So, you hear about these eco-conscious nature walks all the time now. Sounds a bit high-falutin’, doesn’t it? Like you need a special degree or something. But honestly, it’s mostly just common sense, stuff your grandma probably told you, if you were lucky enough to have one that spent time outdoors.
For me, it started pretty simple. I just got tired of seeing rubbish everywhere. You go out to enjoy nature, and there’s someone’s chip packet staring back at you. Not cool. So, I figured, why not try to do things a bit differently myself?
What I Actually Do – My Little Routine
Alright, so when I decide to head out, the first thing I do is think about where I’m going. I try to pick places that aren’t super crowded, less chance of disturbing things, you know? And if I can walk or bike there, even better. Less car fumes.
Then comes the packing, or lack thereof. I always make sure I’ve got:
- My reusable water bottle. Seriously, plastic bottles are the worst.
- A small bag. Not for my stuff, but for any litter I spot. Yep, I’m one of those people now.
- Snacks in reusable containers, if I’m taking any. No single-use wrappers if I can help it.
Once I’m actually on the trail, it’s pretty straightforward. I stick to the marked paths. They’re there for a reason, right? Trampling all over the plants isn’t helping anyone. I try to be quiet. It’s amazing what you see and hear when you’re not making a racket. Birds, little critters rustling in the leaves. That’s the good stuff.
And the golden rule: take only pictures, leave only footprints. Corny, I know, but it’s true. Don’t pick the flowers, don’t break branches off trees. Just let it be. Someone else wants to enjoy it after you.
How I Got So Bothered, Anyway
I wasn’t always this… particular. For years, I just went hiking, enjoyed the view, and didn’t think much beyond that. Then, a couple of things happened. One time, I was at Miller’s Pond, a local spot, and I saw a duck with its foot caught in one of those plastic six-pack rings. It was awful. I managed to help it, but it really stuck with me. Like, my trash, or someone else’s, actually hurting something living. That was a bit of a wake-up call.
Another time, I saw a family finish their picnic and just… leave everything. Plates, cups, food scraps, the whole lot. Right next to a bin, too! I actually said something, real polite, like, “Excuse me, I think you forgot something.” You’d think I’d accused them of robbing a bank! They got all huffy. But it just made me realize, some folks just don’t get it, or don’t care. And if some of us don’t care a little extra, then what’s going to happen to these places?
So yeah, it wasn’t some grand eco-awakening. It was just little things, seeing the impact firsthand. Made me think, “Okay, I can do better. It’s not that hard.”
It’s not about being perfect, because who is? It’s just about trying to be a bit more mindful. Thinking, “Will this action of mine mess something up here?” Usually, the answer to doing it the right way is pretty simple. And honestly, the walk feels even better when you know you’re doing your small part to keep the place nice for everyone, and everything, that calls it home.
