feeding patterns, consequences that threaten their health
and safety.
With
how damaging these items can be, imagine the result of a few thousand candy bar
wrappers tossed into the woods every day.
When
hikers dispose of waste properly, respect wildlife and consider other visitors
they upgrade not only their experiences but the experiences of others. Acting
otherwise isn’t just selfish, it’s irresponsible.
Although
not many people dream of walking through woods packing a bag of trash and food
waste, no one dreams of walking through woods filled with garbage
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