How to make outdoor adventure more sustainable
Most of us who love the outdoors are aware of our impact on the environment.
We recycle at home. Use environmentally friendly products. Avoid single-use plastics. Buy from companies using sustainable packaging. Follow the Countryside Code. And more.
But, when it comes to how we spend our leisure time outdoors, the choices are not so clear cut.
Fifteen years ago, I’d think nothing of flying to Spain for a winter climbing trip. Or driving long distances for a camping weekend with friends. Heck, in one year I think I flew abroad twice and did another climbing trip via ferry and a long drive across Germany.
But climate change is prompting me to rethink some of my choices.
First, the science
The average temperature at the Earth’s surface has risen by around 1.1c since the pre-industrial period. Here in the UK, all ten of our warmest years have happened since 2003.
Climate change is leading to our oceans warming, polar ice and glaciers melting, sea levels rising, and more extreme weather events. [source: UK government article on climate change]
The critical figure used to be 2c but this was revised to 1.5c in 2018. It may seem like a tiny amount but a BBC article in May 2023 reported that “Going over 1.5C every year for a decade or two would see far greater impacts of warming, such as longer heatwaves, more intense storms and wildfires.”
Another marker of change is Earth Overshoot Day. This is the date when our demand for ecological resources in a given year exceeds what Earth can regenerate in that year. The 2023 Overshoot Date for the UK was 19th May.
In other words, if all of humanity lived like we do in the UK, we’d have run out of natural resources before we were even half way through the year.
So, for those of us who love outdoor adventure, is there anything we can do about it?
7 simple ways to reduce the environmental impact of outdoor adventures
The science feels pretty overwhelming and it’s clear that our individual actions alone will not be enough. We need technological innovation and global changes.
But every small action adds up. And by voting with our wallets, we can help drive change on a bigger level.
Read on for seven ideas:
1. Reusing and recycling
Reducing consumption is one of the best ways to make our outdoor clothing and equipment more sustainable.
By fixing older items of clothing and equipment we can minimise what ends up in landfill. If, like me, you’d rather someone else did the job, check the repair services from places like Alpkit and Sheffield Clothing Repair.
If something is way past its best, there are organisations like Re-Action who can repurpose them. Another is Sheffield based Scavenger who use retired climbing rope to make bags, belts, and homeware.
2. Check whether the product been made to last
New products have an impact on the environment. From the raw materials needed, through to the manufacturing and distribution process, and then what happens at the end of product life.
By choosing good quality clothing and equipment which lasts, we can reduce the amount of kit we need to purchase. And that reduces our environmental impact.
3. Is the brand sustainable?
Buying from a sustainable brand is a vote for the environment. But check first for greenwashing (where a company makes themselves appear greener than they are) by looking for transparency, facts, and a good track record.
One of the best known sustainable outdoor brands is Patagonia, who co-founded 1% for the Planet. Another, Cotopaxi is Certified B Corporation. Rab clothing and equipment is a Climate Neutural Company and a Fair Wear member.
There are lots of other outdoor brands doing great things, so have a hunt around on the internet.
4. Beg, steal, or borrow
Ok, not quite that, let’s stay within the law here! But there may be options to borrow, rent, or buy second hand.
Second hand clothing and equipment is environmentally-friendly and a great way to save money. Some people I know have found fantastic bargains, especially from charity shops located in popular outdoor areas.
There are also places online where you can buy second hand. Check Gumtree, Freecycle, and Facebook groups like the Outdoor Gear Exchange.
Alternatively, you may be able to borrow from friends, or rent from a company. Rab, for example, have an equipment rental service on their website.
5. Sharing lifts
More passengers in the same car will reduce the number of cars on the road, and help reduce carbon emissions. It can also help you save money, make new friends, and take the pressure off parking problems in rural communities.
The British Mountaineering Council (BMC) have a community page on the LiftShare website. But it could be as simple as arranging to drive together with friends rather than meet at your outdoor destination.
6. Leave the BBQ at home
Moorland fires have increased over the years and, for the vast majority, the ignition source has been disposable BBQ’s. Because of this risk, the Peak District National Park has banned BBQ’s and any form of open fire or flame on their land.
Moorland fires affect wildlife, livestock, and people. And they can destroy the underlying peat which is crucial in the fight against climate change.
My post in 2019 about the impact of moorland fires shares more information.
7. Get involved in community-focused organisations
Local community and outdoor organisations are a great way to make your adventures even more sustainable.
In my area, we have Ride Sheffield and Peak District MTB who advocate for improved trails in the area. This includes tackling erosion in certain areas and working together with other trail user groups.
Other ideas include getting involved in conservation work for your nearest national park, or countryside charity. You could also do a 2 minute beach clean or local litter pick.
Final thoughts
It’s easy to feel discouraged and overwhelmed by the negative news about climate change. So it’s important to focus on the positives.
More people are enjoying the outdoors than ever before. And we’re much more aware of our individual impact on the environment.
There are so many more things I could have added into this post. Things like…
Using biodegradable bathroom products when camping or wild camping.
Leaving no trace when in the outdoors by taking litter home, not disturbing wildlife, and minimising the effect you have on the countryside.
Choosing whether to stop flying abroad, or buying carbon offsets when you do.
The point is that there are a multitude of ways we can reduce our individual impact on the environment, and no one size fits all.
Our choices are personal and depend on our own values and individual circumstances.
At the end of the day, even the smallest positive action is a good thing. And if we collectively aim to leave the outdoors better than we found it, that has be beneficial for the environment.
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Outdoor-Girl is run by Jacquie Budd, an outdoor adventure and marketing content writer for brands that care about their impact on people and the planet.
