How to Poop in the Woods

Yes, there’s a right and a wrong way to do it! Badly buried human waste is one of the most common types of pollution found in the wilderness. The right way: find a spot with soft soil if possible 200 feet from water sources, campsites, and trails. Dig the hole at least 6” deep, setting the dirt to the side to cover your business afterwards. Place all used toilet paper in a zip-close plastic bag and pack it out with you. Pour a little water into the hole and stir with a stick. This simple step dramatically speeds up the decomposing process. Fill the hole with dirt. That’s it! For women hikers who must wipe after peeing, buy a Kula cloth https://kulacloth.com/. It’s a small colorful cloth with antimicrobial fabric on one side and waterproof fabric on the other, that snaps to the backpack for easy access.

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Three Ways to Grow Green Kids