Outdoorsy

Digital Leave No Trace: Why What You Post Online Matters More Than You Think

Madeleine Season 1 Episode 26

In this bonus episode of Outdoorsy, I'm diving into an often-overlooked aspect of Leave No Trace: Your online footprint.

We know the basics of LNT—stay on trail, pack it out, don’t feed wildlife—but what happens when the rules get broken online? From viral meadow-frolicking videos to misleading photo ops, I'm breaking down the real-world impact of what we post on social media, even if our intentions are good. 

In this episode, you’ll learn:

  • Why posting a "harmless" photo can lead to long-term ecological damage
  • How even one human footprint can take 50+ years to heal in alpine tundra
  • What to consider before you hit "share" on that gorgeous wildflower shot
  • Ways to model ethical behavior online without sacrificing beauty or creativity

Whether you're an influencer, a casual hiker, or someone who just loves posting pics from your national park visits, this episode is ultimately designed to help you make more thoughtful choices.

 🔗 Bonus content: Check out our past episodes on Leave No Trace and Geotagging Ethics.