Green Your Hike -- Provisions

Minimize the environmental impact of midsummer hikes with this week's tips.

Tip #4: Pack light, eat well. Packing the right food for a long hike can be tricky proposition for the eco-minded: Opt for convenience, and you might end up with excess packaging. Bring poorly-balanced or too-heavy provisions, and you'll lag on the trail. What's a green hiker to do? Start with these two steps, and you'll be on your way to a lighter footprint.

Bulk it up: Whenever possible, avoid individually-wrapped foods. You will likely remove the extra packaging before hitting the trail (every ounce counts!), so look for foods packaged in multiple servings and then portion them out in reusable bags.

Try organic: If organic food isn't part of your regular diet because of cost or limited access, the occasional trek is a great opportunity to give it a go. After all, your shopping list will already be packed with unusual items. Can't afford to go all out? Even a few staples grown with greener practices (MaryJane's Outpost has an extensive selection) can make a difference.

Share your tips: Tell us about your favorite fuels for hiking and backpacking. How do you save money on supplies?