During the research within the implementation of the P1L0 methodology, we saw that a large number of hikers, before introduction to PICK ONE LEAVE NONE principles (P1L0), already use some of its segments. HikersBprimarily use the LEAVE NONE segment, i.e. they do not leave behind the waste they have created. We noticed that some hikers produce a larger amount of waste compared to others, which means that in the LEAVE NONE segment, the recommendation would be to strive to create less waste, i.e. to use more recyclable materials (reusable bags, glass and metal packaging, metal cigarette boxes, etc.).
Part of the mountaineers also use the PICK ONE segment, that is, if they notice a piece of waste on the trail, they use their backpack or bags that they carry with them and pick it up. P1L0 methodology refers to the application of bags made of recycled material that would become an integral part of hiking equipment and would be used repeatedly to collect waste from hiking trails.
The data that turned out to be unexpected is that, in the area of the Western Balkans, cigarette butts are not perceived as waste, that is, a large number of hikers-smokers leave cigarette butts in nature. The recommendation within P1L0 is that every hiker and other user of the mountain trail who consumes cigarettes should carry a small metal box in which to store their cigarette butts and later put them in a suitable bin.
The survey also showed that a large proportion of hikers choose not to pick up used tissues from the trail. Due to the fact that paper tissues decompose quickly in nature, unlike wet tissues, which remain longer in nature, the recommendation within the P1L0 principle refers to the reduced use of wet tissues. For people who need constantly clean hands, it is recommended to use alcohol or other disinfectants that can be easily carried in small reusable bottles. For overall safety it is recommended not to pick toilet paper from the trail. The simple solution is to use your feet to get some fallen leaves over it which would help to speed up decomposing of the paper.
Broken glass is the other thing not to be picked for obvious reasons. At the end it is a natural mineral and it causes less pollution than the most of other staff you can find around the trail. During the control of the waste collected on the trails, it was determined that the largest amount of waste includes PET packages, mostly plastic water or juice bottles. Recommendation P1L0 indicates to minimize the use of PET packaging and to use glass or metal bottles (thermos) for long-term use.
An important part of the P1L0 project is related to the sustainable use of resources, specifically the reduced use of single-use materials. Each hiker carries a certain amount of liquid (water, energy drinks, juices…) on the tour. It is important to emphasize that the bottle carried by the hiker should not be made of single-use plastic, but of material that can be used for a longer period of time (metal and glass bottles or plastic bottles for long-term use).
Mountaineering practice is to bring food, usually fruit, on the tour. In order to keep the impact on nature as small as possible, the recommendation of this toolkit is to not leave the organic waste created during the hiking tour in nature. The reasons why organic waste harms nature are multiple:
If you take food on the trail, it is recommended to pack it in containers made of materials that can be used multiple times – metal, ceramics, tupperware and others.
During hiking tours, mountaineers often move on inaccessible terrain, the paths are muddy, on some sections it is necessary to use the hands, in this connection, mountaineers often have the need to wipe dirty hands, clothes and shoes. The recommendation of the P1L0 principle indicates that wet wipes should not be used for wiping because their impact on nature is significant, but that water and paper tissue or, even better, a fabric that can be used repeatedly should be used.
Whatever you use in nature, you need to use the LEAVE NONE principle, which is most easily achieved by reducing the use of disposable materials.
Use local resources, recycled material, avoid mass production, use what you have.
After testing carried out in the first phase of the P1L0 project, it was determined that the best option was to advise the hikers on the tour carrying a waste bag. For smokers the additional metal box for disposal of cigarette butts is recommended. The recommendation to carry this simple equipment on the tour is justified, but although it is not mandatory, it requires additional effort.
The first recommendation regarding the waste collection bag is related to its material. Since trail litter is often dirty, wet and made of material that leaves marks, the bag should be made of an impermeable material. The bag should be made of recycled material that can be used multiple times. It is advisable to get a bag from small local producers, who would promote local crafts. A small metal box can be any box that is available and that can be closed so that during movement on the trail it does not open and cigarette butts and ashes do not fall out of it.
