It is in our nature to be kind. Charles Darwin argued that humans are a profoundly social and caring species, that our sympathy for others is both instinctual and evolved. Research suggests that compassion is rooted in our brain and biology.
Science shows that kindness brings about long-lasting benefits such as better heart health and reduces anxiety and stress. It increases feelings of gratitude and decreases pain. Acts of kindness release hormones such as oxytocin (which stimulates feelings of happiness and trust) and endorphins (which are our bodies’ natural painkillers).
From a young age, we are taught to be kind, especially to other humans. Hold the door open for others. Offer your seat on the bus to elderly or pregnant women. Smile, say thank you and please. Help someone if they’re carrying a heavy load. Share food with family and friends. These small acts are intuitive.
If we can be kind to humans, we can also be kind to Mother Nature. We may not need to hold the door for wildlife, or offer our seat to trees, but we can all love and appreciate our natural world. Show gratitude by gently whispering thanks to the tree you walk past. Smile at the birds as they sing while perched on the tree branch. Treat nature with respect by leaving her as untouched as possible. Give her dignity by acknowledging that she matters. Recognise her worth for she does not have an endless supply of resources for us to pillage. Embrace her beauty and strength by being responsible towards her.
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Being kind to nature is not influenced by seasons or cycles; it’s something we should do regardless. Au contraire, it’s never been more important than now to treat nature well.
We believe it’s a good sign when more people in Hong Kong are going to experience nature. But we have to be mindful that flocks of eager hikers can leave the trails and surrounding areas vulnerable to degradation, overuse and pollution.
What we need are hikers who are compassionate to nature, people who hike and do so thinking about how to enjoy and also protect nature.
Below, we offer some tips that will help anyone hit the trails more sustainably, thereby reducing harm and conserving our environment for the long-term.
1. Choose marked and official routes that may be more quiet and less crowded
Some trails and scenic spots have become so popular that people are literally queuing to go up a mountain, or waiting to capture the perfect photo moment. This not only causes additional stress to some natural areas, but adds to danger and risks on the mountains.
2. Consider transportation options that are greener
Avoid driving to the trails as much as possible. Instead, think about going by public transportation, sharing rides or even walking. A sustainable hike starts from planning and preparing for the trip, including how you would arrive at the trail.
3. Use brands that are eco-friendly
Gear and equipment may not have a direct impact on the trail, but in the long run, sustainable outdoor brands are better for the environment. The production results in less pollution, and they are likely to be durable, last longer and have a repair policy, which results in less waste and less cost to replace items.
4. Wear environmentally friendlier sunscreen and insect repellent
The products you use impact the environment. Many sunscreens and insect repellent contain chemicals that can be toxic to you and to the environment. Choose products that are all-natural and free from chemicals such as phthalates, parabens, oxybenzone, formaldehyde and deet.
5. Bring food and beverage in reusable containers
It’s not uncommon to picnic on the trails. If you're going on a hike where you know you’ll need to refuel, pack food and beverages in reusable containers, or peruse the restaurants along the trails. Reduce the amount of single use items, such as eating utensils, straws, bottles, and tissue.
Many snacks are lightweight, nutritious (relative to junk food), and can be bought in bulk and repackaged into smaller containers. For example, nuts, energy balls, and fruit such as grapes, blueberries, raspberries, and blackberries.
Some trails have water refill stations. You can also bring water purification tablets, or a water filtration system.
6. Observe stillness and silence
Too many of us walk along the trails stomping, talking loudly to friends or playing our music on loudspeakers. Noise impacts the health and well-being of wildlife. Studies have shown for example, that caterpillars’ hearts beat faster to noise. Noise makes it more difficult for animals to navigate, find food, attract mates and even to avoid predators.
Your own enjoyment of nature enhances when you take a moment to breathe in, listen to the sounds of nature and be present. Don’t ruin the hiking experience of others either.
7. Practice Leave No Trace
There are seven principles; fundamentally, bring out what you bring in. If you don’t want to bring something out of the country parks, don’t bring it in in the first place! Rubbish on the trails need to be picked up … by cleaners who have to hike and clean, and end up carrying bags of heavy rubbish out of the country parks.
And while it may be tempting to leave your rubbish in the bins that you see at campsites or at the entrance and exit points of the trails, these bins also attract wildlife (such as boars) that end up digging through the rubbish.
It is easy to be a responsible and considerate citizen. Bring your own rubbish bags; take rubbish with you away from the trails back into the city.
8. Stay on the trails
Going off trail wears down natural trails. One person going off path encourages others to follow, which can quickly create other trails — official hiking trails exist for a reason. Not to mention that straying off course can potentially be dangerous.
Furthermore, many hikers skirt muddy patches, which further broadens the trails. Instead, if hiking in the rain, go with the right shoes so that you can walk down the middle of the trail, even through mud.
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After you have enjoyed your hike and reaped the plethora of benefits that nature offers, give back and show you care through volunteer programs such as trail clean ups and trail maintenance. There are numerous conservation programs that receive donations.
You can also use your voice to promote sustainable hiking by encouraging others to follow principles such as Leave No Trace. Or contribute to organisations that provide hiking opportunities to those with less access to Hong Kong’s natural environment so that everyone can play a part in enjoying nature and caring for her.
The next time you hike, take it upon yourself to be a steward of Hong Kong’s environment. It doesn’t take much. Some love, compassion, curiosity and generosity with your time and energy, and you are well on your way to being kinder to nature.
Other resources:
Prepare and plan your hike: https://www.trailwatch.hk/blog/723
Leave No Trace: https://www.trailwatch.hk/blog/623
Inclusive hiking: https://www.trailwatch.hk/blog/752
Greener bus routes: https://www.gettingahead.hk/hk-bus-routes/?lang=en