If you go on vacation to a natural environment, or simply include this destination in an occasional visit, it is convenient to follow some tips to enjoy its possibilities ecologically and to be able to conserve it from now on. In this article a dozen recommendations are given, among them, to move sustainably, eat ecologically, appropriately treat the garbage, or not cause fires.
To get to the chosen natural space, the ideal would be to use public transport. If there is no choice but to use a private vehicle, at least share it with other users and drive efficiently. Once in the middle of nature, the most ecological and healthy thing is to go on foot or by bicycle and avoid off-road vehicles, motorcycles, or quads that, in addition to eroding the ground, emit an annoying noise that affects the environment.
Protected natural spaces usually have signs and rules of use that must be respected to avoid damaging them.
It is advisable to read them carefully and, if possible, find out about their particularities beforehand, such as in the Ecognom blog where you’ll find a Guide to Natural and National Parks and Biosphere Reserves. For example, entry to some of these spaces is restricted to a few users who have to register in advance.
If you are going to spend the whole day, a wicker basket or a backpack are perfect companions. Food can be carried in specific reusable containers or containers (never use and thrown away or with excessive packaging) and drinks in thermos flasks or aluminum cans. Plastic bottles or bags have a great environmental impact if they are left in nature and, therefore, they must be avoided. Although glass can be recycled, in nature it is not the best option because it can be a sharp element and cause a fire.
The garbage produced during the day must be treated properly. Some natural spaces have containers, but if there are none or there are doubts about their subsequent recycling, the waste generated must be conserved until it can be recycled conveniently. Some, like batteries, can be very toxic to the environment. Therefore, they must also be saved for later treatment.
Water is an increasingly scarce resource, and in nature, it is even more so. Do not leave fountain taps open, use only what is necessary and prevent soaps or shampoos from ending up in rivers, lakes, or seas and contaminating them are some essential measures. In the same way, the advice to save energy should also be applied.
Major disasters such as forest fires can be caused by a poorly extinguished cigarette butt or a barbecue. If possible, it is recommended not to smoke or, at least, worry that cigarette butts and ashes do not reach the environment; also make fires only in spaces enabled for it and pay attention to the instructions. In times of fire risk, it is prohibited to make a fire even in these places.
Ecosystems and the species that inhabit them live in a delicate balance that can be broken by any small alteration, especially in the case of endangered species. It is advisable, therefore, not to touch the nests of birds, not to offer food that could make the animals feel bad, not to shout or introduce elements of noise pollution such as music or noisy vehicles, and not to take anything as a souvenir, etc. In short, leave everything as it was.
Invasive species cause serious environmental and economic damage. On some occasions, they have been introduced due to carelessness or ignorance of its consequences. Never take a species from one place to another.
The smuggling of species (especially in the USA, where it is estimated that 30% of the entire world market circulates), in addition to being a crime, puts many living beings in a delicate situation at risk. This is what happens when an exotic species is acquired, either alive or as a souvenir with parts of it, such as corals or ivory pendants.
If you observe any activity that endangers nature, such as illegal dumping, use of poison baits, smuggling of species, forest fires, etc., it must be reported. Dialing the Emergency phone number or the Nature Protection Service, are two good ways to do it.
Ecological tourism offers a pleasant stay in harmony with the environment. The possibilities are diverse, from hiking to birdwatching or observing birds in their natural habitat. The offer of ecological hotels is still small in many countries, but you can find some with charm.
Various environmental associations and institutions offer environmental volunteer programs to raise awareness among other citizens or help conserve and recover natural spaces that often do not receive enough resources.
Hi, my name’s Gina Long. I'm a successful businesswoman and love to stay healthy. I consider health and wealth to be an essential part of my makeup. In this blog, I talk about these things that are essential to me and hopefully my readers.
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