Plant-Powered & Trash-Free: Zero-Waste Vegan Hiking
If you like hiking, here are a few simple tips to leave no trace, plus details on reusable travel mugs and waterproof vegan hiking boots!
If out walking, always follow the Countryside Code to keep dogs, barnyard friends and wildlife safe. Keep dogs away from steep banks, mushrooms, toxic flowers and trees. At the coast, read how to keep dogs safe by the seaside.
Read our post on humane dog training, to keep dogs under control near sheep (if in doubt, don’t walk nearby).
Put dogs on leads on Open Access land (a legal requirement between 1 March and 31 July). This is for your dog’s safety too, as farmers can legally shoot dogs that worry sheep.
Report farm animal concerns first to farmers with a friendly word. If no joy, call RSPCA (or Crimestoppers (anonymous).
- Never leave litter (not even fruit peels or nut shells as they take a long time to break down). Don’t light fires or barbecues and if you smoke, use a personal ashtray to immediately extinguishe cigarettes.
- Choose biodegradable non-scented beauty/cleaning/laundry products (use at least 70 adult steps away from streams, lakes and rivers). Same for going to the loo!
- Follow the Countryside Code to keep all creatures safe (it’s the law to keep dogs on leads on Open Access land from 1 March and 31 July). Keep them away from high peaks (Nearly Uphill has safety tips). At the coast, keep dogs away from nesting birds and sand dunes (learn how to keep dogs safe by the seaside (check beach bans before travel).
- Sheep on their backs (due to pregnancy or rain-soaked wool) will die if nobody uprights them, due to fermenting grass, as they can’t right themselves. To help, grab a handful of wool on the sheep’s side and gently roll it away from you, to right it back up. Then stay with it, until the sheep recovers and rain has drained off the wool.
- Report farm animal concerns to farmers with a friendly work. If no joy, call RSPCA or Crimestoppers (anonymous).
If you see a sheep on its back (due to pregnancy or rain-soaked wool), grab a handful of wool on the sheep’s side and gently roll it away from you (to right it back up (simple video). Then stay with it, until the sheep recovers and rain has drained off the wool. Sheep stomachs will ferment grass even when upside down, and this puts pressure on the lungs and heart, so they will die if nobody helps them get back upright.
Circular & Co Reusable Travel Mugs
Circular & Co Reusable Travel Mug is the ideal zero waste swap, for a daily commute or if you use a coffee shop for your morning brew. Made from 90% post-consumer recycled stainless steel, this durable mug is thermally insulated to keep drinks hot for 6 hours or cold for 12 hours.
Sold with a 2-year guarantee (though designed to last 10 years), it’s sold in two sizes, and easily recycled, at end of use. The mug is designed with a sip lid for easy drinking from any angle, and has an easy one-hand opening. Perfect for life on the go! Dishwasher-safe (do not microwave).
Use code SUSTVEG15 for 15% off
Read our interview with Circular & Co!
Both size cups (8oz or 12oz) are designed to fit most barista machines (you’ll likely get a discount too!) and the trust-lock lid helps it to stay safe in your bag without leaks. Available in many colours. You can also buy spare lids, should you lose or break yours.
NHS says that pregnant/nursing women should have no more than 1 cup of coffee/tea/cola daily (most coffee shop drinks are higher in caffeine, so it’s likely safer to choose decaff).
Why choose reusable travel mugs?
Disposable travel mugs and coffee cups are made from paper (which uses up trees). And nearly all of them are lined with plastic, which means they are very difficult to recycle, due to mixed materials. This leads billions of coffee cups to be littered worldwide.
If you visit a coffee cup for your morning brew, nearly all coffee shops now offer discounts for people bringing their own cup, and this saves you money.
Not litter coffee cups also is safer for wildlife. To prevent them getting their heads stuck (often attracted by sweet caramel liquids).
Vegan waterproof hiking boots
V.GAN Waterproof vegan hiking boots are the ideal sustainable swap, if you like climbing England’s mountains or going on walking trails. These boots are top-quality, easy to clean and will last for years.
Ethically made in Tunisia, the uppers are scuff-resistsant and the boots themselves are fully waterproof, with sealed seams, a bellows tongue and a special breathable membrane.
The Vibram rubber injection outsole has been designed for grip, traction and stability. And the footbed is super comfortable. Also in black.
Use this discount code for automatic £10 off orders.
Why choose vegan hiking boots?
Hiking boots should be good quality to feel comfortable and avoid blisters (and also waterproof to protect from England’s changeable weather).
But conventional leather is not always a by-product of meat. And most brands are made in the Far East, which has few or no animal welfare laws. Plus the leather-tanning industry is polluting to both planet and people.
Instead, choosing quality vegan boots is a better choice. These are made from quality microfibers (not plastic!) so let your feet breeathe. They are easy to clean with a damp cloth (to remove oil stains, just apply a little baking soda to absorb). Remove stubborn stains with a zero waste cotton bud dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Dry wet boots in the shade (avoid direct sun or heat).
