Minimise your impact on nature during your treks

Trekking immerses you body and soul in a wild region, far from any infrastructure, accessible only on foot. Each evening, the bivvy — pitched in the heart of nature or with a local host — is the natural end to a day's walking, with no break from the sensations of the day. Dreaming of a hot shower or clean clothes? Here are a few tips for treading lightly. 1- Plan your route and stick to existing trails When planning your trek, choose official routes and follow established trails. Avoid creating new paths that could damage vegetation and disturb local wildlife. Respecting local rules and regulations is essential to preserving natural ecosystems. 2- Camp responsibly Use designated camping areas. Follow local rules regarding campfires and make sure fires are completely extinguished after use. Avoid damaging trees and plants by cutting branches or digging unnecessary holes. 3- Manage your waste Bring a rubbish bag to carry all your waste with you. Leave no litter on trails or in walking areas. If you come across waste left by other walkers, pick it up and take it with you. Minimise packaging by opting for reusable food and products. 4- Use water responsibly Water is a precious resource outdoors, so use it with care. Avoid wasting it and be mindful of how much you actually need. Use filters or purification tablets for water from natural sources rather than buying bottled water, which generates plastic waste. 5- Respect wildlife and plants Observe animals from a distance and do not disturb them. Do not feed wild animals, as this disrupts their natural behaviour and can lead to dependency on humans. Do not pick flowers or plants or disturb their natural habitat. Tips: Marseille-style soap is ideal, as it's versatile (washing and laundry). It's less polluting and easier to rinse out than shower gel, and reduces the risk of leaking inside your pack. A small basin foldable in waterproof canvas. Lets you freshen up and wash a few clothes (t-shirt, underwear, socks…) in any situation. A small bottle of shampoo will round out your wash kit, as washing your hair with soap and cold water is no easy task. Some towels made from synthetic fabric that dry very quickly, or small non-woven paper towels to burn after use — this avoids the flannel problem of towels that dry slowly and pick up odours over the days. Otherwise, pack some wet wipes (wipes) to burn after use. CimAlp recommends its Active Dry garments made with chitin, a natural biological molecule that repels mosquitoes and wicks away moisture. As well as its merino wool clothing range — a material that prevents unpleasant odours, insulates, doesn't itch against the skin and moves moisture away. Protecting nature is a collective responsibility. By following these simple but important tips, you can minimise your impact on the environment and help preserve the natural landscapes you explore. Together, we can protect these natural wonders for future generations.