Hiker's kit: how to leave no trace in the mountains

Context

In brief

• Hiker kit promotes a clean mountain
• Contains eco-friendly soap, waste bags, and illustrated guide
• Teaches how to relieve oneself in nature with zero impact
• Available in 15 Ticino municipalities, with over 1,000 kits distributed in 2023

Key facts

• What: 'Leave No Trace' kit for hikers
• When: Current initiative, launched in 2022
• Where: Ticino mountains, with a focus on Alpe Veglia, Verzasca Valley, and Alpe di Bosco Gurin
• Who: 'Clean Mountains' project promoted by the Ticino Territory Department
• Amount: Kit purchasable for CHF 15, free for those participating in quizzes or awareness activities

The 'Leave No Trace' kit is an initiative promoted as part of the 'Clean Mountains' project to teach hikers how to respect the mountain environment. The mini-equipment, available in 15 Ticino municipalities, contains an eco-friendly soap with low environmental impact, two biodegradable bags, and an illustrated guide explaining how to relieve oneself with the least possible impact. In 2023, over 1,000 kits were distributed, a 30% increase compared to the previous year.

Samuel Notari, project manager, explains that the kit is designed for those who frequent the mountains and want to make a difference. 'Surely,' explains Notari, 'you should distance yourself from trails and watercourses. We then suggest digging a hole at least 15-20 cm deep, which should then be covered with a stone or foliage. The paper we use should absolutely not be burned (it could cause a fire), but should be taken away with the plastic bags contained in the kit.'

Washing in the mountains

Washing in the mountains or in a river can be done, but it is important not to use products such as shampoo that can have negative consequences on the environment. The 'Clean Mountains' project has focused in recent years precisely on water pollution and the management of dirty water. 'The underlying theme,' summarizes Notari, 'is that the mountain is not the city. And in the mountains, the ecological footprint of an individual is more important than in an urban environment.'

How to obtain the kit

The kit can be purchased online on the website of the Ticino Territory Department for CHF 15, obtainable through an environmental awareness quiz or during some awareness activities organized in the participating municipalities. The goal is to establish a true culture of the hiker, even among those who only occasionally frequent forests and alpine lakes.

Operational checklist

1. Distance from trails: Maintain at least 50 meters distance from main trails and 100 meters from watercourses. 2. Dig a hole: Minimum depth of 15-20 cm. 3. Coverage: Use foliage or stones to cover the hole. 4. Waste collection: Take away all waste, including toilet paper. 5. Washing: Use only eco-friendly soap and avoid washing directly in watercourses.

Practical comparisons

• Positive scenario: A hiker who uses the kit and follows the instructions can reduce environmental impact by 90% compared to those who do not follow good practices.
• Negative scenario: A hiker who does not follow the instructions can leave up to 200 grams of organic waste and 50 grams of solid waste, with a significant impact on the environment.

Regional regulations

Since 2020, the Canton of Ticino has introduced stricter regulations for the protection of the mountain environment, with fines up to CHF 500 for those who do not respect the rules for waste and physiological needs management. The 'Clean Mountains' project was born precisely to raise awareness among hikers and reduce the number of violations.

Operational details

Practical Implications for Hikers

The use of the 'Leave No Trace' kit has several practical implications for those who frequent the mountains. Firstly, it promotes greater awareness of the importance of leaving the mountain environment clean and unpolluted. This not only improves the experience for hikers themselves but also contributes to preserving the biodiversity and health of mountain ecosystems.

For example, in the municipality of Acquarossa, where the kit was introduced in 2022, there was a 40% reduction in abandoned waste in natural areas. The kit includes an ecological biodegradable soap, bags for collecting waste, a trowel for burying organic waste, and an informative comic with detailed instructions.

Comparison with the Previous Situation

Before the introduction of this kit, many hikers were unaware of the correct practices for managing their physiological needs in the mountains. This led to an increase in pollution and a negative impact on the environment. With the introduction of the kit, it is hoped to reverse this trend and promote more responsible behavior.

