Sustainable practices to protect the environment when you are enjoying the outdoors

From the quiet splendor of ancient forests on the Olympic Peninsula to snow capped peaks in the Cascades that feed streams and rivers, the Pacific Northwest offers incredible natural beauty. Mount Rainier, Crater Lake, and Coeur d'Alene Lake are just a few of the magnificent places that capture the imagination of everyone who visits. In fact, outdoor enthusiasts visit these and other locations every year. Although this is a presumed boom to tourism, one has to consider how this can negatively affect other people, water, and wildlife.

Although many national and regional organizations focus their efforts on nature conservancy, every person can do their part to protect the environment. So the next time you’re enjoying the beautiful outdoors, consider whether the unspoiled natural wonders and resources you depend upon will be around for future generations to enjoy. Whether you’re a weekend warrior heading off on an adventure or debarking on a two-week camping trip, you can increase sustainability and help save the planet.

Ways to limit your carbon footprint

Here are a few ways to reduce your carbon footprint and protect the vast natural heritage of the Pacific Northwest, even before you leave the house:

• Reduce waste by using reusable water bottles, mugs, cloth bags, reusable cutlery, and napkins. Most national parks provide water bottle refill stations for your convenience.
• Read the signs and properly sort recyclables and landfill items, while taking home what you can recycle in your own locality.
• Consider borrowing gear from friends instead of buying it new, especially if this is a one-time trip you’re not likely to repeat.

Rethink transportation

Are you aware that transportation to and from your adventure is the biggest contributor to carbon emissions? It’s a serious point to consider when planning outdoor recreation.

• If an alternative form of transportation is available, consider using it – whether a free shuttle, your own bike, or exploring on foot.
• Carpool with friends and neighbors if possible.
• Pull off the road and turn your car off when stopping to enjoy the view! Idling for just 20 seconds expends more gas than turning your car off and then back on.

Camping tips to increase sustainability

A growing number of people have enjoyed camping in the last five years, with a record high 78.8 million households camping in 2019. More than half of people surveyed said their love of the outdoors sparked their interest in camping. If you’re one of these people, it’s important to be aware of how you personally affect the environment and other campers. This includes practices such as making an inefficient campfire and improperly disposing of camping waste.

• Bring blankets and layers to avoid making campfires, unless doing so is essential for staying warm.
• If you must make a campfire, keep it small and use wood intended for chipping rather than buying firewood.
• Camp only in designated areas.
• Select cat holes at least 200 feet from water for waste disposal.
• Eat most of the perishable items at the start of your camping trip – save cans of tuna, beans, soups, and pastas for the end of your trip.
• Pack small snack bags with a nice mix of different foods that you know your family likes to eat (e.g. nuts, granola bars, and jerky).
• Consider freeze dried food – it lasts as long as seven years.
• Read about other Leave No Trace principles to further reduce your impact on the great outdoors.

Avista has demonstrated a commitment to the environment through a long history of action, and we recognize the value of establishing a goal related to clean energy. We encourage everyone to do their part to reduce our collective carbon footprint and protect the beautiful wonders of the Pacific Northwest.