Sustainability

This past week, I had the opportunity to attend a two day conference on Sustainability. Many great ideas were presented by many great minds. Truly inspiring to see what is being done by individuals, scientists, and corporations. Breakout sessions included topics such as Reducing your Company's Carbon Footprint, Sustainability and Tourism, Corporate leadership with Sustainable practices, the Future of the Car, and Greening the Built Environment.

Obviously at its core, Leave No Trace is all about Sustainable Recreation; ensuring that our activities today do not adversely impact those tomorrow. It was great to play with some of the ideas presented in the context of Leave No Trace.

One challenge I believe faced by us all, is balancing the need to minimize our impacts while still introducing others to the outdoors. Whether taking your kids or friends outdoors for the first time, we want to minimize those impacts. But if your kids or friends are told not to touch anything, stay on the trail, etc., will they truly build an appreciation for the outdoors?  If we fail to engage them, will they be there to protect the outdoors when needed. But do we knowingly trade off impacts today for appreciation and engagement down the road?