I’ve been thinking a lot lately about the “Leave No Trace” principle and whether, in some instances, it’s become *too* restrictive, especially as more and more people are discovering the outdoors. I understand and deeply respect the intention behind it – minimizing our impact and preserving wild places for future generations is crucial. But, I wonder if the pendulum has swung too far, creating unnecessary anxiety and perhaps discouraging some from even venturing out in the first place.
For example, the emphasis on meticulously removing every single pine needle or evidence of a campfire can feel almost performative at times, and maybe less about actual ecological impact. Are we realistically harming anything in certain environments by leaving a few scattered crumbs behind, or is the bigger issue wastefulness and large-scale littering? Perhaps a more nuanced approach that considers the specific surroundings, user density, and types of activity is needed, rather than a blanket “zero impact” standard that’s sometimes impractical to fully achieve.What are your thoughts? Have you ever felt burdened by the strict interpretation of LNT,or have you witnessed others struggling with it? Is the perfect the enemy of the good when it comes to encouraging responsible outdoor recreation?