National Park Week is a nationwide celebration of America’s incredible landscapes, ecosystems, and outdoor heritage. Each April, millions of people flock to national parks to connect with nature, honor our public lands, and enjoy the open air. This year, on April 19, the National Park Service offered free admission to all national parks, encouraging both seasoned adventurers and first-time visitors to explore these treasured spaces.
But with increased foot traffic comes increased impact. More people means more waste, more trail erosion, and a greater chance of disturbing delicate wildlife habitats. That’s why it’s more important than ever to focus on sustainable behaviors—and why innovative waste solutions like the LFC biodigester play a crucial role in keeping parks clean.
Do Your Part: Simple Ways to Protect Our Parks During National Park Week
Here’s how you can reduce your environmental footprint during your next visit:
🥾 Practice Leave No Trace Principles
Leave No Trace isn’t just a suggestion—it’s a commitment to preserving the natural integrity of wild places. This includes planning ahead, minimizing campfire impacts, and packing out everything you bring in.
🌿 Stay on Trails
Wandering off a trail may seem harmless, but it can cause long term damage to fragile plant life and contribute to soil erosion. Stick to designated paths to protect both the ecosystem and yourself.
🦌 Respect Wildlife
Keep a safe distance from animals, never feed them, and use binoculars or zoom lenses for photos. Feeding wildlife can disrupt their natural behaviors and create dependency on human food sources.
🗑️ Dispose of Waste Properly – and Consider a Food Waste Digester
Here’s where it gets real. One of the biggest challenges in busy parks and lodges is waste management, especially when it comes to food waste. Disposing of garbage improperly can attract animals, spread disease, and degrade the natural environment. Even a single bag of corn chips can disrupt the entire ecosystem of a National Park.
That’s why some park-adjacent lodges and facilities—like the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge in Alaska—are turning to sustainable technology like the Power Knot LFC biodigester. Installed in 2021, the LFC-200 biodigester at their King Salmon Restaurant turns leftover food waste into grey water in less than 24 hours. That means:
- No more food scraps ending up in landfills
- Fewer greenhouse gas emissions
- Cleaner grounds around the park
- Safer, healthier conditions for wildlife and visitors alike
The Bigger Picture: Eco-Hospitality Meets Conservation
The LFC biodigester isn’t just a piece of kitchen equipment—it’s part of a bigger movement toward sustainable tourism and conservation. Facilities near national parks have a unique responsibility to protect the land they’re built on, and the LFC allows them to operate responsibly without sacrificing guest experience.
By supporting eco-friendly businesses, choosing sustainable accommodations, and following simple environmental guidelines, you become a steward of our parks. Not just during National Park Week—but all year round.
As you plan your next adventure, remember: the smallest choices—like packing out trash or staying on a trail—can have a massive impact. Whether you’re hiking through Denali or visiting your nearest park, you can help keep these beautiful places wild, clean, and thriving.
And if you’re staying in a lodge or resort during your visit, ask: Do they use a food waste solution like the LFC biodigester? It’s a simple way to know they’re doing their part too.