Leave No Trace: 7 Principles for Environmentally Conscious Hiking
Sustainably Exploring Nature
Whether hiking, camping, climbing, sailing, or cycling – anyone spending time outdoors also carries responsibility for nature. More and more people are heading outside, but not everyone knows how to behave in an environmentally friendly way. The result: trash along the trails, disturbed wildlife, and places losing their magic.
That’s exactly why the „Leave No Trace”principles exist. They help us be mindful while out there, protect nature, and still fully enjoy the outdoor experience—without leaving a trace.
In this guide, we’ll show you what’s behind the seven principles, why they matter so much, and how you can easily incorporate them into your outdoor routine—for a cleaner environment and a great feeling every time you head outside.
What does environmentally conscious hiking mean?
Environmentally conscious hiking means moving through nature in a way that keeps it as untouched as possible. It’s about showing respect for animals, plants, trails, and fellow hikers—and also questioning your own comfort zone. Sustainable hiking means thinking ahead: from route planning and gear to waste disposal.
Why is this important? Because our outdoor adventures will only stay beautiful as long as we protect nature. Trampled plants, disturbed wildlife, or trash on the trail don’t just ruin the natural experience—they also have long-term impacts on ecosystems.
On top of that, many outdoor areas are especially worth protecting: moors, alpine zones, or dense forests provide habitats for endangered species. Every careless step, every piece of litter left behind can cause serious damage here.
Why does nature conservation matter to us?
Naturschutz liegt auch uns – den Gründer:innen von Läppie – sehr am Herzen. Auf einer Reise durch die USA haben wir erlebt, wie selbstverständlich dort Rücksicht auf die Natur genommen wird. „Leave No Trace“ ist dort nicht nur ein Slogan, sondern eine Ethik. Zurück in Europa ist uns schnell aufgefallen, wie oft hier noch Müll – vor allem Klopapier – einfach liegen bleibt.
Das wollten wir ändern. Nicht mit erhobenem Zeigefinger, sondern mit einer praktischen Lösung und einfachen Ratschlägen
With Läppie , we want to offer not just a reusable product, but above all raise awareness. Because anyone spending time outdoors should know how to leave nature beautiful for others too.
You can learn more about our story and motivation on our Über-uns page
Die 7 Prinzipien für Naturschutz & nachhaltiges Wandern
Diese Prinzipien basieren auf dem „Leave No Trace“-Konzept und helfen dir, achtsam und rücksichtsvoll draußen unterwegs zu sein – egal ob auf dem Fernwanderweg, beim Festival oder im Mikroabenteuer vor der Haustür. Da die Natur in den USA noch wilder ist, als hier, haben wir die Prinzipien ein wenig angepasst.
1. Plan Ahead & Prepare Well
Good preparation is more than just practical—it’s the first step to protecting nature. When you know which trails are open, where you’re allowed to camp, and what the weather will be like, you can set out more safely and relaxed—and you make it easier for the environment to recover.
Check also vorher die Regeln des Gebiets, das du besuchen willst. Informiere dich über besondere Schutzmaßnahmen, Gefahren oder Einschränkungen – z. B. Feuerverbote oder sensible Tierarten.
Prepare for sudden weather changes and emergencies. Plan your route so you don’t get stressed, and consider whether you really want to travel during peak season. Maybe it’s less crowded if you start a bit earlier or later.
Wenn ihr in einer Gruppe reist: Je kleiner, desto besser. Große Gruppen stören mehr, hinterlassen mehr Spuren und tun sich schwerer mit Rücksichtnahme. Pack smart: Weniger ist mehr. Packe Lebensmittel um, um Müll zu vermeiden. Und ganz wichtig: Überlege dir, wie du ohne Toilette zurechtkommst – zum Beispiel mit einem Läppie.
In short: those who are prepared experience more—and leave less behind.
2. Travel and Camp on Durable Surfaces
Not every beautiful spot is suitable for camping or resting. When we walk off-trail or pitch our tent right in the middle of a meadow, we often unintentionally harm nature. That’s why the rule is: stay on established trails and use only designated spots for your camp.
On well-established trails, we prevent erosion, protect plants, and stop new paths from forming. When camping, only set up where it’s allowed. Choose a spot on hard, resilient ground—like gravel, sand, or rock. In popular areas, use existing campsites whenever possible. In more remote regions, spread out your group to minimize visible impact. Avoid getting too close to water sources—at least 60 meters is ideal. And when you rest or cook, try to leave the area as if no one had been there.
