Ah, summer is almost here. It’s time to pack up the kids, load
up the car and head for the great outdoors.
Ah, summer is almost here. It’s time to pack up the kids, load up the car and head for the great outdoors.
Don’t forget to bring plenty of food, water, sunscreen and paper plates. What! Paper plates? Why is it that most folks automatically equate outdoor activities with disposable products? With a little planning, your outdoor adventures do not have to be wasteful. You want to climb that mountain – not turn the landfill into a mountain.
Here are some simple tips:
• Plan ahead. Like many environmentally responsible actions, the first step toward success is thinking about what you are doing and the related impacts.
• Purchase lightweight unbreakable dishes and cutlery. You can often purchase very durable plastic plates on sale that could literally last a lifetime. I purchased some at Weinstocks (a sister company to the Emporium … which closed its doors in 1996) in the late 80’s and still have them. Yup, the plates outlasted the store. Better yet … shop for them at a local thrift store.
• Plastic bags are your friend. Placing used plates and cutlery in a plastic bags will keep them safely away from soiling your backpack, picnic basket or car.
• Don’t forget the recycling. You should plan on hauling your empty cans and bottles home too.
• Remember that you can reduce your packaging waste when purchasing food by avoiding those small, individually sized packages and buying products in larger quantities.
In addition, there are a number of responsible actions you can take to become a more eco-friendly visitor to the great outdoors.
Here are some ideas courtesy of the Minnesota Office of Environmental Assistance:
• Take only the brochures or maps that you need.
• Take photographs, but avoid disposable cameras that are expensive and wasteful.
• Do not take “souvenirs” from natural areas, historical areas or hotels.
• Leave only footprints. Take everything out that you brought with you.
• Protect endangered species and avoid purchasing products such as tortoise shell, ivory, animal skins or feathers. The U.S. Customs Service (www.customs.ustreas.gov) offers a list of items that cannot be imported or brought into the country.
• Set an example – pick up at least one piece of litter every day, especially at places with lots of tourists.
Eco Web Page of the Week: While doing the research for this article, I ran across a new website offering interesting general environmental information. Check out Your Planet Earth at www.yourplanetearth.org/index.pl . If you are planning a trip, visit www.moea.state.mn.us/campaign/download/travel-2.pdf to see a whole host of eco-tourist ideas.
Eco Fact of the Week: Remember, plastic water bottles are recyclable. Overall rates of plastic bottle recycling are currently at 36 percent, whereas water bottle recycling is at a mere 16 percent.
