I leave no trace

How can I reduce my impact on nature when I go to the mountains and visit alpine huts? I try to leave no trace! In addition to taking my own waste home during hikes, I can also use a handy bag to collect the litter left behind by other people. And furthermore…

I wash myself… without polluting!

Alpine huts rarely have sewage pipes that lead to a treatment plant; instead, there are other disposal systems. Usually, near the hut there are “tanks” (pits or wells) where solids are separated from liquids. Liquids are dispersed into the ground, while solids are retained and, depending on the location, either treated on site or transported down to the valley.

Think about this when you are at high altitude:

use low-impact soaps and shampoos! These substances end up in the soakaway pit and, since they are dissolved in water, they spread into the surrounding environment.

I’ll do it clean!

Even when we are in nature, we sometimes need to… relieve ourselves. In this case, it’s best to adopt respectful behaviours—both for the environment we are in and for the people who will come after us.

Follow these simple instructions:

1. Find a place away from the path and waterways (rivers, streams,...)
2. Dig a hole or move a rock
3. Relieve yourself freely
4. Use only toilet paper (not tissues, paper towels, or wet wipes)
5. Use a bag to take your waste home
6. Cover the hole or place a rock on top

Do not burn the toilet paper—you could cause a fire!

If you need a reminder… the “I leave no trace” kit can help you remember these respectful practices!

The kit contains:

1 cotton bag for all uses:

take home your own waste or that left by other people (but also to carry your packed lunch, collect natural delicacies like mushrooms, or treasures like precious stones...)

1 bar of soap “I wash myself… without polluting!”

environmentally friendly to avoid water pollution from inappropriate products.

1 illustrated envelope “ I’ll do it clean!”

containing toilet paper and two plastic bags to take your waste home.

Download

In addition to what’s included in the kit, we recommend bringing enough toilet paper and paying attention to other hygiene products (e.g., toothpaste)!

Where to find it?

The “I leave no trace” kit is distributed by project partners during awareness-raising activities or can be purchased in support of the Montagne Pulite project.