Not every good picture is a good picture. But often you only realize that at second glance. And only when you look a little beyond the frame. What you then see can be the exact opposite of what the photo shows: trampling behind barriers, startled or fed wild animals or reckless noise and jostling at observation platforms. To ensure that wildlife photography is not at the expense of the animals, there are a few things to do...or not to do.

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

No picture without a Plan - Research and Preparation

A good photo needs to be planned. Landscape photographers know this and use apps such as Photo Pills to plan the light and the position of the sun or moon. Wildlife photography also needs to be planned, because the more you know about the animal species and its behavior, the better your chances of taking a good picture.

And why is good planning important for the animals?

If you know where and how the animals live, what rhythms they follow and when they react most sensitively to disturbances, then you can adjust your behavior accordingly and disturb the animals less. You will also be safer when you are out and about. Because some animals are not to be trifled with during the breeding season or when they have offspring. You should be aware of this. Examples of this are Arctic terns or broods with young.

Depending on the intention, I ask myself the following questions before setting off:

• Where does the species live at what season/time of day can the animals be seen and where exactly? What is the probability of a sighting?
• How do the animals behave at the respective season/time of day (feeding, resting, mating...)? How do the animals react to humans in this particular habitat (flight, aggression, approach)?
• When are the animals at their prettiest (plumage)?
• In which month can young animals be observed or courtship behavior?
• What protection status does the animal have? Does it live in a protected area and if so, what rules apply there?
• Are there any dangers from the animal or the habitat where it lives?
• What equipment do I need to photograph the animal? (e.g. macro or telephoto lens)?

Basic Principles: Do not disturb or destroy anything

As soon as we photographers have discovered an interesting animal, it is difficult to resist the temptation to get closer. I know this all too well myself. But in most cases, getting closer doesn't help anyway. The movement and noises you make as you approach will drive the animal away anyway. As soon as the animal stops eating, lifts its head and looks in your direction, you are too close and disturbing the animal. It will now flee or possibly attack. Or maybe it will just pretend to.

If you follow the following principles, the animals will thank you for it:

• Observe the animals' reactions and retreat as soon as the animal becomes nervous.
• Be vigilant during the breeding season so that you are not too close to the nest. Pay attention to the birds' warning calls.
• Young birds are usually curious and may even approach you. Retreat, however difficult it may be.
• Never get between the mother and the young.
• Do not follow animal tracks into the undergrowth, as this is an important place of retreat, especially in winter and during the breeding season.
• Every flight reaction of the animal consumes energy. This can be particularly critical in winter when food is scarce.
• Do not block the animals' escape route.
• Do not feed animals.
• Do not call in the direction of the animals and do not throw anything at them just to get a better photo.
• Do not modify nests or touch eggs.
• Do not use flash with nocturnal animals, as their sensitive eyes will be severely dazzled. A less intense continuous video light is more suitable here.
• Keep your distance from breeding caves, nests or reed beds (especially if you are traveling by boat).

Nest Photography

No picture is worth risking the life of an animal. But it can happen too quickly that parent birds are disturbed so much during breeding that they give up or abandon their young. Eggs and chicks then cool down, starve or become a snack for sea eagles or raccoons. It is essential to avoid disturbing the animals during this important time. This means keeping your distance from nests or feeding animals.

Nest photography is reserved for professionals who shoot with long focal lengths from a hiding place and know what they are doing. With telephoto lenses between 600 and 800 mm focal length, a photo hut or other camouflage and a lot of sensitivity for the animals, some things are still possible that are no longer possible with a smartphone. But sometimes a bit of luck is also involved, as there are also favorable breeding places under a roof ledge, in front of the window or on your own balcony, where you are then a little closer to the action. But even here it is not possible without being considerate of the animals.

On your own or on a guided tour?

It is comparatively easy to photograph birds and squirrels on your own in the park. But if you want to take photos of musk oxen or bears, it gets more complicated. You will probably need a guided tour with a local guide or a photo hut. Many places offer guided wildlife observation tours or you can use established observation platforms or photo huts, such as in Linum near Berlin or in the Kranorama in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern for crane photography. The advantage of observation platforms and photo huts is that visitors are concentrated and the animals are less disturbed as they are used to people at these observation points.

Worthwhile Locations for Wildlife Photography in Germany are, for example

• Cranes: Observation platforms and guided tours of the crane flight at the Linum ponds; observation platform and photo huts Kranorama in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern; crane flight Pramort on the Darß
• Deer: Various viewing platforms in Darß Ort, guided tours to the deer rut from early September to early October
• Wolves: Lusatia, for example, viewing platform at Berger See or Wolkenberg
• Gannets and seals: The only colony of gannets can be found in Helgoland. Seals can also be observed here, with offspring in winter.
• You can also photograph various bird species on the tours or from the observation huts of Ranger-Tours fotografieren.

Please note: the use of SLR cameras is sometimes restricted in the observation hides as they cannot trigger silently.

Would you like to take more photos? Then take a look at the e-books from Fotonomaden. In the "slow & simple" photography e-books (winter, forest, water, flowers & blossoms) you will always find 40 photo ideas on the respective topic. Each inspiration is accompanied by several sample images as inspiration and simply explained, easy-to-implement tips. (only in German)

The way to the Picture - compulsory Paths, Barriers, and other Regulations

Wild animals know forest roads and hiking trails. They often use them themselves and leave their tracks on paths. The animals know that people or cars move along them and leave just as quickly as they come. Irritation occurs when paths are left, people stop on the path or someone gets out of a stationary car. Then they quickly flee. Every flight and runaway costs the animal energy. In times of food shortage, heat, or cold, the animal is exposed to unnecessary, additional stress.

Before I go into an area to photograph wildlife, I check the following points:

• How accessible is the area? Is there a compulsory route for hikers? Are there any closed areas or other restrictions?
• Are there any additional seasonal restrictions, such as during the breeding or bird migration season?
• Are there viewpoints, observation platforms or huts that I can use?

Take Responsibility for the Place

Have you discovered a fox den or a lovely spot with a breathtaking view of the lake and its resting migratory birds? Or perhaps a nest of a rare bird species? What will happen if you share the photo with the location or even the coordinates on social media?

Please note: The location is often set automatically in the cell phone or camera and must be removed manually before uploading.

Book Recommendations for Wildlife Photographers

Would you like to learn more about wildlife photography? Then I have three book recommendations for you. You can order the books* from Amazon by clicking on the images. If you buy a book or another article via an affiliate link, I will receive a small commission and you will help me to continue to fill Wanderlust Motifs with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you.

Do you have any questions about my article? If so, please write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you want to start photographing birds right away? Then take a look at my article on Birdwatching in the Pond Landscape Linum or Birdwatching for Beginners - with Binoculars in Search of Happiness .

Der Beitrag Wildtierfotografie – natürlich mit Respekt erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Protect Plants: Use durable Surfaces

What is a durable Surface?

