To be in the backcountry is a privilege. It is a good feeling to give back to the forest, not just to take. Encountering the presence of others by seeing a dirty campsite, garbage or broken branches is unfair to those who use the trail after you, and to the forest itself. At campsites, do not remove dead branches or cut down small dead trees, as these have a place in the ecosystem. Keep fires small.
Stoves are excellent for cooking on canoe trips.
It unsafe to drink untreated water due to the potential presence of giardia parasites and e-coli bacteria. Human's also pose a threat to water quality, and need to properly dispose of their excrement. Proper water treatment is important to one's health. When on a remote trip, the health of each individual is a group issue. Wash dishes and hands in a dishbowl on land.