by Eric Fies, Leave No Trace Master Educator
It was Woodsy Owl for me, but perhaps it was the image of a crying Native American that made you stop and think about litter for the first time. Whatever it was, from that point forward most of you did not need a sign at the trailhead saying, “pack it in, pack it out,” to refrain from leaving your trash in the field. For some others, though, it may have required the threat of monetary fines or criminal charges to make them “give a hoot.” Yet, despite it all, it is only on rare occasion that you find a trail or campsite that is truly pristine and free of human debris.
Leave No Trace Principle #3 is “Dispose of Waste Properly” and, like the other principles, is closely related to your mastery of Principle #1, “Plan Ahead and Prepare.” You can reduce so much waste by carefully planning meals and removing unnecessary commercial packaging. Pack your food in sealable bags whenever possible; you can use these to separate portions and premix ingredients to help make those one-pot meals easy. These bags can be washed and reused for future trips, and are great to collect other litter to pack out.
When it is time to wash the dishes, carry your dishwater 200 feet (about 70 adult steps) from sources of water and use small amounts of biodegradable detergent. Strain dishwater through a bandana or sock and pack out the bits of leftover food to keep from attracting wildlife. Scatter the now-strained water in a large area to best disperse the food smells and other attractants.
Human waste is something we all have in common. Though it makes many of us uncomfortable to talk about, proper disposal of our waste is essential to avoiding pollution, minimizing the spread of disease, and keeping others from making an unpleasant discovery. ‘Holding it in’ is rarely a good option and can have serious medical implications over time. Likewise, you have to maintain proper nutrition and hydration to truly enjoy nature and achieve all your trail objectives. So, for nearly every hiker, dealing with (your) human waste is inevitable. Here are some suggestions on how to ‘leave no trace’:
# 1. Urine has little effect on vegetation and soil, but can attract wildlife that may dig up soil and defoliate plants. Urinate on rocks, pine needles, or gravel and, when possible, dilute urine with water from your water bottle to minimize effects. Be conscious of sources of water, possible campsites, and places where someone may sit to take a break.
# 2. You should always check with local land managers for specific rules and regulations, but with very few exceptions, properly burying feces is effective and appropriate. Carry a small garden trowel with your group and, when nature calls, find an inconspicuous spot at least 200 feet from water, trails, and camps for construction of your cat-hole. Where possible, select a site that is exposed to the sun to help decomposition and kill pathogens. Using the trowel, dig a hole 6-8 inches deep and 4-6 inches in diameter. Sparingly use plain, white, non-perfumed toilet paper…or opt for Bigfoot Brand ‘natural’ toilet papers, such as stones, vegetation (of the non-poisonous variety!), or snow. To best Leave No Trace, go natural or pack out your used toilet paper (and feminine hygiene products) in a plastic bag. When finished, fill the cat-hole with the original dirt and disguise the area with native materials.
If you lead groups into the backcountry, especially if participants have little or no experience with ‘roughing it,’ it is always best to discuss this subject before you start your journey. Help dispel any ill-conceived notions, reinforce Leave No Trace Principles and the importance of personal hygiene, establish a group privacy standard (e.g. if the trowel is “checked-out”, the bathroom is occupied, so do not wander from the group), and discuss what to do if someone gets lost (trying too hard to find privacy). You may get snickers and giggles from some (if not most), but I guarantee they will all be listening. Once on the trail, make a mental note of those that have and have not used the ‘facilities,’ and be prepared to have conversations with those that aren’t keeping up with their ins and outs.
Seeing litter in the wilderness is sad and unnecessary, but stepping on (or sitting in) someone’s waste will certainly leave you feeling angry and disgusted. Doing the right thing is easy, and makes for a far more enjoyable experience for everyone. Being a Leave No Trace practitioner is about embracing the stewardship of our natural world. It is the holistic care and consideration of all things. Explore Responsibly!
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Note: The member-driven Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics teaches people how to enjoy the outdoors responsibly. Any copyrighted information has been reprinted with permission from the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org