The term durable surface refers to the resistance of a surface to impact. In addition to the actual resistance, it also includes the ability of vegetation to regenerate. For example, grass may be trampled flat, but in most cases, it can regenerate quickly. This is in contrast to moss, for example. The durability of a surface depends on the intensity and frequency of the impact.

Durable surfaces are: Paths, sand, gravel, stones, snow, ice, dry grass, and some vegetation.

Non-durable surfaces are: Most vegetation, wet grass, marsh, lichen, moss, biological soil crust (microecosystem of cyanobacteria, soil algae, mycelium, and hyphae of microfungi and moss).

Beware of quicksand! Quicksand is a suspension of sand in water. Although it appears reasonably solid when undisturbed, it behaves like a liquid when subjected to pressure. Since quicksand requires a lot of water, it is found almost exclusively along bodies of water.

Is Water a durable Surface?

So what about water? Is water a durable surface? It depends:

As long as we paddle in open water, we do not harm vegetation or aquatic life. Open water with a sufficient depth is considered "durable."

However, in shallow sections of water with calmer currents, we can quickly damage underwater meadows and floating leaf plant belts. Valuable habitat for plants and animals is then destroyed by erosion, agitation or trampling. At the water's edge, water lilies or other floating-leaf plants are easily damaged by boats, paddles, or propellers. The floating leaf zone can be equated with soil with vegetation and is therefore not resilient. Aquatic plants under water are often not noticed because they are hardly visible in turbid water or under the reflecting water surface. They are also easily damaged by the paddle, uprooted, or covered by churned-up mud. The greater the water depth, and the more water above the plants, the more "resilient" the water surface.

Imagine that your paddles are your feet and your boat is your butt!

Durable surface? Yes, but....

The pitfalls are in the details...even with durable surfaces. But even a perfect place for a rest deserves a second look: because it's only when you look closely that you discover the plover's clutch of eggs here on the gravel bank.

Little Ringed Plover lives in the gravel and sandy areas of rivers and river islands where it builds its nest freely on gravelly ground. With its clutch, it relies completely on its camouflage. The chicks immediately duck to the ground in case of danger and are thus hardly visible. However, by warning calls and flying up of the parents in a large arc, one can suspect the proximity of a clutch. The breeding season is from April to July.

Protect animals, spawn, and breeding areas

Encounters with wild animals during a hiking or paddling tour are always something very special. All the more so if you look at them from the animal's point of view. There are several possibilities: The animal flees from humans because it feels threatened or it attacks - also because it feels threatened or suspects a juicy meal. Other animals, on the other hand, are used to humans and are not impressed or even come closer because they are curious or associate humans with food.

In order to keep the waters alive and rich in species, we have to do something - or sometimes not to do a certain thing. I distinguish between two phases: preparation before the packrafting tour and what to do on-site.

Before the Packrafting Tour: get to know the Wildlife

What species of animals live in the area where the paddling tour is going? Are there any rare or even dangerous animals? You don't want to be taken to the lunch table of brown bears filleting their salmon. Or annoy the moose when landing for your own lunch break. The moose will run over you and your packraft faster than you can look.

What birds live on the water and when and where do they breed? The breeding season usually lasts from March to July (northern temperate zone). Many species breed hidden in the reeds. Other species, like the Little Ringed Plover, have their nest on gravel banks. Just there, where it looks so inviting for a little rest. You'd better look twice or even three times because the plover's eggs are hard to see. Keep as much distance as possible from nests and offspring-bearing waterfowl. If a breeding bird flees the nest, the eggs can quickly cool, or the young can be separated from their parents and become easy prey.

During bird migration season, hundreds of migratory birds often roost on or near the water or adjacent wetlands. If you startle one, all the others usually follow. Keep your distance here. Paddle quietly past the birds as a united group, keeping a wide berth, and refrain from making a photo stop halfway through. That way, the disturbance won't last as long.

Just as birds have breeding seasons, amphibians and fish have their spawning seasons. Let's not forget: frogs and trout are at home here in the waters. We are only their guests.

TIP: I always use for research of the occurring animal species the Naturgucker.

On-site: Minimize Disturbance

Keep your eyes and ears open!

This sounds quite ordinary at first. But it is one of the most effective and simple measures you can take to protect animals, their spawn and hatchlings. Take a look at the following picture:

The spawning cords of the common toad are easy to miss among the long, straight blades of grass, aren't they?

Picture: The photo of the spawning cords of the common toads was provided by Mrs. Gudrun Fuss. Many thanks!

Other measures to protect the animals during a packrafting or paddling trip are:

• Keep your distance from animals, banks, shallow areas, or other potential spawning areas and nurseries. Anything shallower than 30 inches is readily inhabited by larvae, young fish, and tadpoles.
• Do not feed or touch, even if it is sometimes difficult. Animals can get sick from our food or become accustomed to intrusive begging.
• Minimize noise disturbance and keep disturbances brief (stay together as a group and refrain from stopping to take photos).
• Pay attention to water levels and avoid shallow areas. Avoid boat contact with the bottom and do not tow the boat through shallow water.
• Clean your boat and equipment after the trip or when changing waters to avoid introducing invasive species.
• Consider your digital footprint for wildlife, plants, and remote areas (geo-tagging, GPS tracks).

Examples: Invasive Aquatic Species in Sweden

European yellow floating-heart

European yellow floating-heart has been planted as an ornamental plant in Sweden since the late nineteenth century. Now the yellow-flowered plant is crowding out other native plants. Its rampant growth has far-reaching consequences: It affects water flow, oxygen levels, light penetration, and nutrient cycling. This creates good conditions for mosquitoes. Other animals, however, often have to evade. In addition, boat traffic and various recreational activities are impeded. As a result, the European yellow floating-heart is controlled in Sweden as an undesirable invasive species. In Germany, on the other hand, it is classified as an endangered species and in Spain, it is even on the Red List.eeinflusst den Wasserdurchfluss, den Sauerstoffgehalt, die Lichtdurchlässigkeit und den Nährstoffkreislauf. Daraus entwickeln sich gute Bedingungen für Stechmücken. Andere Tiere müssen hingegen vielfach ausweichen. Darüber hinaus werden der Bootsverkehr sowie verschiedene Freizeitaktivitäten behindert. Das hat zur Folge, dass die Europäische Seekanne in Schweden als unerwünschte, invasive Art bekämpft wird. In Deutschland ist sie hingegen als gefährdete Art eingestuft und in Spanien steht sie sogar auf der Roten Liste.

American Crayfish

American crayfish have been introduced to Sweden to compensate for the collapsed populations of native noble crayfish caused by crayfish plague and associated financial losses. The American crayfish are immune to crayfish plague, but they can still transmit it. Hoped-for financial gains also enticed illegal releases of American crayfish. This further exacerbated the population collapse of native crayfish. During molting, the fungus that causes crayfish plague enters the water and forms spores. The spores can be transferred from one body of water to another by fishing or aquatic gear. Once the spores hit a crayfish, they take hold and the crayfish becomes sick.

