THE SUBARU/LEAVE NO TRACE TRAVELING TRAINER PROGRAM

Currently in its 12th year, the Subaru/Leave No Trace Traveling Trainers, 2 teams of professional outdoor educators, have reached over 10 million people in 48 states with Leave No Trace education and training.

Monday, August 22, 2011

Principle Blog Series: Part 3 of 7 Dispose of Waste Properly


Dispose of Waste Properly is the 3rd of 7 Leave No Trace Principles.  Pack it in, pack it out is a common phrase in the outdoor world that easily conveys the gist of this principle. Our kid-friendly version of this principle gets the point across in a different light: Trash Your Trash!

 Did you know that in the average environments, a fruit peel takes approximately two years to biodegrade! Another impact associated with leaving peels behind is the wildlife impact. Animals that get a taste for human food run the risk of becoming habituated and losing their fear of humans or displaying aggressive behaviors toward humans. Problem animals, especially bears, sometimes need to be removed from an area or worse euthanized. Disposing of waste properly involves more than packing out your food waste.

Consider these points when disposing of waste properly:


  • Deposit solid human waste in catholes dug 6 to 8 inches deep at least 200 feet from water, camp, and trails. Cover and disguise the cathole when finished.
  • Pack out toilet paper and hygiene products.
  • To wash yourself or your dishes, carry water 200 feet away from streams or lakes and use small amounts of biodegradable soap. Scatter strained dishwater.


For more information about Dispose of Waste Properly, CLICK HERE.

Expore Responsibly...Kate and Tracy

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