Hiking can be a great time to reconnect with nature. And for most hikers and nature enthusiasts it is a time to reflect on the changing climate and ways in which we can help prevent further damage. That is why I would like to talk about 9 ways hikers can reduce their carbon footprint.
Carbon Footprint Contributors:
Carbon Footprint – Traveling to the Trail:
One of the biggest contributors to a hiker’s carbon footprint is their transportation choice to and from the trail. The United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated that for the United States, transportation comprised about 29 % of the total GHG emissions in 2021. Additionally, the EPA found that light duty vehicles comprised about 58% of the total source to the transportation GHG emission sector. In comparison, the Rail system only contributes about 2% to the total GHG emissions. Clearly, driving is taking its toll on the environment.
The car rides up a mountain or into the deep woods where it takes hours to find the trailhead and can add a lot of carbon to the atmosphere. In fact, the EPA states that a one mile drive emits 400 grams of carbon. Also, the average passenger vehicle emits around 4.6 metric tons of CO2 per year.
What can be done to reduce our transportation carbon footprint?
- For one, carpooling is a great option. This will reduce the number of vehicles on the road, and also free up space near the trailhead for more hikers to enjoy the woods.
- Take public transportation- As stated before, the rail system contributes only 2% GHG emissions in comparison to 58% by light vehicles for the transportation sector. By taking public transportation to the trails, we can reduce our carbon footprint.
- Hike local trails- If public transportation and carpooling is not an option, opt for a local trail. That way the drive to the trail head is greatly reduced.
- Know where you’re going- As I mentioned, a one-mile drive emits 400 grams of carbon to the atmosphere. That’s why it is important to reduce travel distance by knowing where the trail is ahead of time so that you’re not traveling further than needed. There are many apps that not only help with finding great trails but also show the location and direction of the trailhead. In fact, I wrote about two of them in my post, 2 Proven Apps I Utilize to Find Local Trails.
- Try Biking or Walking to the Trail – A compliment to hiking locally or not using transportation unnecessarily is biking and walking to get to the trail. This way you can become even closer to reducing your transportation emissions to zero.
Transportation to the trail is not the only contributor to a hiker’s carbon footprint. Another contributor to our carbon footprint is the food we bring to fuel our hikes.
Food on the Trail:
Another contributor to your carbon footprint is the food that is used to fuel your hike. According to the study (1) on fueling walking and cycling, walking an extra mile may require an additional 28kcal of energy or food. The study adds that when extra energy intake is necessary, walking may add about 0.11 kgCO2 emissions.
Why is food adding to the carbon footprint?
According to the EPA, agriculture accounts for about 10% of the carbon emissions in 2021. The United Nations stated that in 2018, there was a 14% growth in GHG emissions due to crop and livestock industries. Additionally, the land used for agriculture is a contributor to GHG emissions. Land use changes add to the global GHG emissions through activities such as deforestation to expand agriculture land, usage of nitrous oxide-based fertilizers, and burning of crops intentionally. Finally, the transport of food is also a contributor to GHG emissions.
There are a few ways that hikers can lessen their food intake carbon footprint on the trail.
What can be done to reduce our food intake carbon footprint on the trails?
Eat more plants – since livestock, such as cows, add methane and increase overall GHG emissions, a better choice for food on the trail are fruits and vegetables. A Super Simple but Tasty Hiking Sandwich is a good plant based option for the trail.- Reduce waste – try not to waste any food. A study showed that each year about 3.5 GtCO2 is a result of food waste.
- Buy locally grown produce – transportation was shown to be a huge contributor to GHG emissions. This is true for food transport as well. A way to reduce food transport emissions is to buy food from local farmer markets or food grown domestically.
- Buy from sustainable sources – if you are able to find out the practices of the farms or companies that provide your food choices lean towards those that practice sustainability.
Carbon Calculator:
If you would like to see how your carbon footprint stacks up, the EPA has a calculator that is fun to use at Carbon Footprint Calculator | Climate Change | US EPA.
Conclusion:
As hikers we are concerned with protecting the trails and land we love to visit. By thinking about our carbon footprint and utilizing some of these tips we can do our part to reduce our carbon footprint. That way we can extend the beauty of the trails for future generations to hike on and enjoy.
Work Cited:
- Mizdrak A, Cobiac LJ, Cleghorn CL, Woodward A, Blakely T. 2020. Fuelling walking and cycling: human powered locomotion is associated with non-negligible greenhouse gas emissions. Scientific Reports DOI: https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-020-66170-y.
- Tandon, Ayesha. 2021. Food systems responsible for ‘one third’ of human-caused emissions. Carbon Brief: Clear on Climate- Food and Farming.