Waste in the mountains The right way to deal with waste in nature!
Being outside - whether hiking, cycling or simply going for a walk - means freedom, fresh air and enjoying unspoiled landscapes. But to keep it that way, we need to help. Unfortunately, far too much waste still ends up in forests, on mountain pastures and along paths. It's not that difficult to make a big contribution with a little mindfulness.
Thank you for...
...always take your waste down into the valley and leave nothing behind in nature.
Every little scrap counts. Whether it's tissues, banana peel or plastic packaging - everything you bring with you should be taken back home or to the nearest waste station.
... dispose of your waste correctly - in the garbage cans provided.
When we dispose of waste properly, we prevent harmful substances such as heavy metals and hazardous chemicals from entering the soil or water. In the best case scenario, the waste is disposed of properly, recycled and does not end up in nature.
... use a reusable box for your snack instead of plastic bags.
With a lunch box and a drinking bottle, you can easily avoid the waste caused by single-use plastic. Packaging that is only used once and then thrown away contributes significantly to environmental pollution. Forgot to pack? No problem - you can get your own Schladming-Dachstein lunch box and water bottle at our information offices. So you are always well equipped!
... transport your cigarette butts to the nearest garbage can.
Small but powerful: a cigarette filter can contaminate up to 40 liters of groundwater and takes around 5 years to decompose completely. But that's not all: cigarette butts are a serious problem for wildlife. Birds and other animals can ingest them, leading to poisoning and injury. A little more mindfulness when disposing of them can make a huge difference!
... take the packaging from muesli bars or energy gels back home with you.
Small packaging such as that of muesli bars or snacks made from gels may seem inconspicuous, but they are often made from materials that do not degrade for centuries. Again, put them in your bag - the little bit of extra weight is easy to carry.
Did you know that?
🚬 Cigarette butts: take around 5 years to decompose and can contaminate up to 40 liters of groundwater. They consist of hazardous substances such as tar, nicotine and acetates, which are extremely harmful to nature.
🍌 Banana peels: Even though they appear "natural", banana peels take 1 to 2 years to fully decompose - and can therefore disturb the soil and other plants.
🥫 Tin cans: only decompose after 500 years. Due to their sharp edges, they also pose a danger to animals, which can injure themselves on them.
🧴 Plastic bottles: only decompose after 450 years. During this long period, plasticizers and microplastics get into the soil and water, which can lead to enormous environmental pollution.
🍾 Glass bottles: do not decompose at all! Glass can last for thousands of years in nature, affecting the natural beauty and health of our landscapes. But the advantage: glass is 100% recyclable and can always be reused!
Common goal:
Use and protect nature!
With small changes in behavior, we can all help to preserve our nature and maintain the beauty of our mountains, forests, lakes and meadows. Our generation is responsible for what we leave behind - for ourselves, for the animals and for future generations.
A clean hiking trail is not only a pleasure for us, but also a sanctuary for the animals that live there and a legacy for the people who come after us. It is our common goal to protect and preserve nature - every step and every small decision counts.
Thank you for actively helping to respect and preserve our environment!
