This article originally appeared on Fix.com and has been republished with permission. Words by Amy Whitley.

Anyone lucky enough to spend a significant amount of time in the wilderness can appreciate pristine nature… and they have likely seen people’s negative impacts on the outdoors. No one heads down a trail or to a campsite planning to mar it, but leaving it the way one found it is harder than it might seem. Fortunately, the Leave No Trace organisation has provided absolute guidelines to help any family tread lightly on precious wilderness areas.

Leave No Trace – On the Trail

Hikers begin affecting the environment while they are on the trail. It’s crucial for families and individuals to leave each trail with minimum impact. Here’s how:

Never drop trash: A no-brainer, right? But as many of us know, it is so often ignored. Remember, cigarette butts and chewed gum count as trash, too. Tip: Take snack foods out of pre-packaged wrappers before heading out. This way, you’ll have less trash to take back home with you.

Never take shortcuts: Why? Taking shortcuts, which is especially tempting when switchbacks zigzag up a mountain, causes erosion over time. When enough hikers take a given shortcut up a hillside, this new “trail” ruins vegetation and causes run-off during rains.

Hike single file: It’s fun to talk with your trail mates while hiking, but walking single file is important. As with trail cutting, widening trails by walking double or triple across ruins trailside vegetation, not to mention the aesthetics of the trail.

Adhere to trail limitations: At the start of any trail, a sign will indicate which methods of transportation are allowed. Adhere to this, and don’t bring motorised vehicles on hike-only or bike-only trails.

Leave No Trace – While Camping

Campsites create the most “wear and tear” on the environment. But you can reduce your impact in a few easy ways.

Camp in designated spots: Even in wilderness areas, it’s usually possible to spot a designated campsite by the fire ring (which is man-made by park service personnel). It’s also usually obvious where previous campers placed their tents. Use the same areas, which are already flattened or somewhat trampled.

Put out campfires properly: Whether in campgrounds or in wilderness areas, campfires, when permitted, are a fun part of camping. Always make campfires in designated rings, and put them out to ashes before departing. Typically, it will take four or five buckets of water to completely put out a campfire. For the fire, use wood pieces no thicker than your wrist to ensure that the wood goes to ash before bedtime.

Place your “kitchen sink” and “bathroom” away from water sources: Human waste does not belong near bodies of water. Designate a bathroom area at least 100 yards from any lake, river, or stream, and do the same for kitchen tasks such as washing dishes (or yourself).

Use biodegradable soap: Found at any outdoor store, biodegradable soap can be used on kitchen utensils, pots, and pans as well as on yourself. Use only this soap, which breaks down quickly and easily, as shampoo and even laundry detergent. To wash yourself using Leave No Trace practices, give yourself a sponge bath away from water sources. Some campers like to use a solar shower, with water warmed by the sun. To stay clean between baths, enjoy lake or river swims!

Whenever You’re in the Wilderness

Even when you don’t plan to spend the night in the outdoors, all hikers and nature lovers should follow the Leave No Trace’s seven Principles. Remembering these core rules will ensure that you leave the wilderness as you found it, every time.

Plan ahead: This includes breaking into manageable sized groups and carrying maps to eliminate the need to mark trails with rocks or flagging.

Camp on durable surfaces: Remember our campsite rules? Pitch tents where others have before you, and avoid marshy or wetland areas.

Pack out waste: Bring trash bags to store garbage, including toilet paper. Gallon-sized zip lock bags work well because they seal off odors.

Leave what you find: This rule is a tough one for kids. It means leaving that pretty rock or special feather where you found it. This doesn’t mean you can’t admire it – take a photo and place the image in a trail journal, or sketch special finds.

Minimise campfire impact: Resist making a huge fire, or better yet, use a backpacking stove instead. Only use dead or broken branches found on the forest floor to make your fire.

Respect wildlife: Most outdoor enthusiasts know not to feed wildlife, but it can happen accidentally (leaving you hungry yourself!) if you don’t store food properly. Store food in a bag suspended at least 10 feet in the air at night, or use odor-proof bear canisters. Some campsites offer bear lockers on-site. Remember, some animals can and will get into locked cars!

Be considerate of others: Give uphill hikers the right of way, and keep noise to a minimum. No need to bring music players or loud voices to the outdoors. Most people appreciate a guitar, however!

Follow these simple tips to leave no trace during adventures in wild environments, ensuring that the wilderness will be pristine for it’s wildlife and for the next time you stop by for a visit!

Article by Amy Whitley.