High Sierra Topix

I am 420 compliant...It's green.

I have to admit I've never really analyzed my "greeness" when it comes to backpacking. Ive always considered myself a LNT backpacker, and follow the basic backpacking guidelines (distance from water, fire restrictions, etc) to make as little impact as possible. That said, about the only item I have thats made from recycled material is my pack, but I didnt buy it because of that. I bought it because it felt good on my back when I tried it on. Truth is, I am like many. I use poly clothing, re-package my food, etc. At first i was going to go with my gear is so old that its carbon footprint is minisule by now, but I cant really say that now as I recently have replaced alot of my gear to go lighter and be in compliance with the bear regs. Last two years have seen me buy loads of new gear including a new tent, bag, sleeping pad, cook set, and a new fleece, and pancho, various headlamps, and miscellaneous items. And thats not including outfitting my son and duaghter over the same time frame.

Oh well, I do practice LNT and have been known to tear down fire pits in camps with more than one as well. More options seem to be available these days, and I will try and use eco friendly products when I can, but the fact is it has to be functional as well.

I have not made a campfire in years, but is that any 'greener' than burning fossil fuel in a metal stove?

A quality made article of poly clothing with good care will last 20 years. So that footprint may be less than driving a Prius to the trailhead several times per year. The mere act of hiking on a trail impacts soil, watersheds, wildlife, etc. So backpacking itself is not a 'green' activity. Three miles of hiking trail built to current standards is the same as a one acre clearcut (actually, more erosive, since forest practices laws require more erosion control and soil stabilization than trail construction standards).

BTW a human footprint from a typically equipped hiker puts more pressure per square inch on the soil than a D9 tractor. And one study several years ago in the Eagle Cap Wilderness, showed human feces and the corresponding bacteria still identifiable and active after 18 months of proper disposal. Another study in Colorado showed detectable petroleum traces in Wilderness streams from accidental fuel spillage from backpacker stoves. Wildlife behavior impacts are well established in popular wilderness destinations.

I do not hike to be 'green' (I hate that term anyway. It's meaningless and condescending.) I hike because I enjoy it, and I know I am making an impact. I am selfish in that I am willing to make a small and mostly transient impact for my own pleasure.

I'm probably hypocritical myself since I buy products from patagonia and REI, but recycling a few water bottles while you purposely move manufacturing to some third world country so that you can take advantage of horrible labor practices and poor environmental regulations doesn't make you green. That's just good PR.

I have a green tent

Mark:

Humans are a natural part of the earth. We and everything we are has evolved from the physical and spiritual parameters of the planet and the universe. Is it even possible to transcend our connection with mother earth?

I look out upon the universe and see everything in its place, why are we any different? There is plenty of chaos and destruction out there. What if we are meant to pollute, exploit, and war? In the universe destruction brings about change. Who is to say what is good and bad?

Think about how preventing forest fires is bad in the long run, and compare that idea with human civilization on mother earth. Who is to say?