Since off-road trips take place in natural areas, drivers and their companions should carry out practices to mitigate environmental impact. Below we share some tips to do so.

Green Tips for Off-Road Trip Adventurers:

1) Properly Select the Off-Road Path for Minimal Environmental Impact

Do research about dirt or gravel roads and trails designated for driving and where environmental impact would be minimal. You may consult off-road trip guides with adequate experience and who care about conserving the environment.

Update your past research findings right before your off-road trip to verify if the natural surroundings’ status has changed in order to find out if the spot is still suitable for driving.

If you cannot see from far away the conditions of a particular road or trail that you encounter while driving on the path and you are not driving along with an off-road trip guide, it is recommendable to first walk such road or trail to check its conditions for environmental conservation and safety reasons.

Plan the off-road trip based on the above.

2) Avoid Loud Noises

Both your car and you should not be noisy. For example, do not cause unnecessary vehicle accelerations. Do not turn on loud music, and keep low-volume conversations while at the outdoors. Loud noises can frighten animals in the natural area, and this could affect their behavior.

3) Do Not Leave Vehicles on Bodies of Water

During the off-road trip, you may drive near bodies of water such as rivers or streams. Do not park your car intentionally on bodies of water in order to prevent their contamination and harm to underwater animals.

4) Do Not Dump Garbage in the Natural Area

Put all solid waste in a bag and dispose of your trash after the trip. You may buy a reusable garbage-disposal bag.

5) Leave Animals and Plants at their Natural Habitat

Enjoy looking at the natural surroundings but do not take any fauna or flora back home.

If you minimize your ecological footprint, you help conserve the natural areas, animals, and plants you like exploring. So keep an eco-friendly drive and exploration.

Translated by N. Michelle Rodríguez Amadeo