Three of North Carolina’s Best Hiking

Based in Morganton, North Carolina, Vicki Poitinger is a graduate of Brenau University where she earned an MBA and an associate of applied science degree in electronics engineering. Vicki Poitinger is engaged in property improvement, apartment management, and land sales. In her spare time, Ms. Poitinger enjoys hiking.

North Carolina features numerous picturesque hiking areas. Here are three of the state’s most popular hiking trails.

1. Croatan National Forest Trails
Spanning 31 miles, the Croatan National Forest Trails take hikers through a range of environments including coastal forest and tidal marsh depending on the trail chosen. The Neusiok Trail provides the longest backpacking trek on the state’s coastline.

2. Grandfather Mountain
Situated 70 miles from Asheville, this hiking area features 11 trails that are accessible at any time of the year. This popular hiking spot is comprised of nature trails and challenging backcountry treks located within Grandfather Mountain State Park.

3. Appalachian Trail
A 2,180-mile long hiking route, the Appalachian Trail stretches from Georgia to Maine and features some of the state’s most stunning views. Popular sections of the trail to hike include Lovers Leap Loop and Max Patch.

Higher Collection Rates Key to Making Packaging More Eco-Friendly

A former SAP instructor at Continental Teves, Vicki Poitinger also volunteered with the Burke Literacy Council. Among her other interests, Vicki Poitinger is committed to following the latest environmental concerns.

A recent study compared the effects of reusable packaging and single-use packing on the environment. Conducted by Reloop and Zero Waste Europe, in association with the University of Utrecht, the study assessed how different forms of packaging, such as reusable and single-use glass bottles, impact the environment. In part, this involved tracking the types of packaging from initial production through to when they are no longer useful.

The study observed that the way in which packing materials are transported has the biggest impact on the environment. The study also found that reusable bottles produced the least carbon emissions which are 85 percent fewer than single-use bottles. Accordingly, the CEO of Reloop, Clarissa Morawski, called for the creation and passage of new legislation to compel packaging manufacturers to significantly improve collection rates through such programs as deposit systems.