What can be done to prevent the Introduction of invasive Species?

• Obtain information about the waters
• Clean the boat and other equipment (mud, algae, seeds and other plant debris...).
• Wipe off water residue with a towel or sponge
• Dry the packraft and equipment

Know and follow local rules

Get to know the Area

Tour planning involves more than just planning the route and putting together the necessary equipment. An essential part of the preparations is researching the local rules. This includes the written as well as the unwritten rules, such as the "rules" of nature.

WHAT does one need to know?

• Are there designated protected areas or (seasonally) closed areas?
• Are there restrictions on use and special regulations to be observed?
  
• Is a permit/registration required?

Apart from conservation issues, there are of course many other points to research, such as land ownership, land uses, local customs, existing infrastructure or rescue chains. But that will be another article. Landeigentum, Landnutzungen, lokale Gepflogenheiten, vorhandene Infrastruktur oder Rettungsketten. Aber das wird ein anderer Artikel.

HOW to find it out?

Anyone planning a tour today usually starts planning with research on the Internet. With online travel guides, maps, river guides, or travel descriptions on blogs, you can quickly get an overview. Google Earth then shows a bit more of the landscape and vegetation. Complemented by satellite images from ESRI or Sentinel Hub, it is possible to roughly estimate rapids or sections to be carried, the condition of the banks, and possible places to set up camp. The geoportal of the respective country also provides a lot of information, including protected areas.

The German Canoe Association (DKV) provides a range of documents and links for planning tours in Germany and abroad. Here you will find, among other things, links to traffic regulations and gauge services.

The websites of the tourist information or the national park authorities provide tips and information about the respective areas. Often there are links to local regulations, but sometimes only in the local language. On these websites, you will also find your first contact person if you have further questions.

TIP: Do your research and write in the local language and in English if possible. DeepL or another translator program will help you.

Another TIP: be careful with forums, blogs, and FB groups. The information is often outdated, poorly researched, or simply a collection of half-knowledge and exaggerations. In most cases, people only report about things that didn't work out, problems, and annoyances. This distorts the picture. Besides, most of the time you don't know what skills, experience, and training the writers have. What is a Sunday walk for one is a risky challenge for another. Or the other way around.

The " Rules " of Nature

The "rules" of nature, like the weather with wind or precipitation, are not negotiable. Here there are no discussions and no compromises. Here also no AGB's help but good preparation, continuous observation, experience, and determined action. What effect will distant rain events have on the planned paddling area? How does the terrain affect runoff patterns and what are the anticipated water levels? What effect does drought or precipitation have on the route planning and safety?

What does the Weather have to do with Conservation when Packrafting?

It's simple: If you're well-informed and prepared, you'll not only have more fun on the tour, but you'll also be safer on the road. Every rescue operation that is not necessary not only helps your own well-being and that of the emergency services, but also the well-being of nature. Because those who are in trouble or helping others in need don't care whether they step on a frog, scare away migratory birds or plow through sensitive riverside vegetation.

Der Beitrag Naturschutz auf Tour: Naturverträglich Packraften erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

In my hometown, a rogue poured detergent into the fountain in the marketplace one night. The morning after, you could hardly see the fountain anymore because of all the foam. The children were delighted and played in the soap bubbles. Around noon, the city's sanitation department pulled the plug, rinsed a bit and the soapy water flowed into the sewage treatment plant. There, special bacteria took over the decomposition of the soap residue. 

But what actually happens to soap residues in nature? Is it enough to buy biodegradable eco-soap? Can you soap yourself from top to bottom and then jump into the lake to rinse off? To these questions, there can only be a clear NO! Why this is so and how to do it better you will learn below.

Waters are not Washbasins but Sensitive Habitats

Waters and riparian zones are important habitats for animals and plants. For many species, the transition areas between land and the waters are important as breeding grounds and nurseries.

The riparian zones are particularly sensitive and unfortunately also exposed to the most disturbances. The most obvious is mechanical damage caused by trampling, visual pollution caused by washed-up garbage, or food leftovers from washing up. Shoreline and shallow water areas are often sheltered and the water remains here longer and is warmer than in the open water. As a result, residue from washing water is less likely to spread through the water in these areas. Even a small amount of soap can change the pH value here to alkaline and thus impair the living conditions of many animals and plants. In addition, soap reduces the surface tension of water, which becomes a problem for water striders and backswimmers. The nutrients introduced with the soap cause algae and aquatic plants to grow beyond normal levels. The water becomes turbid, the oxygen content decreases due to increasing biological degradation processes, and the species composition in the lake may change in the long run.

By the way, the Water Resources Act stipulates in §9 that the "discharge of substances into water bodies" is prohibited and that according to §5 everyone must comply with a general duty of care.

The best reason not to wash in water on a trekking tour is not the regulation but nature itself.

What does it mean to be biodegradable?

Biodegradable soap sounds pretty good. But what does that actually mean? First of all, it means that the soap is biodegradable. This means that there are microorganisms that can break down the substance within a certain time under certain conditions. In most cases, these are optimal laboratory conditions. Degradation means decomposing a substance via various intermediates to carbon dioxide and water as well as minerals.

The problem is that the bacteria that do this live mainly in the soil. They are most active when it is warm and there is enough oxygen in the soil. So the hair shampoo and dishwashing liquor will last quite a long time in the cold water of a lake in northern Sweden

Drinking Water becomes a Source of Disease

I just returned from two treks in Lofoten and northern Sweden. In one bay in Lofoten, the water in the streams was so contaminated that signs warned against drinking untreated water. In northern Sweden, several cabins along the Kungsleden were closed because of increased gastrointestinal infections from contaminated water. In addition to the use of water bodies as sinks, the main cause here was that many hikers didn't care where they did their big business.

The Daily Soap Opera - Washing on Trekking Tours

Simple and proven: the "Cat Wash"

First, the simplest solution that I personally like best and has worked well so far. Cat wash with clear water or if necessary with wet wipes. The latter then go into the garbage bag and are disposed of after the tour. This cat wash works well for me, because I am usually out and about in cold areas and dress in such a way that I do not break into a heavy sweat when strenuously walking uphill with a backpack.

At least 60 Meters Distance from the Body of Water

This applies not only to a full bath in the lake but also to brushing teet, washing clothes and dishes.

For soap, only biodegradable products make it into my backpack. Various manufacturers advertise camping soaps and detergents for the outdoors. If you take a closer look at the descriptions of the products, you should find the hint that these products must not be put into the water and must be used at a distance from the water. This also applies to biodegradable soap! In nature, this is also mainly degraded by bacteria that live in the soil. As a rule of thumb, remember 60 meters distance from the body of water. Then dispose of the water above ground by spreading it over a large area. To transport the water, I use my two 1-liter Nalgene bottles and a waterproof packsack.

