Ways to Help

Easy, Breezy, Microsolutions

Below, I will describe some easy solutions to help eliminate environmental issues in the National Parks. Of course, these can also be applied in every outdoor solution, where we should strive to leave every place better than we found it! The solutions on this page are adapted from the recommendations of the National Park Service.

Protecting the Parks: About

Leave No Trace Principles

("Leave No Trace Seven Principle (U.S. National Park Service)")

Plan Ahead

It is always best to be informed about the places you are visiting before hand. Keep up to date of the weather, any park regulations, and any trails you plan to go on. This will help you be prepared for when you arrive.

Dispose of Waste Properly

Make sure to pack away all trash you use. This includes food leftovers, toilet paper, and hygiene products.

Take a picture, not a souvenir

The parks are a place to preserve and observe. If something interests you, snap a picture, but do not take any natural objects out for your own keeping.

Respect Wildlife

Animals in the wild are not your pets. Observe them from a safe distance. Make sure your food and trash is stored properly and cannot be accessed by wildlife.

Be considerate of others

The parks are for everyone to enjoy. Be courteous to those you encounter, share the trails, and avoid loud and disruptive noises.

Stay on the trails

The trails are meant to be walked on. Walk single file to allow for two-way travel and try not to make any new trails.

Protecting the Parks: CV

Staying Green in the Parks

("At a Park")

Make sure your home is energy efficient before you leave. Make sure all lights are off, cooling/heating system is lowered, and you are not wasting energy while away from home.

Use reusable water bottles. Don't waste money and plastic by buying new water bottles every time you are thirsty or lose the last one.

Get use out of the park's shuttle system, ride bikes for the day, or walk. Anything other than driving you vehicle around the park and into crowded parking areas.

Always recycle! Parks have several recycling around for your use. This can help reduce the carbon footprint of your vacation!

These actions can be utilized at home as well. We must make sure we are all doing our part to keep a green Earth both in the parks and out!

Protecting the Parks: CV