Green Hiker tips
HIKING
- Hike in a single file in the middle of the track to avoid further erosion.
- Keep noise levels low, especially when traveling through a forest
- Minimise the use of automobiles wherever possible
CAMPING
- Choose a homestay or a community-run camping site wherever possible
- Set camp 30m away from lakes and streams
- Set up a temporary dustbin to dispose of waste by all campers. Make sure to carry it away
FIRE
- Never leave a fire unattended this will rule out chances of a devastating forest fire
- Minimize the use of growing vegetation as firewood. Opt for kerosene or fuel efficient stoves
- Avoid burning plastic or other toxic substances
COOKING
- Carry food that cooks faster and more easily, to reduce fuel consumption
- A small solar cooker will serve the purpose keeping the environs clean too
WATER
- Never discard rubbish into water bodies.
- For washing, carry water 30 m away from the lake
- Use biodegradable organic soaps for washing and cleaning. These will minimize water pollution
WILDLIFE
- Do not feed wild animals since human food may be damaging to them
- Avoid flash photography. Take pictures from a distance
- Observe wildlife from a distance, especially at sensitive times like mating, nesting and raising young
WASTE
- Never leave behind litter while hiking or camping. Stuff the rubbish into your pocket/backpack/garbage bag to take back with you
- Try and sort your garbage into biodegradable and non-biodegradable at the base camp itself. Ensure that the mouths of the bags are tightly fastened. This will prevent the contents from scattering and emitting foul odour
- Use toilet facilities and where not available, dispose of solid human waste like this – Dig a 15cm hole in the ground, more than 30m away from the lake, campsite and track. Cover it up with soil when finished
- Opt for light, unbreakable utensils instead of plastic or Styrofoam
PEOPLE
- Respect the local people, culture and customs
- Get local guides or choose homestays so that the economic benefits remain in the region
- Help your guides/porters to follow the rules as well. They will then be mindful of them in the future
share your tips with us
We are always open to innovative solutions for green hiking. Send them in to us at greenhiker@wwfindia.net
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