With a little mindfulness, you not only protect the landscape—you also preserve the magic of the place for everyone who comes after you.
3. Dispose of Waste Properly
What you bring, you take back with you—that’s one of the most important rules for hiking and camping. And yes, that includes organic waste too! A banana peel or an apple core might seem harmless, but they often take months to decompose—and simply don’t belong in nature. Or would you like to take a break right next to someone else’s food scraps?
It’s best to always bring a small trash bag and take back everything you brought on your adventure. Even better: avoid packaging altogether by repacking your food at home.
And then there’s the tricky issue of toilet paper. Many people leave it behind because they think it will decompose—but it takes time! A product like Läppie can make a real difference here: hygienic, reusable, and completely waste-free.
This way, your trip will not only be more relaxing – but also significantly more environmentally friendly.
4. Leave nature just as you found it
Nature is not a souvenir shop – no matter how tempting a beautiful stone or a wildflower may seem. If everyone takes something, eventually nothing will be left.
That’s why our tip is: leave everything where you found it. This applies to plants, stones, wood – as well as cultural or historical objects. Many places hold significance that we may not recognize at first glance.
Leaving marks like carved names or stacked stone piles also alters the landscape – and not always for the better. It's better to take a beautiful photo and enjoy the moment. Nature doesn’t need any extra “decorations” – it’s already perfect just the way it is.
5. Minimize Campfire Damage
A campfire definitely has its charm – no question about it. But it also comes with risks. Fire can scorch the ground, destroy plants, and in the worst case, spread uncontrollably.
If you don't want to go without a warm meal or cozy light, it's better to bring a small gas stove. It's safer, more practical – and leaves no trace.
If you're in a place where fires are permitted, only use designated fire pits. Never use fresh or living wood. And always make sure to fully extinguish the fire before you move on.
This way, you can enjoy your evenings outdoors – without harming nature.
6. Respect Wildlife
Encounters with wildlife are often magical – and they should remain that way. To ensure this, a bit of distance, patience, and respect are needed.
Never feed animals, no matter how cute they look. It harms their health and alters their behavior. Instead, observe from a distance – ideally with binoculars or a zoom lens. Shouting, selfies, or getting too close unnecessarily stress the animals.
If you're out with a dog, remember: he is also a guest in the habitat of other animals. Keep him on a leash and make sure he doesn’t scare off wildlife or leave traces behind.
Wildlife is not an attraction – they are part of a delicate ecosystem that we must protect.
7. Be considerate of others
Die Natur ist für alle da – und je mehr Menschen unterwegs sind, desto wichtiger ist gegenseitige Rücksicht. Ein freundliches „Hallo“, Platz machen auf schmalen Wegen oder einfach mal die Musik auslassen – all das trägt zu einem besseren Miteinander bei.
Many people are outdoors to find peace and quiet. Loud conversations, Bluetooth speakers, or hurried behavior can quickly be disruptive. So try to act the way you would want others to behave.
If you're out in a group, stay aware and considerate of others. Share the space, follow right-of-way rules, and be ready to make compromises.
Being outdoors together is more enjoyable when everyone feels seen and respected.
How Läppie helps implement Leave No Trace
Läppie is more than just a practical rag – it’s a small symbol of mindful interaction with nature. It shows that you care about how you move outdoors and that you take responsibility without compromising on comfort.
Thanks to the antimicrobial Silvadur process, Läppie stays odor-free. The PUL membrane in the middle of the fabric reliably protects your hands. And after use? Simply fold it up and hang it on your backpack or bag – discreetly and hygienically.
Whether hiking, climbing, cycling, paddling, or at a festival – Läppie fits into every outdoor routine. It replaces toilet paper, reduces waste, and prevents paper scraps or tissues from ending up in nature. In short: With every Läppie, the world becomes a little bit cleaner.
Conclusion – Preserving Nature Together
Every step in nature leaves a mark – the question is how visible it is. With the seven Leave No Trace principles, a bit of mindfulness, and practical tools like Läppie, we can all contribute to keeping our favorite natural spots clean and livable.
Because sustainability doesn’t start with bans, but with awareness. And when everyone puts in a little thought, many small decisions can make a big difference.
Join the movement for more consideration in nature. Discover Läppie now!
EN 
DE