Okay, so yesterday I decided to try this “eco-hiking” thing I’ve been hearing about. I’m not, like, a super outdoorsy person, but I do enjoy a good walk and fresh air, and the idea of doing it in a way that’s good for the planet sounded pretty cool.
First, I packed my bag. I made sure I had a reusable water bottle – gotta ditch those plastic ones! – and some snacks in reusable containers. No plastic wrappers for this hike! I even packed a small cloth bag to pick up any trash I might find along the way.
Getting Started
I chose a trail that was close to home. You know, less driving, less pollution. I figured I’d start small. It was a pretty popular trail, which I thought was good because it meant it was probably well-maintained, but also maybe bad because… well, people.
As I started walking, I made a conscious effort to stick to the path. I read somewhere that stepping off the trail can damage plants and disturb wildlife, so I was careful. I also tried to be as quiet as possible. No blasting music on my phone – just listening to the birds and the wind. It was actually really peaceful.
The Hike Itself
Along the way, I saw a few pieces of trash. Mostly candy wrappers and empty bottles. I picked them up and stuffed them in my little bag. It wasn’t much, but it felt good to do something, you know?
- Stayed on the marked trail.
- Kept the noise level down.
- Picked up trash.
- Used Reusable Bottle and Food container.
I also tried to be mindful of the plants and animals. I didn’t pick any flowers or leaves, and I kept a respectful distance from any critters I saw. There were a couple of squirrels that seemed pretty curious, but I just watched them from afar.
Wrapping Up
When I finished the hike, I felt great! I got some exercise, enjoyed the beautiful scenery, and felt like I did a tiny bit to help the environment. I emptied my little trash bag into a proper bin at the trailhead.
It wasn’t a huge, life-changing experience, but it was a good start.
I think I’ll definitely try eco-hiking again. Maybe next time I’ll even bring a friend!
