What we love, we take care of. Together with POW Norway, DNT Ung has created simple guidelines for enjoying the outdoors while reducing your environmental impact.
1. Travel less, experience more
The less time you spend travelling, the more time you have to enjoy nature. Explore the hiking areas close to home and make the most of what is right on your doorstep.
Choosing local adventures makes hikes easier to plan and gives you more time to experience, appreciate, and explore the outdoors. And when you do travel farther, choose the most environmentally friendly transport available.
Great hikes don't require brand-new gear. Buy second-hand, borrow what you need, and take good care of the equipment you already own so it lasts for years.
Fill your gear closet with great memories, not unnecessary equipment. Remember, this year's shell jacket won't make the view any better.
Transport accounts for around a third of the total energy consumption in outdoor recreation?
Norwegians are at the top in the world in spending money on sports and outdoor equipment?
Outdoor life is the leisure activity that consumes the most energy after holiday trips and visits from relatives and friends?
3. Repair instead of replace
A little repair kit can go a long way. Pack essentials like duct tape, wire, and a multi-tool—most gear can be repaired instead of replaced.
Many manufacturers also offer spare parts or repair services, sometimes free of charge. With a little care, today's jacket might become tomorrow's vintage favourite.
Eating more plant-based food is good for both your health and the planet. Reducing meat consumption helps lower greenhouse gas emissions, reduces pressure on farmland, and supports more sustainable food production.
And don't forget nature's own pantry, few meals beat freshly caught fish cooked over an open fire.
If your hike requires a longer journey, take time to plan how you'll get there. Choose public transport whenever possible, or share a ride with others.
If you're organising a hike, encourage participants to travel together to reduce emissions and costs.
Leave nature cleaner than you found it. Bring a small rubbish bag or keep a dedicated pocket in your backpack for litter.
A plastic bottle can take hundreds of years to break down, and even biodegradable waste like banana peels doesn't belong on hiking trails. The only thing you should leave behind is your footprints.
Be part of the climate solution. Show respect for nature by making sustainable choices and inspiring others to do the same.
Small actions can make a big difference. By hiking responsibly today, we help ensure future generations can enjoy the same mountains, forests, coastlines, and powder days that we love.
