Disc golf is a sport that connects players to nature, often played in beautiful parks, forests, and green spaces. As stewards of these environments, it’s essential for the disc golf community to play responsibly and sustainably. By adopting green practices, we can help preserve courses, protect wildlife, and ensure that disc golf remains an eco-friendly sport for generations to come. Here’s a guide on how to play green and keep courses clean.

1. Pack In, Pack Out: Leave No Trace

One of the simplest yet most impactful actions disc golfers can take is to leave no trace. This means packing out everything you bring with you, including food wrappers, water bottles, and other trash. Courses often lack adequate waste disposal facilities, so it’s up to players to keep the environment clean.

Tips for Packing In and Packing Out:

• Bring a Trash Bag: Carry a small bag in your disc golf bag to collect your trash during your round.
• Pick Up Litter: If you see litter on the course, take a moment to pick it up. A little effort goes a long way in keeping the course clean for everyone.
• Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Opt for reusable water bottles and snack containers to reduce waste.

2. Respect the Natural Environment

Disc golf courses often wind through delicate ecosystems with diverse plant and animal life. Respecting these environments helps preserve the natural beauty and integrity of the course.

Ways to Respect the Environment:

• Stay on the Fairways: Avoid trampling through vegetation, which can damage plant life and disrupt habitats. Stick to designated paths and fairways.
• Don’t Disturb Wildlife: Courses are home to various animals. Keep your distance from wildlife, and avoid loud noises that can scare or stress animals.
• Avoid Altering the Course: Don’t break branches, move rocks, or alter the natural environment to improve your shot. Courses are designed with nature in mind, and altering them can cause long-term damage.

3. Use Eco-Friendly Gear

From recycled plastic discs to biodegradable towels, there are many eco-friendly gear options available to disc golfers. Choosing products made from sustainable materials supports environmentally conscious companies and helps reduce your carbon footprint.

Eco-Friendly Gear Suggestions:

• Recycled Plastic Discs: Some disc manufacturers, like MVP and Innova, offer discs made from recycled plastics, reducing waste and conserving resources.
• Biodegradable Towels: Instead of synthetic towels, opt for biodegradable or natural fiber towels that are kinder to the environment.
• Reusable Gear: Invest in durable, reusable gear like stainless steel water bottles and sturdy disc golf bags to minimize waste from disposable products.

4. Carpool or Bike to the Course

Transportation is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions. Reducing your carbon footprint by carpooling with friends or biking to the course is a great way to make your disc golf outings more sustainable.

Green Transportation Tips:

• Carpool with Friends: Share a ride with other players to reduce emissions and enjoy some pre-round camaraderie.
• Bike to the Course: If you live near a course, biking is a healthy and eco-friendly way to get to your round. Many courses have bike racks for secure storage.
• Use Public Transit: Check if your local courses are accessible by bus or train, making it easy to travel sustainably.

5. Participate in Course Clean-Ups

Many disc golf clubs and organizations host regular course clean-up events to maintain and beautify courses. These events are not only great for the environment but also foster a sense of community among players.

How to Get Involved:

• Join a Local Club: Many disc golf clubs organize clean-up days, tree planting, and maintenance events. It’s a great way to give back and meet fellow disc golfers.
• Organize Your Own Clean-Up: Rally your friends or league members for a clean-up day. Bring gloves, trash bags, and a positive attitude to make a difference.
• Volunteer with Park Departments: Many disc golf courses are located in public parks that rely on volunteers for upkeep. Contact your local parks department to see how you can help.

6. Advocate for Sustainable Course Design

Sustainable course design minimizes environmental impact and enhances the natural landscape. Advocating for eco-friendly designs that incorporate minimal clearing, natural tee pads, and water-saving measures can help keep courses green.

Sustainable Course Design Principles:

• Minimal Land Alteration: Courses should work with the natural landscape, requiring minimal tree removal or land grading.
• Natural Tee Pads: Instead of concrete, consider gravel or natural tee pads that blend with the environment and reduce runoff.
• Water Conservation: Advocate for courses that utilize native plants requiring little to no irrigation, preserving local water resources.

Final Thoughts: Play Green, Play Responsibly

Playing disc golf sustainably is all about making small, conscious choices that collectively have a big impact. By adopting eco-friendly habits, respecting nature, and participating in community efforts, disc golfers can help preserve the courses we love for future generations. Remember, disc golf is more than just a game—it’s a way to connect with nature and each other. Let’s work together to keep our courses clean and green.

Visit our Austin Superstore or shop online at Disc Nation for eco-friendly gear and to learn more about how you can make your disc golf game more sustainable. Together, we can make a positive impact!