It’s Easy Being Green

There is no doubt the living landscape has supported us both physically and mentally throughout this past year. When we venture into the forest, climb into our canoe, or soak up the rays on the beach, we are reaping the benefits of playing outside.

To show our respect and appreciation for these spaces, it is our responsibility to ensure our favourite places are clean and safe to visit as many times as we would like. How do we do that? By thinking about what we pack, how we pack it, and ensure that it is packed out with us. We have likely all heard the phrase “pack it in, pack it out,” a common mantra of outdoor enthusiasts, especially those in the backcountry where waste receptacles are non-existent. But another mantra that should be at the forefront of our adventure is “don’t trash the air.” When it comes to waste in the backcountry, burning is not the answer.

Burning items other than clean brush or dry firewood releases a big cloud of contaminants such as dioxins and furans (toxic chemicals) into the air. Not only can the particulate matter in the smoke from garbage fires trigger respiratory problems, but exposure to these chemicals is linked to a range of health problems, including cancers and immune system disorders. And keep in mind that what goes up (in smoke) must come down: when dioxins and furans settle on fields, forests, and waterways, they enter the food chain through the fat of livestock, wild game, and fish.

There are plenty of ways to create a safe, green outdoor or backcountry experience that will help maintain a healthy environment for people and the planet:

• Pack out all your waste, no matter how big or small

• Wash dishes (and yourself) at least 200 metres away from a source of water to avoid immediate run-off

• Consider long-sleeved clothing and hats instead of sunscreens. Also, consider bugproof screen clothing instead of DEET

• If fishing, never dump bait into a new body of water

• Use a thunder box or outhouse when available to help concentrate waste

By being conscious of our actions, we can all enjoy the outdoors this coming summer and many more in the future.