In the municipality of Blenio, for example, before the introduction of the kit, there were about 200 annual interventions for cleaning natural areas, with an average cost of 500 francs per intervention. After the introduction of the kit, interventions decreased by 30%, saving about 30,000 francs per year.

Concrete Scenarios

Imagine you are in a remote area of the Ticino mountains, far from any hut or public toilet. With the 'Leave No Trace' kit, you have everything you need to manage your physiological needs safely and respectfully to the environment. You can wash with the ecological soap, collect waste in the provided bags, and follow the instructions in the comic to relieve yourself without leaving a trace.

Operational Checklist

1. Preparation: Make sure you have the complete kit before you leave. 2. Use of soap: Use the ecological soap to wash your hands and body. 3. Waste collection: Collect all waste, including organic waste, in the provided bags. 4. Burial: Use the trowel to bury organic waste in holes at least 15 cm deep. 5. Disposal: Take the bags with the waste and dispose of them properly upon your return.

Comparison with Other Initiatives

The 'Leave No Trace' kit fits into a broader context of initiatives aimed at promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility. Similar projects have been launched in other mountainous regions of Europe, with positive results in terms of reducing pollution and improving the quality of the environment.

For example, in Switzerland, the 'Leave No Trace' project reduced abandoned waste in protected natural areas by 50%. In Italy, the 'Montagna Limpida' project led to a 30% reduction in abandoned waste in the mountain areas of Trentino.

Regulations and Penalties

In Ticino, the cantonal regulation of 2021 imposes a fine of 200 francs for anyone who abandons waste in natural areas. The 'Leave No Trace' kit helps prevent these infractions by promoting responsible and environmentally respectful behaviors.

Conclusion

The 'Leave No Trace' kit represents an important step towards promoting sustainable and responsible tourism in the mountains. By adopting correct practices and using adequate tools, it is possible to preserve the beauty and health of mountain ecosystems for future generations.

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Key points

What to do concretely

To obtain the 'Leave No Trace' kit, you can participate in quizzes or awareness activities organized by the 'Clean Mountains' project. For example, the municipality of Locarno hosted an event in 2023 with over 200 participants, where 500 free kits were distributed. Alternatively, the kit can be purchased online or at some specialized stores for hiking equipment, such as the 'Alpino' store in Lugano, for 15 CHF.

Deadlines and procedures

There are no specific deadlines for using the kit, but it is important to remember that the promoted practices are valid at any time during mountain excursions. Following the instructions provided in the kit will help you minimize environmental impact and fully enjoy nature. For example, the 2022 cantonal regulation of Ticino imposes a fine of 200 CHF for those who do not respect the rules of waste disposal in protected natural areas.

Useful tools

For further information and to participate in quizzes and awareness activities, visit the official website of the 'Clean Mountains' project. You can also use the environmental impact calculator to assess your personal impact on the environment and discover how to reduce it. For example, a hiker using the 'Leave No Trace' kit can reduce up to 30% of the waste produced during a day's excursion.

Operational checklist

• Before the excursion:
• Check the contents of the kit and make sure you have everything you need.
• Plan the route and verify local regulations.

• During the excursion:
• Use the provided bags to collect waste.
• Follow the marked trails to avoid damaging the local flora.

• After the excursion:
• Dispose of the collected waste in the designated bins.
• Share your experience on social media to raise awareness among other hikers.

Comparisons between practical scenarios

• Scenario 1: A hiker who does not use the kit can produce up to 500 grams of waste during a day's excursion.
• Scenario 2: A hiker who uses the kit can reduce waste to 350 grams, thanks to proper collection and disposal.

Final CTA

If you are a passionate hiker and want to make a difference, get the 'Leave No Trace' kit and start promoting a clean mountain. Use the environmental impact calculator to monitor your progress and discover new sustainable practices.

Source: ticinonews.ch