A hairy Affair: Hair Washing on Trekking Tour

Washing my hair is a bit more difficult. With my long hair, I need quite a lot of water and also soap. Therefore, I prefer to wait until the next campsite or the next permanent accommodation. If I have to wash my hair on the trail, I fill water into a waterproof bag with a large opening and then dip my head into it. While I soap my hair, I close the roll-top closure of the bag and have both hands free. To rinse, I dip my head back into the bag and rinse again with fresh water. I catch all the wash water in the bag. If I still have laundry to wash, it now goes into my "tour washing machine". Then the water is distributed over a large area in a suitable place.

Washing Clothes and Dishes without Soap

When washing dishes, you can often do it without soap. Dried-on residues can simply be left to soak, rubbed off with sand and grease can be dissolved with hot water.

Even a sweaty T-shirt or used socks become wearable again after a longer soaking in water - without soap. What also helps is choosing the right material: for years, I've relied on merino shirts and socks, because they smell less quickly and are still warm when wet.

More Tips for Washing on Trekking Tour

• Shower and wash clothes best at a campsite.
• Use organic soap = no synthetic substances, parabens, silicones, dyes, artificial perfume, microplastics, palm oil and no animal testing! Avoid essential fragrances as these are also slow to break down.
• Trekking soaps are highly concentrated, so use them sparingly.
• You can reduce plastic waste with solid shower and hair soap.
• When brushing your teeth, don't spit all the toothpaste onto one plant, but spread it out like a spray fountain.
• Use hand sanitizers that don't need to be rinsed off to wash your hands without worrying about sewage disposal.
• Where fresh water is scarce, it is better not to swim in streams or ponds. Sunscreen and insect repellent can quickly contaminate these vital water sources.

Book Recommendations for Nature Lovers

You want to know more about nature-friendly camping and traveling? Then I can recommend these books*.

You can order these books at Amazon with a click on the pictures. If you buy a product via one of these affiliate links, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you.

Do you have any questions about my article? If yes, then write me a comment!

Want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I am also very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

Do you love long hikes as much as I do? Then you might also be interested in my articles about the Laugavegur in Iceland or about the The 9 most beautiful Hikes on the Isle of Skye.

Der Beitrag Ein Vollbad im Bach? Waschen auf Trekking-Tour – so geht’s erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Jeder kennt es, jeder kann es und jeder macht es in der Regel einmal am Tag. Es ist also etwas ganz natürliches. Doch in der Natur, fällt es uns plötzlich schwer. Es fängt mit der Suche nach einem stillen Örtchen an, geht mit einer unbequemen Hockstellung und gar fehlendem Klopapier weiter und endet meist mit einer deutlich erkennbaren Hinterlassenschaft in der Natur. Shit happens! Damit ihr das nächste Mal in der Natur euer großes Geschäft wie ein Profi abwickeln könnt, hab ich euch einen kleinen Guide geschrieben. Viel Spaß beim Lesen und nachmachen!

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

Main Goals when doing the "Big Business" in Nature

Your big business should remain hidden and it should secretly provide the desired relief. Other hikers should not notice anything; they should not see or smell any of it; nor should they step into it or get sick from it. Nature itself, i.e. the forest, the meadow, or the lake, should also not be affected. Because, unlike the hiker, who quickly disappears from the minefield, nature has to live with your piles. Usually one month. In cold areas longer. In ice forever. See also the rotting table from the Austrian Alpine Club.

Fair play to nature! Here's how it works:

Everything centers around four main points:

1. Minimize pollution of water bodies by additional nutrient input.
2. Maximize decomposition rate
3. Minimize social disturbance
4. Minimize insect or wildlife contact.

By following these four points, you will help nature and avoid disease transmission.

How do you shit in Nature without shitting on Nature?

There are basically two strategies to avoid shitting on nature:

Variant 1: Bury your poop in a 15 to 20 cm deep hole, called a cat hole.

Variant 2: Pack it up, take it with you, and dispose of it after the tour.

I'll get to the details in a minute...

Find out if there are regulations for handling feces in the area where you are touring. In some high altitude, (sub)arctic, sensitive, or heavily used areas it is advisable or even required that you pack your shit and take it back with you.

A Calculation Example

On a summer day, there are 20 tents in Kvalvika Bay, a beautiful bay in Lofotodden National Park, Lofoten. With one or two people per tent, that's about 30 overnight guests and up to 30 piles per day. Let's assume optimistically that the toilet paper is collected in the garbage bag and the number of overnight guests is only half as high at the beginning and end of the season (June and August) as in July. Then there are still about 1,845 (half-decomposed) piles at the end of the Friluftsliv season. If each pile weighs about 400 grams, that's almost a ton of droppings at the end of the season. That's about the weight that two to three Icelandic horses weigh. Nature has to cope with that first. In the cold north, it's not so easy; the decomposition time is much longer than in Central Europe. The remains will probably not disappear completely into the sea until the snow melts next spring.

By the way: due to the many toilets in the bay, the water from the streams is no longer drinkable without prior treatment. Signs warn visitors accordingly about germs.

Cat Hole - Bury your Poop in the Cat Hole

The strategy behind the cat hole is simple: give nature a chance to clean itself by placing your business thoughtfully. Cover your pile afterwards to minimize any negative impact. Cats know and do this instinctively.

How good is your instinct? Take the Quiz: What is the best place for a cat hole?

The answer at the end of the article.

Step by Step to Number Two with the Cat Hole

1. Find a suitable place:
   • Be 60 yards (about 70 steps) away from bodies of water and not in a drainage channel where the water flows when it rains or the snow melts. If you are above a body of water, then pay special attention to sufficient distance here. Otherwise, the next rain will carry the dissolved feces directly into the water.
   • Not within sight of trails or camps.
   • No ground saturated with water
   • Preferably a sunny, warm spot because that's where decomposition rates are best
2. Dig a hole 15 to 20 cm deep
   • Use a small shovel, branch, or other improvised object for this purpose.
   • Trying to dig a hole with a trekking boot usually just compacts the soil, which is counterproductive.
   • Lifting out the top layer is best done in one piece, especially in grassy soil.
3. Increase the rate of decomposition by mixing your business and some soil with a stick.
4. Fill in your hole, trying to restore the soil surface exactly as it was before. What's not so good and why: putting a large rock directly on top of the pile. This will reduce the risk of someone stepping in it, but it will slow down decomposition by reducing the area of attack and ventilation.
5. Put your toilet paper in a garbage bag. Other hygiene products such as wet wipes, tampons, and sanitary towels should also be put in there.

Shit to go! Pack and go

The gap in the market has long been recognized and retailers offer various types of shit bags.

There are for example the Biffy Bags from America, which I was able to try out on my last hike in Lofoten. Lofotodden National Park has provided the bags free of charge as part of a project for campers in the popular bay of Kvalvika. The bay is visited by many day guests and also by overnight guests in the summer. Toilets are available at each of the parking lots... a good two hours away.

