Ancient Cultures Were Better at Sustainability Than We Are. Here’s How
When we talk about outdoor sustainability, we often turn to modern innovations like solar panels, biodegradable gear and carbon off-set programs. But long before our trail apps and reusable water bottles, ancient cultures thrived in the wild, not just learning how to survive—but also how to live in harmony with the natural world. Out of respect or sheer necessity, they lived within the principles of simplicity and resourcefulness.
In a conversation with Simon Fraser University’s archaeology professor Dr. Laurie Darcus, we explore how our ancestors lived sustainably and what that means for outdoor enthusiasts today.
Living With the Land, Not on It
“Ancient cultures really had no choice, did they?” says Darcus. She explains how our earliest ancestors like Homo erectus, adapted to hash outdoor conditions by seeking out rock shelters and shallow caves—not just to stay dry, but to protect themselves from predators. When human-made fire entered the picture, it marked a turning point in human survival. Evidence of clothing, made usually of animal skin and woven grasses, barks and fibrous plants also points to the resourcefulness of early humans.
What we can learn: Plan before you head out. Study your environment like early humans did—know about native plants, potential food or even how to make a natural shelter in case of an emergency.
Example: The Bactria–Margiana Archaeological Complex (BMAC)
According to archaeological evidence, the BMAC was a resourceful, agricultural society that lived in modern-day southern Central Asia. One of the many survival skills we can learn from this culture is the channelling of natural water sources into drinkable water. Back then, the region was at risk of droughts (which is probably the reason for its eventual disappearance) and people relied on glacier-fed rivers to water their crops and drink from.
Archaeologists discovered large water basins along with canals dug out that show evidence of water purification. Although the exact details of the methods used by those people is hard to pinpoint, it’s interesting to discover how such primitive societies relying on natural resources came to discover how to create drinking water. Some believe that filtration methods included using sand or soil to allow bacteria and particles to get trapped, forming drinkable water!
Tools of the Trade
While stone tools have endured the test of time (literally), our ancestors likely used a variety of materials: bone, wood, even rope. Choppers, scrapers and early blades were used not only for hunting but for cracking open nuts, crushing grains or breaking bones to extract nutrient-rich marrow. And no, not everything was a success. “I’m absolutely sure that people ate things and then died,” says Darcus, “because that is the only way to know something was poisonous.”
What we can learn: Experimentation is still key, but research is your safest tool. Before you forage on a hike, get familiar with local flora. Use books or apps to identify edible plants—but always double-check. “Do your homework before you go,” says Darcus. And if you’re trying new outdoor gear or food alternatives (like dried meats or preserved berries), look for those made in sustainable, culturally respectful ways.
Example: Ancient China
Beginning from the Sui Dynasty (589-618 BCE), perfumery and odour became significant in the social life and the perception of individuals. Deodorant was made of natural elements such as lime, frankincense, cloves, sweet gum and birthwort which was stuffed into small bags and slug under the arms. For bad breath, people chewed on cloves.
Sustainable Mindsets Start Small
“Ancient people lived very simply with only what they needed, and I think that’s the key to our future,” says Darcus.
Ancient communities had no room—literally or ecologically—for overconsumption. “I think the ‘how do we balance it now’ is a question of respect. It’s about keeping life a little bit more simple. We are a very consuming society in the West.” Today, this philosophy is echoed in movements like permaculture and traditional Indigenous land stewardship.
What can we do: When camping, skiing or trekking—take only what you’ll use. Follow Leave No Trace Principles and leave every space better than you found it. Don’t over-buy gear in order to avoid carbon emission and landfill waste around the world. Darcus also advises looking for meats that are made in a holistic and respectful way.
Example: Ancient Australia
It was discovered that songlines (or dreaming tracks) were used to navigate routes by Indigenous Australians. As an animistic belief system, songlines are thought to mark the path along with “creator-beings” during the Dreaming. These paths are recorded typically in songs and sometimes even in stories, dance and paintings.
How it works is simple: you repeat the words of the song which essentially describes different landmarks and natural locations that will come in your way. Sometimes, creator-beings are thought to leave a mark, such as a footprint, along the way to assist travellers. This technique was used to traverse short and long distances, sometimes even across the continent. Sometimes, parts of the songs were even in different languages, differentiating the land of various language groups. In this case, individuals would discern certain areas by listening to the melody of the song and comparing it to the textual landscape.
Ancient cultures remind us that sustainability isn’t just a trend nowadays—it’s a mindset and a way of life. From stone tools to seasonal hunting to ethical foraging, the ways of the past can still be valuable for anyone who ventures into the outdoors today. By looking back, we can move forward—more intentionally, more sustainably and with a renewed perspective of the land beneath our boots.
There’s so much more to learn from other cultures—both ancient and current, so visit a library, speak with an expert or do your own research. Comment Below with how you can apply ancient knowledge from different cultures to your outdoor adventures.
