Manners for the Great Outdoors
Manners are not just for indoor activities, but for all parts of our lives.
Remember that manners are not just for indoor activities, but for all parts of our lives. Just because you might be dressed casually, it doesn’t obviate the need to treat the world and others around you in a respectful way. So here are a few quick and dirty tips for some of those fun outdoor activities.
If you’re going to the beach, be prepared with what you want to take with you (food, water, sunscreen, a towel, a good book, an umbrella, your summer crush, etc.), but also be prepared to take all of your trash away when you leave. This might require an extra garbage bag or container, so plan ahead for that, especially if you’re going to a remote beach without trash receptacles.
When going to a more populous beach, try to find a nice spot that’s not right on top of someone else’s blanket. If it requires a little stroll on your part, then enjoy a little extra exercise. If you have a particularly rambunctious crew with you, you might also be conscious of those beachgoers who are enjoying a quiet time reading and relaxing, and situate yourself somewhere where you won’t be disturbing others’ restful times.
When you walk along the beach and lay down your blanket, be aware of the wind direction and try not to stir up sand that could get blown in other beachgoers’ faces. When you do get settled, enjoy yourself at the beach, but don’t assume that others share all of your interests, so use headphones to listen to music, and if you smoke, make sure no one is directly downwind of you (and of course if you do smoke, take all cigarette butts and any matches with you when you leave). When you do head home, make sure to collect all of your refuse, and leave the beach the way you found it.
If you’re on a hike, the same “take out what you brought in” principle applies, so make sure never to leave any refuse along the trail. Remember that you’ll need to pack whatever food and water you’ll need along the way, and also bring any garbage back out when you return.
In general, you should keep to the marked hiking trails; trails are not only for the enjoyment and safety of the hikers, but also to protect the natural environment from excessive disruption. If you have a dog, you should make sure that dogs are allowed on the trail before bringing your pet along. Generally, dogs are required to be on leash during a hike, so find out what the rules are before you go.
When you’re hiking and pass others along the trail, it’s generally polite to say a quick “hello” to those you pass. You might also share information on any hazards, trail confusion or great sights to see ahead for your fellow hikers. If the trail is narrow, find a safe point along the side of the trail to let the other hikers pass in either direction. Be careful not to stir up too much dust or rubble if you’re hiking just ahead of someone, and warn below you if you’ve accidentally kicked up stones or debris. When hiking with others close behind you, make sure to hold any branches you’ve moved out of the way, so they don’t smack someone else in the face. Finally, consider making a small donation to the park or nature preserve that maintains the trail — you’ve had the chance to enjoy it, so why not help preserve it if it’s within your means?
We’ll address some additional outdoor topics in future episodes. In the meantime, here’s hoping you have plenty of opportunity to enjoy the great outdoors, and thank you for listening to Modern Manners Guy’s Quick and Dirty Tips for a More Polite Life.
Transcripts of this show can be found online at manners.quickanddirtytips.com.
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