Die Biffy Bags haben innen einen grünen Plastiksack, der als Hilfe zum Eintüten des Haufens gedacht ist. Dieser landet dann in dem silberfarbenen Beutel mit einem Absorptionsmittel. Das grüne Plastik wird dann ebenfalls in den silberfarbenen Beutel gesteckt der dann luft- und geruchsdicht verschlossen wird. Ein bisschen Klopapier und ein Handdesinfektionstuch sind inklusive. Ein Rundum-Sorglos-Paket? Kommt drauf an, aus welcher Perspektive man drauf schaut: erstmal schön für die Natur. Aber es entsteht dadurch natürlich zusätzlicher Müll (das Biffy Bag selbst), der über den Hausmüll zu entsorgen ist. An den Parkplätzen im Nationalpark stehen große, blaue Container für die Entsorgung bereit.

Of course, there are also simpler methods: you can also do your business in a normal garbage bag and then put it in another tightly sealable bag. Climbers have for example the Poop Tubes. There are no limits to your own ingenuity.

Tips for the "Small Business" in Nature

For those who just want to pee in nature, the following applies:

• Move away from trails and camp or unpleasant odors may develop depending on the weather.
• Do not pee in or too close to small bodies of water such as pools, streams, or ponds. Move away about 60 yards.
• You can, however, pee directly into large rivers or the sea, as the urine is quickly distributed sufficiently in the volume of water.
• Animals can be attracted to the salt in the urine. To get at the salt, they may then dig up sensitive vegetation. It is therefore recommended to pee on rocks, stones or leaves, and needles and not on moss and flowers.

Special Tip for all Ladies

With a special pee funnel, you can pee standing up and leave your pants up in cold or rainy weather. After practicing a few times, you won't miss a thing.

For beginners and advanced: the book* on the subject and the associated tools*.

Solution of the Quiz

The marked spot in picture 3 is best for a cat hole. Why? It is more than 60 yards from the body of water, off the trail, and there is likely to be enough organic material on the ground near the trees in which to dig a hole. In addition, the small trees also give some privacy.

First picture: This place is unsuitable, because it is too close to the water.

Second picture: This place is also only conditionally suitable, because it is obviously in the direct inflow of the brook in the valley. Here it helps to increase the distance to the stream.

Fourth picture: It is easy to dig holes in the sand. But unfortunately, the microorganisms involved in the decomposition are missing here. Moreover, digging would destabilize the slope of the small dune and promote erosion.

Book tips for sustainable Camping

You want to know more about nature-friendly and sustainable camping? Then I have three book recommendations* for you.
If you buy a book or another article via an affiliate link, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Wanderweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you.

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

You are still looking for an idea for your next camping trip in nature? Then take a look at my two following articles:

Der Beitrag Shit happens! Kleiner Guide für das große Geschäft in der Natur erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

What applies to everyday life at home becomes even more important during a hiking or paddling tour: The best waste is that which is not produced. After all, the distance to the next disposal bin can easily be tens of kilometers. Avoiding waste on a trekking tour can be quite simple and sometimes really tasty - save packaging, repackaging, making snacks and trekking food yourself, finding alternatives, or doing without something.

Unassigned, unpaid advertising. The article contains affiliate links.

#1 Prepare your own tasty cereal bars and snacks

Muesli bars should not be missed on any hiking tour. However, the ratio between food and packaging is particularly unfavorable for these popular energy sources. But there is a very simple solution: make your own muesli bars and pack several together in a resealable zip bag.

#2 Reuse empty packaging

Some packages, for example of muesli or the bags of trail mix and dried fruit are very sturdy. Way too good to throw away. Quickly clean them up a bit and then use them again as new packaging for food supplies. Add a rubber band and it sits and holds. This also works at home. I just put my homemade granola bars in a cleaned old wrapper.

#3 Make your own trekking food & packaging-free shopping

Portion-packed trekking meals or instant noodles quickly fill up the garbage bag on tour. It's more waste-saving to make your own trekking food and fill several portions in a reusable ziplock bag.

Is there a store in your city where you can do packaging-free shopping? In Berlin, for example, you can go to Original Unverpackt in Kreuzberg or in Fair unverpackt in Charlottenburg. The organic supermarket chains Bio Company, Veganz, and Denn's Biomarkt have also set up unpackaged stations in some of their stores.

#4 Refillable bottles instead of PET bottles

PET bottles are re-collected and recycled through a deposit system in Germany. Nevertheless, it costs energy to produce, transport, fill, collect and recycle these bottles. In many countries, PET bottles are not collected separately and end up in landfills. It is better to use reusable bottles right away, such as the Nalgene bottles. On a trekking tour one has anyway one's refillable bottles or drinking bladders and if necessary something to treat drinking water. The situation may be different if you are traveling by camper. But even there you can refill your canisters and do not need to buy bottles.

#5 Avoid disposable mini bottles

Who does not know those mini bottles of shampoo and shower gel in hotels or the shelves with travel items in the drugstore? Of course, if you're going on tour, you don't want to take the 500 ml bottle of shower gel with you, so the mini bottles are very convenient and quickly end up in the shopping basket or are snatched from hotels. When I was a little kid, my grandpa always brought me a collection of soaps, shower gels, and shampoos from his senior trips. I had two giant bags. What a treasure that was back then!

But again, there are several more eco-friendly alternatives right now: If using mini bottles, make sure you can refill them. Some bottles are very stable and close reliably. So it doesn't have to be the expensive bottle from the outdoor outfitter. Instead of liquid shower gel and shampoo, you can also simply take solid soap or solid shampoo in a box. There works, for example, the good old curd soap or the organic products from Lush. By the way, liquid products are available at Lush in tightly screwable containers that you can return to Lush for reuse.

#6 Use less soap

Wash-up water is also waste and harms nature. Therefore, use it sparingly on the road and always at a sufficient distance (min. 60 meters) from the water. Rinsing dishes with hot water alone or with a sand scrub is also excellent. Your shirts and socks don't need that much detergent either: just hang them in the water overnight and let them soak properly.

#7 Handkerchiefs and toilet paper

Ok, this might not be so fashionable now, but it's super practical: instead of stuffing your pockets with used tissues, just snort into nature. Take a leaf from a tree or plant, or snort directly onto the ground with one nostril held shut.

Then take it a step further: just like natural handkerchiefs, there is of course natural toilet paper such as leaves of leaves, smoothly polished stones or snow.

#8 Avoid food waste

"Eat your plate and you'll have good weather tomorrow!" Who hasn't heard this phrase? At home, one simply puts the leftovers in the refrigerator and reheats them the next day. On tour, it's not quite so easy; depending on the temperature, leftovers can quickly become inedible. Good meal planning or a flexible stomach will help avoid leftovers. If the weather permits, then a well-sealed Tupperware box also helps.

#9 Leftover shelves in communal kitchens

In the communal kitchens of cabins or campsites, there are often "leftover shelves" where you can find food no longer needed by departing campers. Sometimes there are also gas cartridges or half-full spirit bottles. Just have a look around in the communal kitchen to see if you can use some of the leftovers. It would be a pity if it is thrown away. Likewise, other campers will be happy if you donate your no longer-needed provisions to the community.

