Looking to do your part this Earth Day? Here are some sustainability tips to make your next adventure more eco-friendly. Remember: you don’t have to make big changes to have an impact! Try adopting one or two of these suggestions on your next hike and see how it goes!
- Pack Out Trash – Make sure to always pack out your trash, including pet waste, compostables, and food wrappers, especially in areas where trash cans might not get emptied very often. I like to carry a trash bag in my hiking bag to also pick up any trash I see along the trail.
- Carpool to Trailhead – If hiking with a group, try to reduce fuel use by carpooling to the trailhead. Bonus, you won’t take up as much space in the parking lot and be less likely to park outside of designated areas
- Be a hiking steward – Recreate responsibly! Only park in designated areas and stay on marked trails. Don’t pick wildflowers and let animals be wild. Remember to always Leave No Trace!
- Educate Others – When hiking with new (and sometimes even experienced hikers) help them to understand how to be more sustainable hikers and gently remind others of the principles of leave no trace.
- Avoid single-use plastics – Whenever possible, try to avoid using wrappers or baggies that you immediately throw away. Opt for reusable sealable bags for snacks, bring water in a metal bottle or hydration pack, and dry bags for keeping electronics and gear dry. Or even just make sure to keep reusing a ziploc baggie!
- Repair Gear or Shop Secondhand – As much as we love new gear, sometimes all we need is to repair a tear or get a new zipper. Or if you really need to replace something, try to get it secondhand or check your local Buy Nothing groups. And make sure to donate or recycle old gear!
- Shop Local – Another gear one, always shop local for all your hiking needs! Not only does this support the local economy, but you can also have a better sense of where your products are coming from and choose to support businesses that invest in sustainable practices. Plus, it cuts back on shipping materials!
Let’s work together to preserve this beautiful planet for generations to come! Each person can do something small to make a difference this Earth Day!
Hikes and Hops 
Really appreciated how this piece balances practical advice with genuine trail ethics.Simple changes—like reusable gear and sticking to the path—can make a real impact.It’s not preachy, just honest and field-tested, which makes it stick.Every hiker should give this a read before their next trek. I have been writing on the same at hikinginsights.com and love to teach new hikers.
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