A wearable environmental monitoring device monitors a traveler's environment for objects stored in a database. The device includes a camera and a microcontroller. The microcontroller scans images recorded by the camera in real time and compares it to images stored in a database of objects or dangerous objects. A dangerous object may also be scanned for using a remote computer having a more extensive database of dangerous objects, such as sex offenders and violent criminals. Dangerous objects may also include animals such as panthers or other dangerous object. The camera may be facing toward the reader of the wearer to monitor persons and objects outside the wearer's field of view. The device also measures the distance, direction and velocity of the traveler and generates a return trip guide allowing a traveler to retrace his or her path to avoid becoming lost.