The next few weeks, greenliving is going to be a bit silent, as I pack my bags and head off with the family to visit the Canadian Rockies. I am very excited as it’s only something we’ve seen in pictures and documentaries, and I can’t wait to explore its wilderness and soak in its beauty.
If like me, you’re going to be heading outdoors, then I hope you think of taking certain precautions to protect your favorite sites and spots from what I call, camping decay.
Many of us litter and abuse the sites we love, often unknowingly. It takes only a few people, to do a few random acts against nature, to destroy it forever.
SOAP/CLEANERS – Have you seen people sprinkle dish powder around their site to keep it ant free? When it rains, the powder which contains bleach is going to soak into the earth, polluting it. Similarly, emptying your dirty dish water into areas meant for drinking or bathing causes water pollution. Use designated sewer areas or drains for this. Better yet, use environmentally friendly cleaners, when you go camping (and otherwise too).
LITTER- You know that being a litter bug is not very nice. But you may do it anyways.
The following items are non biodegradable and are in fact, harmful to pets, children and the general wildlife around campsites- Aluminum foil, Diapers , Cigarette butts, Styrofoam and PVC, Beer and Coke cans. Other litter may include wrappers, disposable plates and cutlery and the biggest offender, food. The latter not only takes a long while to disintegrate, but also will attract a whole host of wildlife and insects to the site. Take a couple of bags with you and dispose of your picnic into it. And then drop it off in the appropriate bin. Leave the site cleaner for its next visitor.
GRAFFITI- Graffiti is not only offensive to the eyes, often it is impossible to clean off and stays on for a long time. When going outdoors, think of alternative ways of expressing your love for Suzie or Ronald, by taking them to see the sun set from the top of the hill. Or vent your angst by going for a long jog or hike. Not only will Suzie appreciate the gesture and you feel better, but the rest of the site visitors can enjoy the view as nature intended it to be.
Categories:
