Environmental initiatives of geocaching

At Geocaching HQ, we are committed to the environment and continue to model eco-friendly practices and positively contribute to our world. The best progress towards this goal happens when the geocaching community and HQ work together. From EarthCaches and Geoawares to partnering with environmental agencies, here are six initiatives HQ participates in to geocache, live, and work more sustainably.

EarthCaches
EarthCaches provide opportunities to learn geological lessons and visit awe-inspiring geological locations. Visitors see how our planet is shaped by geological processes, how we manage its resources, and how scientists gather evidence. EarthCaches are an earth science lesson and the cache page includes logging tasks that can only be learned at that location.

Geoawares
There wouldn’t be EarthCaches without Geoawares! Geoawares are dedicated EarthCache reviewers who facilitate this cache type so that geocachers can enjoy EarthCaches all over the world. They are community volunteers with scientific backgrounds who work with EarthCache owners to develop the best submissions possible.

Relationships with environmental agencies
Local geocaching communities create relationships with park departments and land management agencies to encourage thoughtful geocache hiding, environmental awareness, and of course geocaching! These partnerships introduce geocachers to national parks, public lands, and other local natural resources. In return, geocachers partner with these agencies to work on projects to improve the environment.

CITO (Cache In Trash Out®)
CITO is an environmental initiative supported by the geocaching community. Since 2002, CITO helped preserve the natural beauty of cache-friendly spaces. In that time, more than 363,000 people have volunteered at 18,000 events. Plus, geocachers earn special souvenirs when they attend CITO events during CITO season.

Geocaching HQ Partnerships
Geocaching HQ partners with like-minded brands around the world to spread the word about geocaching, give away trackables, and empower story-worthy moments. Organizations like ecokeepers help kids get outside and explore their world, while Mountain Warehouse keeps you outfitted so you can make the most of the outdoors. Keep an eye out for upcoming Geocaching partnerships here.

Geocaching HQ Green Team
Last year, a group of Lackeys at Geocaching HQ came together and formed the Geocaching HQ Green Team—a committee dedicated to making the office more environmentally responsible. Some initiatives include transitioning to rechargeable batteries, making double-sided printing our default, and adding paper towel compost bins in the restrooms.

How are you going green? Share some of your own sustainability tips with the rest of the community in the comments and let us know how you geocache and live with the earth in mind!