Trash on the Trail

Authors

  • Kia P. Piñero College of Fisheries and Marine Sciences, Zamboanga State College of Marine Sciences and Technology, Zamboanga City, 7000, Philippines Author

DOI:

https://doi.org/10.64591/8xsgqk94

Keywords:

Trail litter, Environmental impact, Responsible hiking

Abstract

This essay discusses the growing issue of litter left behind by hikers on trails, which poses serious environmental, ecological, and aesthetic consequences. Plastic waste pollutes soil and water, endangers wildlife, and degrades natural beauty. Drawing from global and local examples—including Mount Banahaw and Boracay—the essay emphasizes the need for hiker education, responsible habits, and active support from park authorities to preserve nature. Promoting a “Leave No Trace” mindset, combined with community and government efforts, is essential to protect hiking trails and ecosystems for future generations.

References

Daniel Rodriguez. (2025, May 7). Environmental impact of littering: Consequences and solutions. Promsearch.

https://promsearch.com/environment/environmental-impact-of-littering-consequences-and-solutions/

Environmental Literacy Council. (n.d.). How does litter harm the environment?

https://enviroliteracy.org/how-does-litter-harm-the-environment/

Live to Plant. (2025, March 24). The importance of responsible hiking: Managing your trail debris.

https://livetoplant.com/the-importance-of-responsible-hiking-managing-your-trail-debris/

Mt. Banahaw. (2025). In PinoyMountaineer.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mount_Banahaw

Reddit user. (2023). First time in the Philippines (Palawan). Shocked by the amount of waste burning! Reddit.

https://www.reddit.com/r/Palawan/comments/11iyls5/

Self. (2022, June 8). Leave no trace: The 7 principles.

https://www.self.com/story/leave-no-trace-principles

Time. (2018, May 16). Boracay islanders feel the pinch as the resort faces closure. Time.

https://time.com/5262455/thood

Woodland Elysium. (n.d.). Litter pollution and its effects on woodland ecosystems.

https://woodlandelysium.com/articles/litter-pollution-woodland-ecosystems/

trash

Downloads

Published

06/11/2025

Issue

Vol. 1 No. 1 (2025): Trash on the Trail

Section

Articles

License

Copyright (c) 2025 STOCK KNOWLEDGE GAZETTE

Creative Commons License

This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

How to Cite

Trash on the Trail. (2025). STOCK KNOWLEDGE GAZETTE, 1(1). https://doi.org/10.64591/8xsgqk94