Description
What's the most effective way to reduce human impact when we head into nature? I went for a hike with Andrew from Leave No Trace HQ near their Boulder, Colorado office, to learn about the most effective methods of encouraging behaviour change.
Overtourism and increased visitation with impacts of national parks and wild places in recent years is becoming (already is?) a hot topic.
We chat about why Leave No Trace exists, how the organisation came about, and what their research actually shows about effective messaging and education.
Turns out it's not just about knowing the 7 Leave No Trace principles.
The seven principles appear throughout our conversation, but we touch a bit on the psychology of messaging and behaviour change. I also asked Andrew the big question: if there was just one thing people could remember and follow from the seven principles, what would it be? His answer might surprise you.
Whether you're bushwalking in Australia, where Leave No Trace doesn't have an official presence (yet - there used to be), or hiking anywhere in the world, these insights will help you look after the wild places we all love -- without the guilt trip, just practical understanding.
Leave No Trace: https://lnt.org
The 7 Principles: https://lnt.org/why/7-principles/
I visited the US in 2023.
#LeaveNoTrace #Bushwalking #HikingEthics #EnvironmentalImpact #OutdoorEducation