Vagueness

Is it possible that the 7 Principles of Leave No Trace too vague to be effective? 

I have encountered this question repeatedly.  I tend to respond with if "the rules" were specific then they wouldn't be able to apply regardless of where we are. 

It seems easier to follow clear cut guidelines, however it is also important to to use your own knowledge and to willingly care for our environment.  Removing personal responsibility is a dangerous edge to walk on. 

Ethic

What is an ethic?  Behaviors association with an Ethic is based on what is morally right or wrong.  Illustrating good ethics is always important for humans as individuals.  However even the small scale behaviors associated carry no less important - especially in our outside world. 


Think of how a place changes over the course of time.  Below you will find satellite pictures of my hometown first in 2006 and again in 2009.  Look at the differences.