Through a simple research it was concluded that the most suitable small metal boxes are the ones available in the regular shops, used as candy boxes, makeup boxes, or something similar that can be reused for P1L0 application.
One of the important themes of the P1L0 project is the use of recycled materials, not only in accessories but also in general mountaineering equipment. It is recommended to avoid equipment from mass production in third world countries and use quality materials that are more durable. If the equipment breaks during use, it is recommended that you repair it and use it again.
If the garment is torn, try to sew it up and continue using it. Try to buy local products, which will help the local population and give you the opportunity to feel the full experience of the place where you are hiking.
Using public transportation, car sharing and other eco-friendly mobility solutions is the way to help the nature on the next level and to get the least of impact on the natural habitats.
If you are a hiking or mountaineering guide there are a few recommended options for introduction of P1L0 to the participants of your tour.
The first option is to introduce hikers to the principles at the beginning of the tour, when you would explain to them the recommendations from this toolkit. Ask everybody to apply the basic principles and let everybody know where the waste bins are available.
What has proven to be a better option in practice is to introduce the tour participants to the principles on a practical example when the first opportunity arises on the trail, i.e. when you come across the first piece of waste.
At the end of a tour it is interesting to check what the group collected and to give the additional foster to everybody who joined in and explain the importance of proper disposal and waste selection if necessary.
If you find some pieces of so called degradable plastics, it is recommended to take it with your self and to use a few moments by disposal bins to show the real problem with that kind of products and to highlight the problems of micro plastics.
Feel free to use motto PICK ONE LEAVE NONE loudly and frequently, as it is a very catchy rhyme that’s easy to remember.
When this principle is explained to organized athletes or mountaineers, it should be emphasized that the principle itself was created by mountaineers. Also, it should be pointed out that the mountaineers are the ones who take care of the condition of the mountain trails and therefore have the greatest responsibility for their condition. In this sense, the application of the PICK ONE LEAVE NONE principle is an additional level towards improving the condition of the trails.
Here it is important to point out the fact that they are not going to collect waste and clean the trails, but to go hiking, and that their small effort can make a real change if wе all apply it.
When explaining the principle to ordinary tourists, it should be emphasized that hiking trails are a common good that everyone uses. In particular, the importance of not creating waste and leaving it behind should be pointed out, as this can endanger animals and plant life, but also damage the beauty of nature that everyone wants to see. Also, note that everyone is responsible for preserving nature and that every piece of waste they take with them contributes to preserving nature for everyone.
Recommendations for protected areas – Visitor Centers
Most of the hiking trails are connected to protected natural areas of different categories. Protected areas themselves have a great interest in implementing the P1L0 principle because it has a direct impact on their sustainability. In this sense, Visitor Centers gain special importance and function as places through which the majority of visitors pass.
Visitors should receive all the necessary information related to the implementation of the P1L0 principle and its importance within these facilities or info points. The first step in realizing this should be the education of the personnel working in the Visitor Centers (informants, guides, etc.) to explain the concept of P1L0 in the best and simplest way.
P1L0 SETS or individual products (reusable bags, water bottles, cigarette butt boxes) should be available in Visitor Centers. These sets should be available for purchase, but an even more effective model is to give them away for free to interested visitors. Of course, this should be realized in cooperation with socially responsible companies in order to increase the reach of the whole concept. The most sensible option is for the P1L0 SETS to be made by local manufacturers, and in the process of making them, recycled materials are used.
Protected areas are very often the initiators of cleaning actions and this is an ideal opportunity to present the P1L0 principle and its importance and effects to the participants. Bearing in mind that people who participate in such actions are more than ready to support this concept, they can be additionally stimulated by receiving “P1L0 sets” as a gift.