Somewhere along a popular trail, there is a hill that the locals call la colline rose. The pink hill sounds lovely until you realise the mount got its name because hikers and backpackers have disgraced it with a vast amount of toilet paper.

Let's do better business!

During recent years improper human waste disposal has become not only an eyesore, but an ever growing problem at our most beautiful places. Open defecation can pollute the environment and cause health problems. We all pee and poop, and we all have the responsibility to take care of it. With regards for our fellow roamers, the wildlife and the trail, let us do business the right way.

If you don't already have one, make yourself a small shit kit that fits into a ziploc bag. Calculate the amount of toilet paper you need for the trip and then double the quantity. Toilet paper doesn't weigh much and you don't want to run out. Thin recycled toilet paper brakes down faster than the extra fluffy puffy perfumed bath tissue. In addition you will need hand sanitizer or soap, a digging tool and compostable dog poop bags for carrying things out.

Whenever you feel the urge, find a spot 50+ steps away from any water source, campsite, shelter or the trail. Take a sturdy stick, backpacking trowel or lightweight tent stake and dig a 10-15 cm (4-6") deep hole. If you don’t have the time because you are in urgent need for a bathroom break, you can always dig a hole after the fact.
Relax, enjoy the scenery and do your thing. Use toilet paper sparingly. Cover everything with a bit of soil. Take a stick and mix it all together – pee, poop, toilet paper and soil. Don't be grossed out. Stirring it up will help the microbes to break everything down faster. Don't just hide it under a rock. Bury it well.
Disguise the site with native materials. On highly frequented sites, mark your toilet spot with an X made of branches.

Studies show that proper buried toilet paper decomposes within 1-3 years, except in areas with particularly cold, rocky or dry ground.

Consider packing out all of your used toilet paper if the terrain is less than ideal. A tablespoon of baking or washing soda inside a dog poop bag acts as a disinfectant and makes packing out a whole lot easier.

If you are more of the adventurous type, a snow ball, fresh maple leaves, smooth rocks and moss are great substitutes for toilet paper. You could also try a bottle bidet or a pee rag instead.

Don't bury or throw away tampons, sanitary napkins, wet wipes, baby wipes, diapers and face masks. They are made from a mix of cellulose, cotton and plastic and do not decompose. If you packed them in, you should be prepared to pack them out.

Thank you!

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