What can I leave behind?

Thanks to all those who participated in the latest poll question: The only waste that is acceptable to leave in the outdoors is?

Possible answers included:

1. Orange peels because their decomposition adds nutrients to the soil.
2. Bacon grease because its nutrients benefit local fauna.
3. Toilet paper because it decomposes so quickly.
4. Garbage that has been burned in the fire because it will no longer attract animals.
5. None of the above.

The correct answer is "none of the above".

Most items though of as biodegradable such as apples and apple cores, orange peels, banana peels, nuts, candy, etc., aren't native to most natural environments, and generally aren’t thought of as suitable food for wildlife. Anything that we bring carry into the woods should come out of the woods with us. Otherwise it's simply trash. One apple core will not completely disrupt the local ecosystem, but litter is liter. The biggest problem with improperly disposing of food waste, e.g. tossing apple cores into the woods, it that it is ultimately harmful to wildlife. Feeding wildlife damages their health, alters their natural behaviors, and exposes them to predators and other dangers. News headlines are often made when wildlife is attracted to human food. Bears, more than any other animal, get the most press for tearing into tents, raiding food caches, coolers, and cars in search of a meal. Generally, however, campers and hikers have to deal with less threatening, but often more annoying, rodents, raccoons, birds, etc., looking for a handout. These animals are a nuisance and can be vectors for disease, not to mention that their dependence on human food is a detriment to their own well-being. Human foods are harmful to wildlife because animals would otherwise forage and eat a nutritious diet derived from their natural environment.

Ask yourself this question: Would this [insert biodegradable item] be here if I weren’t?

Pack it in, pack it out!