Why burning garbage on tour is not a solution

The responsibility you bear as a hiker for nature and your peers is multiplied many times over when you light a campfire. You need to know how, where and with what to light a fire, whether it is allowed at all and, above all, how to extinguish it again and how to rebuild it afterwards. As the drought in our forests increases, so does the risk of forest fires. In 2021, the total number of forest fires in Germany was 548, of which 128 fires were caused by negligence. Find out about the current forest fire danger level, for example on the DWD website, and what regulations apply at the respective danger levels.

It's better to pack up and dispose of all your trash. Food scraps often do not burn completely and can attract animals. Never burn toilet paper on the spot where you do your business, instead, burn it in a safe fireplace. Under no circumstances should plastic or coated packaging material end up in the fire, as toxic, sometimes carcinogenic gases are produced. Residues remain in the ash and thus also get into nature.

Everything in its place - waste separation during / after the tour

At some point even the most beautiful tour is over, the toilet paper and the coffee are all gone and the garbage bag is full. And it's full of all kinds of things... because who does waste separation on a trekking tour? Actually, why not? It doesn't make the garbage heavier or multiply it. There is often a waste separation at the parking lots of the trailheads or in the settlement that is the destination of the tour. Inform yourself beforehand, then you know what makes sense on the trail and what does not.

Tip: when preparing for the tour, by choosing your food or repackaging if necessary, you can not only reduce waste but also the effort required for waste separation and also the weight that you have to carry. Glass on tour, for example, pesto in a jar or oil in a glass bottle, is a no go. Besides its enormous weight, it breaks easily, and sooner or later someone cuts their fingers or soles. If not you, then perhaps the next hiker who lies down in the grass or a wild animal.

Book tips for more sustainability and waste reduction on tour and in everyday life

You want more tips on how to avoid waste on tour and in general and bring more sustainability into your camping vacation? Then I have three book recommendations for you. If you buy a book or another article via an affiliate link, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Fernweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you.

Do you have any other ideas for reducing waste on tour? If yes, then write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

You are still looking for an idea for your next camping trip in nature? Then take a look at my two following articles:

Der Beitrag Der beste Müll ist der, der nicht entsteht: Müllvermeidung auf Trekking-Tour erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

Google keeps track of everything. The smart search engine even knows how often the terms "camping", "nature", and "nature camping" were googled within Germany in the last three months. Google provided an answer for the expression "nature friendly camping" as well. This, however, raises some questions. I'll come back to them later. First the statistics:

• Camping 1 million-10 million.
• Nature camping 10.000-100.000
• Sustainable camping 10-100
• Nature friendly camping 1-10

A short time after my keyword research I stumbled across an advertisement. Since Google knew that I like to go camping, it suggested a solution to make camping more comfortable and convenient in the future: an air conditioner for my tent! Wow!!! Impressive was also the picture, how the camping couple in front of the tent lets the air conditioner blow the cold air into their faces. Of course everything ecologically with solar power. The solar panel is available in addition...

Is a solar-powered air conditioner for the tent the only thing the Internet can offer us regarding sustainable camping?

I am preparing a hiking and camping trip to the Lofoten Islands. The group of islands north of the Arctic Circle is a magnet for all nature lovers and photographers and is more than well visited during the season. Therefore, responsible behavior in nature is especially important. While preparing for the trip, I was able to find a few more ideas for sustainable camping on the internet. In the following you can read how to make your camping trip more nature-friendly and sustainable.

# 1 Is it allowed or not? Free camping in nature

Some countries allow free camping in nature. However, most countries do not. In addition, differences are made whether you are traveling with a motorized vehicle or not. Check beforehand for your destination. Also check whether there are any protected areas where additional or different rules may apply.

Wild camping is generally prohibited in Germany. Alternatives to camping are the increasingly numerous trekking sites. However, one must reserve or arrive early, as only a few sites are available. For boaters, there are specially marked rest and camp sites. You can find them, for example, in the DKV river guides or in the water sports maps from Jübermann-Verlag.

If you are traveling by camper, you will find beautiful, individual sites for example at Alpacacamping .

# 2 Friluftsliv and Everyman's Right

You are planning a camping tour in Scandinavia? Inform yourself about the Everyman's right applicable in the respective country. Even if many campers associate with the Everyman's Right a boundless freedom - this is wishful thinking. There are rules and limits. And if you don't know them, you will quickly make a faux pas. And the more faux pas are set in nature, the more restrictions there will be at any given time. And rightly so. We only have one nature. And this is not an infinitely renewable resource.

Here you can read the rules for Norway, Sweden and Finland . For protected areas there are often additional rules. Check on the internet or ask at visitor centers or local tourist information. They appreciate everyone who is responsible and proactive with nature.

In Denmark, the Faroe Islands and Iceland, the Everyman's Right is much stricter or non-existent.

# 3 A good campsite is found, not made.

It is not difficult to find an official campsite on the map. It is more difficult to book a place on one of the trekking sites. If there is no camping or trekking site and it is legally allowed, one has to look a bit closer to find a good pitch for the tent:

On a good campsite, the tent does not get in the way of other hikers or animals that want to get to the watering hole. If there are a lot of animal tracks at an inviting place, this is a clear sign that your tent would disturb here and you might even get animal visitors during the night. A good choice is a place where you will affect nature as little as possible. A surface of rock, stone, sand, gravel, snow or dry grass is much less sensitive than moss and swampy terrain. If you wear soft shoes in the camp you will not only do your feet some good but also reduce the creation of trails around the tent. When you take down your tent the next morning, cover the tracks of the tent and try to put the flattened grasses back up. Why? By doing so, you will reduce the likelihood of attracting more campers to the site and creating a camp with obvious signs of use, soil compaction, and worn vegetation cover.

Adhere to the motto "Leave No Trace", do not disturb or destroy anything.

# 4 Who unpacks must also pack up

Does the following situation sound familiar to you: you reach a small shelter in the forest and at a distance of a few meters around the shelter white handkerchiefs are shining in the bushes? Paper handkerchiefs are made of cellulose, so they were originally made of wood. But manufacturers are making them more and more tear-resistant. This makes them increasingly durable, and it can take up to five years for them to fully decompose.

How long garbage takes to decompose depends on its composition and the prevailing environmental conditions. Some waste materials can harm ecosystems and permanently pollute nature with harmful residues (keyword microplastics). Often, trash becomes wildlife's fate or a deadly trap.

• Apple core: 2 weeks
• Banana peel: at least 6 weeks, often 1 to 2 years
• Orange peel: 2 to 3 years
• Paper bag: 6 weeks
• Cornflakes and cereal wrappers: 6 weeks
• Paper handkerchief: 3 weeks to 5 years
• Aluminum foil: 200 to 400 years
• Plastic bags: 100 to 500 years
• Plastic bottle: 450 to 5,000 years
• Tetrapack: 50 to 100 years
• Nylon fibers: 60 years 

Source: Utopia.de

Wouldn't it be great if everyone repacked their trash and disposed it in the designated containers? Did the people who used the space in front of you leave anything lying around? I'm sure there's room in your trash bag for that, too. Nature will be thankful for it.

