Dirt in the shoes #6
- Vivi & António
- Mar 21, 2024
- 1 min read
Did you know that our shoes can impact biodiversity when we travel to other places or countries?
Soil, mud, and debris stuck to shoes can contain seeds, spores, diseases or small organisms from one ecosystem. When carried into a new area, these can introduce invasive species that outcompete native plants or animals, disrupting the balance of the ecosystem and reducing biodiversity. The wild flora and/or fauna are not adapted nor immune ready to deal with those new "visitors".
The same applies to clothing, backpacks or materials used during hikes or visits.
Practising good trail etiquette, cleaning your shoes and materials before entering different environments, and sticking to regulations to prevent the spread of invasive species can help minimise the harmful effects on biodiversity.
You may think this is too much, but look where we are…
You've been cool'd!
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