2009 Earth Day Ideas for Backpackers and Hikers
Being Informed, Advocacy, Activities for Kids, and Other Ideas
Apr 22, 2009
There are lots of things backpackers and hikers can do to learn how to reduce environmental impact, do their part to protect the outdoors, and pass along lessons to future generations.
Be Informed with Backpacker Magazine’s Green Guide
Backpacker Magazine is featuring a list of articles related to environmentalism. Spread across feature articles, nature articles, and outdoor gear, these articles are a great learning resource for backpackers and hikers. Some of the article ideas include:
- A report card on U.S. national parks.
- Ways for hikers to reduce their carbon footprint.
- The disappearance of glaciers in Glacier National Park.
- Species threatened by climate change.
- Effects of climate change on forests.
- Recycling empty fuel canisters.
- An outdoor gear green report card for 2008.
Get Active by Joining Leave No Trace, Inc.
Leave No Trace is an educational and advocacy group that is, “dedicated to the responsible enjoyment and active stewardship of the outdoors by all people, worldwide.” They have a number of educational programs for youth and adults through their PEAK Program, Traveling Trainers, the Frontcountry Advocacy Program, and state advocacy. They provide grants for providing teaching tools, and also connecting culturally diverse communities. Leave No Trace also has teaching resources that can be downloaded for free.
Enjoying Earth Day with the Kids
Earth Day is a great opportunity for backpackers and hikers to highlight the importance of the environment to their children. Taking the kids out for a hike either on the weekend or after school is an easy thing to do. Some other ideas include:
- Having a backyard campout party with the kids and their friends.
- Prepare a garden for spring planting.
- Bring the kids along when donating clothing to a non-profit, or when recycling electronics such as cell phones and laptops.
- Create artwork.
- There are plenty of other Earth Day activities that parents can do with their kids thatare both fun and educational.
Other Things Backpackers and Hikers can Do on Earth Day Locally
- Join in a local effort to pick up trash and maintain a local trail or natural area.
- Participate in a rally or event that celebrates Earth Day.
- Make a donation to a charity or organization that is promoting a local environmental cause.
- Make a commitment to volunteer with a nature center, conservation group, local/state park, or a youth organization such as the Boy Scouts or Girl Scouts.
- Become an Eco-Mentor at a local school.
By participating in Earth Day, backpackers and campers can not only give back to the outdoors, but also pass along important lessons to future hikers.
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