Garbage also includes supposedly natural things like leftover food or banana peels. Put these in your trash bag, too, to avoid attracting wildlife. Human waste is also waste. However, I will soon explain how to shit in the forest without shitting on nature in a separate article.

# 5 Preparing trekking food oneself and avoiding garbage

Trekking food is usually packaged in single portions, making it particularly convenient to prepare. This is convenient, but also produces a lot of waste. Cereal bars that are all individually wrapped or trekking food in thick, coated bags do not have to be. You can make your own granola bars in minutes and pack them in a more environmentally friendly way. With a little more time, you can dehydrate food and bag your homemade trekking meals in reusable Ziploc bags. There are plenty of trekking food recipes and instructions for dehydrating food on the internet. There are no limits to your creativity when putting together your trekking meals.

# 6 How to get there?

Probably the most relevant point for the nature friendliness of a trip is the way to get there. It doesn't matter if it's a camping trip or a hotel vacation. Many destinations within Europe can be easily reached by train. Long-distance hikes from A to B work best with public transportation anyway. And a train or bus ride can make the tour even more adventurous. Sometimes even in a positive sense. Sure, the DB is not exactly known for punctuality and frequent changes with a lot of luggage is annoying. But sometimes the journey is the destination and traveling slowly helps to arrive at one's destination mentally and physically at the same time.

I have made a commitment to myself to reduce my own flights and to look for alternatives to flying before every trip. That also means to consider the destination or at least to change to bus and train on the spot. This summer I will travel mostly by train and in Lofoten we will be completely on foot or by public bus.

# 7 The equipment: buy or rent? New or used? Repair or replace?

The outdoor industry advertises limitless freedom, adventure and self-fulfillment. You only need to buy this and that and you're in. But do you really need everything yourself? Do you have to buy your own pulka for a week-long tour? Do you need a GPS or can you borrow one from a friend? Do you need a fourth or fifth fleece?

Some outdoor outfitters as well as youth hostels or tour companies offer rental equipment at moderate prices. This saves raw materials, energy and money. And everyone who rents something on site doesn't have to carry it there.

And if it should be your own ski equipment or your own kayak at some point, then maybe something used will do? Or the other way around: equipment that is no longer needed might make someone else happy and go on another great tour with its new owner? This is better than throwing them away or letting them collect dust in the cellar.

Everything that is used can also break down. But do you really have to throw it away and buy something new? Many things can be repaired with simple steps. Some outdoor outfitters have even set up their own repair department. This is much cheaper than buying something new.

Tip: When buying boots, make sure that they can be resoled.

# 8 Sustainable Outdoor Clothing

The term sustainability is increasingly common in connection with outdoor items. Sometimes as an empty phrase, but often with concrete content. Recycled materials, merino wool from happy sheep, PFC-free membranes or down without live plucking are some points that are advertised.

The best and simplest tip is this: Look at what you are buying beforehand. Compare different suppliers. Buy only what you need and don't buy cheap items at the expense of nature.

Book tips for sustainable Camping

You want to know more about nature-friendly and sustainable camping? Then I have three book recommendations* for you.
If you buy a book or another article via an affiliate link, I get a small commission and you help me to keep filling Wanderweh-Motive with interesting articles. The product will not be more expensive for you.

Do you have any comments or suggestions about my article? If yes, then write me a comment!

Do you want to know when there are new articles on my blog? Then follow me on Facebook, Pinterest or Instagram. I would also be very happy if you share my article with your friends.

Follow my blog with Bloglovin

Recommendations for further Reading

You are still looking for an idea for your next camping trip in nature? Then take a look at my two following articles:

Der Beitrag Naturverträglich Campen – Tipps zum Nachmachen und Mitmachen erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.

#1 Plan ahead & prepare

You are not only doing nature a favor, but also yourself. If one starts a tour unprepared, one often ends up in a mess. And those who get into trouble on the tour often act rashly and recklessly against nature.

ood preparation includes thorough research of the local conditions and the boundary conditions of the tour. Equally important is adequate training of fitness and one's own outdoor skills, as well as foresighted assembly of the equipment.

• General information about the area and orientation: terrain, altitude, trail markings, pack a map, compass, and GPS.
• Are there any regulations, special features, protected or restricted areas (e.g. nature reserves, military terrain)? Is there hunting in the area?
• How well visited is the area? Can the tour be done at times when there are fewer visitors?
• How difficult is the route? Is your own level of fitness and experience adequate? Is the equipment adequate (warm, rain gear, appropriate footwear)? Is sufficient time/buffer days planned?
• What dangers can occur? For example, falling rocks, and avalanches.
• Fauna and flora: are there any specially protected or poisonous animals or plants, wild and grazing animals, herding dogs, mosquitoes, or bears? Are any bear safety precautions to be taken?
• Weather: expected temperatures, precipitation, thunderstorm tendency (e.g. afternoon in the Alps)
• Tourist infrastructure: accommodation and refreshment facilities, bus routes, trekking sites
• Safety: prepare for emergencies and take a first aid kit. Are there official rescue points, shelters, net connections?
• Where can drinking water be refilled. Does it need to be treated?
• What is the forest fire danger level?
• Is wild camping allowed? Are there any restrictions?

#2 Travel & Camp on durable surfaces

If you stay on the trails and camp at campsites, you're already doing a lot right. However, in off-the-beaten-path areas, such as northern Scandinavia, route planning often takes you cross-country through nature. Not always without consequences: When the tracks become visible (in the case of larger groups or particularly sensitive ground), they attract other hikers magnetically and a new trail quickly forms.

Tip: look at the area beforehand on Google Earth, so you get a better impression of the terrain.

If trails / camps are available:

• Use existing trails, recommended routes, camping and bivouac sites.
• Avoid shortcuts and do not follow new trails.
• Comply with any trail regulations, for example in national parks. Respect signs and barriers. This also applies to photographers.
• Walk on narrow paths one after the other, even if they are wet and muddy.

 

In pathless terrain - if generally allowed:

• Find out about the area you plan to hike. Are there any special features to be aware of? Are there protected plants or particularly sensitive areas? Which route will have the least impact on nature?
• Look where you are going and accept small detours. Rock, stones, sand, gravel, snow, dry grass are much less sensitive than moss and marshy terrain.
• Run side by side staggered so that no path is formed and less damage is done to the ground.
• Avoid running through thickets. It's a refuge for animals and you minimize the risk of a frightened animal attacking you (bear, moose, wild boar...).
• Good campsites are found, not made.
• Protect shorelines and pitch your tent at least 60 yards from lakes and streams.
• Pitch multiple tents scattered around.
• Avoid sites where impacts are just beginning.

 

#3: Dispose of Waste properly

Waste generated on a hiking trip includes packaging, food scraps, and our toiletries including toilet paper, as well as soapy water.

