Ecotourism is FUN!!!
Here are some points to help on our educational journey. Remember, as responsible travelers, agents, operators, promoters or policymakers, we can have and provide fun while helping to conserve and protect our fragile ecosystems, endangered species, indigenous peoples, and beautiful natural environment.
SOME BASIC FACTS
Examples of the length of time litter last:
- Orange and banana peel up to 2 years
- Cigarette butts 1-5 years
- Wool socks 1-5 years
- Plastic-coated paper 15 years
- Nylon fabric 30-40 years
- Leather up to 50 years
- Tin cans 50 years
- Aluminum cans and tabs 80-100 years
- Plastic bags & Plastic film containers 80-100 years
- Glass bottles 1 million years
- Plastic bottles indefinitely
- Forest Fires
Forest fires, starting from visitors’ campfires and carelessly tossed cigarette buttscause extensive damage. Some trees are killed by very hot fires, and the replacement of mature trees may take hundreds of years.
In many areas, firewood is often in short supply. Many small native animals live among fallen branches. In alpine areas where the growing season is short, such habitats are replaced very slowly.
Always try to use a fuel stove when camping. Compared with campfires, fuel stoves are cleaner, a lot easier to use in wet weather, cook faster, and don’t scar the landscape. Ensure that your party members have warm clothing and good tents so fires won’t be needed for warmth.
