Encouraging Guests to Leave No Trace

When spending each day in the great outdoors, breathing in its undeniable beauty, you understand the importance of preservation and protection of such a vast and magnificent ecosystem. Guides know the great stakes of keeping the habitat on track and following the rules of the land. While many care about protecting wildlife, not everyone follows the protection rules. More importantly, those rules can directly impact your business and even the safety of your adventurers. Here are some of the best tips for encouraging visitors to pick up after themselves and care for our environment. 

Why Is It Important to Clean Up After Yourself in The Great Outdoors?

Cleaning up after yourself may come naturally to you and your guides. Unfortunately, not everyone thinks the same, and some large issues can arise from it. Not only does not cleaning up affect wildlife, but it can also directly impact your business.

If your tour includes food at any point, whether it be a snack, lunch or several meals, proper  food storage  is a must. When food is left out, it can attract wildlife. The risks of wildlife getting into human food can include shortening of lives, poisoning and poor nourishment. It’s more harmful than most would imagine. On the flip side, attracting wildlife to the campsite or trail can cause major problems for your groups. Sometimes, you’ll not only receive a few curious visitors but also their droppings and unwanted insects.

Things such as leftovers and grease must be packed out and not left on site. It is not recommended to burn it in a fire as trash that’s half-burned or buried will attract animals and dirty up the site. For proper food storage and cleaning tips, visit the  National Park Service website.

Leave It Better Than You Found It

While some litter is small, such as plastic baggies and cigarette butts, it’s still litter and needs to be picked up. If not properly disposed of, it can be extremely harmful to our environment and the other habitants. While “Pack it in, Pack it out” is a well-known mantra in your industry, your visitors may not be aware. Spreading the word that any user of recreational lands has the responsibility of cleaning up before leaving will help your guests get a better idea. As always, inspect your campsites, trails and rest areas for trash or other litter.

Your staff can teach guests the  seven principles of Leave No Trace  to minimize those impacts.

• Plan ahead and prepare.
• Travel and camp on durable surfaces.
• Dispose of waste properly.
• Leave what you find.
• Minimize campfire impacts.
• Respect wildlife.
• Be considerate of other visitors.

Keep An Eye Out for Hazardous Trash

As you and your group gather trash and clean up, keep a careful eye out for hazardous items. If you encounter items such as needles or extremely large items, contact your local city recreation department for guidance. And don’t forget to watch out for hygiene items, such as tampons and toilet paper.

Avoiding Slips, Trips & Falls

Slips, trips and falls can happen anywhere, even as you pack up your site. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that 18% of nonfatal occupational injuries resulting in days away from work stem from such incidents. Slips, trips and falls may also occur due to individuals not paying enough attention to their surroundings. They can also occur from litter on the ground. If a slip and fall injury arises at your adventure sports business, are you prepared?

Always Wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

Depending on the task you’re performing, proper PPE may be needed. If you or someone in your group encounters hygiene products, litter or massive branches, it’s wise to wear gloves. Ensure that your tour guides cover the rules of picking up trash to avoid someone from the group picking up something that may get them injured or exposed to something dangerous.

Avoid Insect Bites and Stings

In the great outdoors, insects are inevitable. As you clean up your area, they may become more present. Big or small, bites and stings of any size can be brutal. While most often we swat at insects that come our way without any thought, there are better ways to be proactive about prevention. Using an effective repellant and wearing long pants and a long-sleeved shirt can help protect you from  insect bites.

Clean Trails, Clear Mind With CBIZ Adventure Sports Insurance

Just like how you leave campsites, we leave our clients in better hands than when they first appeared. Our comprehensive coverage can be tailored to fit your needs. Clear the worries from your mind and connect with us today to learn more.  Request a free CBIZ Adventure Sport Insurance quote.

This blog may contain scenarios that are provided as examples only. In an actual claim situation, coverage is subject to the terms, conditions and exclusions of the policy issued. The information provided is general in nature and may be affected by changes in law or the interpretation of such laws. The reader is advised to contact a professional prior to taking any action based upon this information.

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