• Plan how to properly dispose of your trash (wrappers, food scraps, toilet paper) and repack food into reusable ziplock bags if necessary.
• Take enough and sufficiently sturdy trash bags with you.
• Already littering along the trail? Do nature a favor and put it in your trash bag.
• Take one last look at your rest/camping spot: all packed up? Always leave a place cleaner than you found it.
• Organic waste such as banana peels, apple scraps or food scraps have no place in nature.
• Burn waste (toilet paper) only if fire is generally allowed and when it can be done safely (danger of forest fire?). Plastic or coated packaging does not belong in the fire, because they develop harmful fumes.
• Toileting: Keep at least 60 meters away from bodies of water. Now there are different methods: bury it (about 15-20 cm deep) or wrap it up and take it with you.
• Soapy water (washing up, personal hygiene, toothpaste): Again, keep at least 60 meters away from water bodies. Use biodegradable soap as sparingly as possible and avoid soap when washing dishes. Spread used water over a large area. Do not spit toothpaste on a plant but spray it.

#4 Leave what you find

Take nothing but photos. Leave nothing but footprints.

Two sentences that really say it all. But if you like it a bit more detailed, I have listed here what I can think of. The list is not complete, there is certainly much more to add.

• Leave your campsite exactly as you found it.
• If you have moved rocks to pitch your tent, return them to their original location.
• Respect historical sites and ruins and pitch your tent at a sufficient distance.
• Do not build dams to impound water. Altering the flow dynamics of water will degrade or even destroy small-scale habitats.
• Also, do not build ditches, outdoor furniture, shelters, or cairns. The latter could be misinterpreted as waypoints for orientation, and you'll rob all sorts of small animals of their shelter.
• Keep an eye on your children, and what they use as building material when playing.
• Have you built a campfire in the evening? A cozy campfire also includes the dismantling of the fireplace.

• Do not take souvenirs from nature, i.e. feathers, shells, eggs, bones, etc. In some countries, it is even punishable if you take stones with you. All these things have a function in nature.
• Find out beforehand if it is allowed to collect berries, wild herbs, or mushrooms. Take only as much as you need.
• If you want to fish, get a license beforehand.
• To prevent the introduction and spread of non-native species, clean the soles of your shoes, your boat, or the tires of your bike between trips. In Iceland, you even have to disinfect your fishing gear or your riding gear to avoid bringing in diseases.
• I will come to the firewood at the next point.

#5 Minimize Campfire Impacts

With the increasing drought, the issue of campfires is becoming more and more dicey. In early summer, the forests are already so dry that in large parts of Germany there is a danger of forest fires or even water withdrawal bans are imposed from bodies of water. Nevertheless, devastating forest fires occur every summer.

The responsibility you bear as a hiker for nature and your fellow human beings is multiplied many times over when you light a campfire.

Check the current forest fire danger level on the website of the German Weather Service. Here you can read what exactly is forbidden at which danger level. Here kannst du nachlesen, was genau bei welcher Gefahrenstufe verboten ist.

Other countries also have similar websites where you can look up forest fire levels. Be smart about how you prepare food at camp then. Will there be cold food? Or are camping stoves still allowed? This varies from country to country.

•  In addition to the forest fire danger level, pay attention to the wind strength and direction as well as the litter conditions (combustibility or dryness of the leaves and needles lying on the ground).
• If available, use designated fire areas.
• Is the fire really necessary?
• Choose a place for the fire where there is no danger of it spreading. Gravel or sandy soil is best. Forest soils, bogs and moss are not suitable, because the fire can spread unnoticed underground or flare up again at a later time. Rocks are also not suitable as a base for building fires, as they can burst from the heat.
• Use only wood that is already on the ground as fire material.
• Keep the fire small and under control.
• Provide water to extinguish the fire.
• Do not leave the fire unattended.
• Do not store flammable materials, wood, functional clothing too close to the fire. Materials can ignite spontaneously with sufficient heat.
• Extinguish the fire with water. Pouring sand on it is not enough. Make sure it is really out and the fireplace is cold.
• Rebuild the fireplace. Spread the ashes.

#6 Respect Wildlife

It is always a great pleasure to observe wild animals in their natural environment. However, it is also not without danger - either for ourselves or for the animal.

• If you want to observe or photograph wildlife, keep a safe distance and use binoculars or a telephoto zoom.
• Do not chase animals or follow fresh animal tracks.
• Do not feed wildlife. With a few exceptions, such as selective feeding of birds in winter, this harms the health of animals, alters their behavior, and can put animals and people in danger. Keep your food and food scraps and garbage securely packed. Again and again, bears have to be shot because they show conspicuous behavior towards humans. This usually results from the fact that the animals associate humans with food.
• Do not touch any animals. Also no young animals, no matter how cute they are. These take on the human scent and could be rejected by their mothers.

• Never get between mother and young.
• You have found an abandoned or injured animal? Observe it for a longer time before you take action. Often animals that appear abandoned are not abandoned but continue to be cared for (e.g., young birds on the ground). Are you sure the animal is injured? The wildlife help of NABU is there to help you with words and deeds
• Inform yourself about occurring wild animals, especially bears, wolves, wolverines, and moose. How to behave in case of an encounter (e.g. bear spray) and how to avoid conflicts (e.g. bear-proof storage of food, cosmetics, waste).
• Animals are especially stressed during the breeding season, migratory season, or in winter or extreme drought. Keep even more distance, and don't make noise or frantic movements. Stay on the trail. Any startling of the animals leads to unnecessary energy consumption.
• Do not interfere with feeding birds by staying too close to the nest.
• Respect the rules on leashes for dogs.
• Even the supposedly tame grazing animals or even herding dogs can pose a danger and are to be avoided with the necessary distance.

#7 Be considerate of Others

As a hiker, you're rarely alone on the trail. Some trails and national parks can even be overcrowded during peak season. It's not for nothing that the U.S. has a permit system that successfully limits the number of visitors. Too many visitors harm nature and stress the animals living there. But also the hikers themselves are often stressed when they have to share the "lonely" nature with others. Mutual consideration helps! If no one pushes the other off the path or loudly noises up the break area, everything works out better for everyone. And a friendly hello, hej, hola or moin is part of it, isn't it?

• Greet other hikers. A little chat along the way about the weather forecast or trail conditions can't hurt either, especially in remote areas.
• Make room for oncoming hikers and don't block rest areas and picnic benches with your pack spread out.
• Don't block trails when you take a break.
• Set up camp well away from the trails.
• Don't walk through nature making loud noise, refrain from music and loud conversations (exception in bear area).
• Be polite. If you want to pass someone, announce yourself or ask the other(s) to step aside for a moment. Say "thank you".
• Watch your dog.
• If you go into a cabin: this is where a lot of people congregate in a small space. Be especially considerate here.

Der Beitrag Leave No Trace! Prinzipien für naturverträgliches Outdoorlife erschien zuerst auf Fernweh-Motive.