A checklist for SUSTAINABILITY

 
  • Transportation to and from the start and finish – use public transport or carpool.

If you can, take public transport by train or bus to/from the start and finish. If not, try to use a carpool. Maybe another participant is starting almost at the same time as you? Besides being a more climate and environmentally friendly way to travel, it might also lead to new, wonderful acquaintances! 
 

  • Equipment – primarily use what you have, or rent or borrow.

Think first about what you already have – and choose carefully what you pack in your backpack or sled. Rent or perhaps borrow. Remember that we have clothes on Earth that are enough for six (6!) generations ahead – how can you contribute to reduced consumption?
 

  • The journey – be considerate and leave no trace other than beautiful memories.

Take great and obvious care for the landscapes you move through, as well as for the animals and people you encounter along the way. The greater the consideration and care, the larger the experience! You should leave no other traces than possibly footprints or ski tracks, and leave a rest area in at least as clean and nice condition as when you arrived. (And of course, the snuff pouch or cigarette butt goes with you to be thrown in a bin, NOT in nature!)

You can either burn toilet paper (with caution, of course, not if the ground is dry!), or use a small shovel to bury it together with your waste. Alternatively, throw it away and take it with you in a trash bag. And of course, you never use wet wipes as toilet paper; they contain plastic and do not decompose! 
 

  • Reindeer and reindeer husbandry – keep your distance and be considerate.

The Sámi are Sweden’s indigenous people, and reindeer husbandry is an integral part of the mountain landscape. Reindeer are sensitive to disturbances, especially in spring and early summer. Therefore, always let the reindeer be. If you encounter reindeer, take a wide detour or sit down and wait until they move. Avoid snowfields where reindeer may seek shelter from heat and insects. And always keep your dog on a leash in areas where there may be reindeer; a loose dog can disturb and harm both the reindeer and the reindeer husbandry. 
 

  • Food – support local businesses.

Buy as much as you can along the way! You don’t need to send all your food and other supplies in advance; you can easily find most of what you need in many towns along the mountain range. This way, you avoid extra transport and also support small, local businesses in the mountain communities. It is also allowed, for example, to take a bus or hitch a ride to a store, as long as you return to the same point to continue your journey.
 

  • Right of public access - "Allemansrätten"
And of course - always have the Swedish Right of public access ("Allemansrätten") in mind when you are out in the Swedish nature!