14 Outdoor Habits That Are Damaging the Planet

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Outdoor activities are easy to think of as inherently eco-friendly. After all, we are just in nature’s glory, enjoying fresh air and nature itself, aren’t we? What if some of our habits, which we barely give a second thought to, are doing damage to the environment we are supposedly so devoted to? This is the paradox many outdoor enthusiasts face: they love nature, but unknowingly contribute to its decline.

No matter how small, our everyday choices can have a ripple effect. Seemingly innocent actions of how we hike, picnic, even play can harm wildlife, pollute ecosystems, and deplete natural resources. Let’s dig into these habits one at a time and discover what’s going on—and learn how we can do better for the planet and for ourselves.

Leaving Trash Behind

trash troubles — Image Credit: Emphyrio/Pixabay

Littering is not only an eyesore. It can harm wildlife and clog up waterways if left. Trash can also be mistaken for food by animals, which can be fatal. The EIA found that more than 100,000 marine animals die annually from plastic. If packing out your trash feels like an afterthought, consider this: It’s an act of respect, not just responsibility, to leave no trace.

Using Single-Use Plastics

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Nowhere is single use plastic more prevalent than at a campsite or on a hike, where you’re likely to find disposable utensils or plastic water bottles. Most of these items take centuries to decompose and often end up in oceans and forests. It might feel like a small step to carry a reusable bottle or metal straw, but when you multiply this by millions of outdoor lovers, it’s a game changer.

Trampling on Vegetation

Happy young bearded male hiker in casual clothes and backpack smiling and looking up while standing near bamboo trees during hiking trip in sunlight — Photo Credit: Pexels

The shortcut off that trail might save you a few minutes, but it could take decades for trampled plants to recover. Designated paths aren’t just a rule, they are a lifeline for fragile ecosystems. Not only are wildflowers and mossy patches good for Instagram photos, they’re essential for soil health and biodiversity.

Feeding Wildlife

Though it might be cute to toss a chip to a squirrel or to feed a duck at the park, this habit changes animal behavior. Human food is highly addictive for our wildlife, which becomes dependent and loses its skills to forage naturally. Feeding wild animals disturbs their ecosystems’ regular balance. It turns out, that handful of snacks might have consequences a lot bigger than you thought.

Campfires in the Wrong Places

The perfect mood may be set by a roaring campfire, but if it isn’t built in designated zones, it will ruin the land for decades. In addition, poorly managed fires are a cause of wildfires that ruin forests and wildlife habitats. If in doubt, skip the flames, and stick to established fire pits.

Non Biodegradable Sunscreen

Some sunscreens contain toxins like oxybenzone, which is deadly to marine life and coral. These chemicals wash off when you swim in lakes or oceans and do damage to the environment. You can find reef safe sunscreens almost everywhere –these little changes can have a big impact on protecting our aquatic ecosystems.

Illegal Fishing or Overfishing

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If you have ever been fishing and enjoyed it, then you would know that it’s a very relaxing thing to do. However, if you fish irresponsibly, it could have serious consequences. Fish populations are reduced to the point where they cannot be sustained when you overfish. 38 percent of global fish stocks are overfished, according to the World Wildlife Fund’s report. To keep ecosystems balanced, follow local guidelines and only fish in designated areas.

Reckless Driving of Off-Road Vehicles

When off road vehicles like ATVs are misused, they can wreck havoc on delicate lands. They tear up soil, disturb wildlife, and destroy plant life. If you are a fan of these vehicles, please stay on marked trails and remember seasonal restrictions.

Picking Wildflowers or Plants

You may have never truly thought picking wildflowers was serious, but picking wildflowers disrupts local ecosystems. There are rare or endangered plants, and removing them can cause their decline. Let those blooms stay where they belong, to help pollinators and future generations enjoy them.

Bug Spraying With Chemicals

Sprays with harmful chemicals such as DEET can pollute water and soil, and affect wildlife. Choose natural repellents or ecofriendly sprays. They do the same thing without the environmental toll.

Camping Too Near to Water Resources

Man camping in forest, sitting by campfire with tent and backpack. — Photo Credit: Baihaki Hine/Pexels

Maybe it’s idyllic to set up camp right next to a stream or lake but that can lead to water pollution. Pollutants that harm aquatic ecosystems are introduced to water sources by human activities near them. When pitching a tent, stay at least 200 feet away from water.

Overcrowding Popular Spots

Crowd of People — Photo Credit: Keegan Checks/Pexels

All that tourism isn’t just a big city problem; it’s becoming a problem in natural areas too. Parks and trails are overcrowded, soil is eroded, habitats are destroyed, and there is more waste. Take a look at lesser known places to give popular ones a break.

Using Too Much Water for Cleaning

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Soap residue and other pollutants can be introduced if you wash dishes or clothes in rivers or lakes. Not even biodegradable soaps are safe to the aquatic ecosystems. Wash with minimal water and away from natural water sources.

Ignoring Fire Restrictions

Wildfires are real, and they’re increasing in drier places. Fire bans or fire restrictions are there for a reason, and ignoring them is dangerous for forests, and for the surrounding communities. Pay attention: the landscape you protect today may be the landscape you return to tomorrow.

Disclaimer: This list is solely the author’s opinion based on research and publicly available information.