Eco-friendly best practices for your next outdoor adventure
Nanc', content creator & contemplative athlete
Earth Day is April 22, but so is every single day of the year!
Each and every moment is an ideal opportunity to take real steps toward reducing our impact on the environment and to encourage our peers to do the same.
It's by being close to nature on a regular basis that we gain an understanding of how important it is for us to protect it. Nature brings us so many benefits, both physical and psychologicalthat we can't help but want to give back by being protective of our environment. In addition,by observing our natural surroundings, we recognize how fragile our natural ecosystems are and how we impact them.
That’s why I strongly recommend that you introduce your children and/or your friends to outdoor activities that focus on fun and education, above performance.
Here’s a list of best practices to follow on your next outdoor adventure while being considerate of Mother Nature!
Plan and prepare your outing for an enjoyable “zero waste” experience
We can’t say it enough, preparation is key to a successful outdoor activity. By determining which activity, its length and the required degree of effort, you will be able to plan what you need: water, drinks, snacks, meal.
There are several options for a “zero waste” lunch box.
The essentials : reusable water flask, insulated container(s) to keep food or drinks at the right temperature for several hours, reusable cutlery.
You’ll give yourself a good pat on the back when you enjoy a meal* accompanied by a delicious coffee at the mountain top or in a park following an afternoon of play!
*For an original sport enthusiast lunch recipe, check out our article Family-friendy Bento boxes for the sports enthusiast.
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Choose your clothing/equipment based to your true needs and to their durability
Make a list of the activities you like and the time you want to spend on them. This will help you define your objectives and identify your true needs. With the help of an in-store sales associate, you can choose versatile items that suit your world.
Choose brands where durability and quality are core values.
In short, it is preferable to choose quality over continually replacing used equipment.
Be a nature activist
Why not take the initiative to pick up waste left behind in the great outdoors and challenge your friend(s) to do the same?
If you see any questionable practices, don’t hesitate to engage in conversation with the person or persons involved.
If you yourself have questions regarding best practices, there are several organizations that can provide you with information, namely the Société des établissements de plein air du Québec.
Identify and respect areas where the environment is fragile
We all have a role to play in ensuring the conservation of our lands. That’s why it’s critical to follow the regulations and not venture into environmentally fragile or regenerating areas. When in doubt, stay on the marked and maintained trails.
My recommended reading for you is L’éthique du plein air et les sept principes sans trace de Rando Québec to learn more about the subject.
I encourage you to take these steps, as simple as they may be, to celebrate and honour our beautiful planet every day.
Enjoy your adventures!
