Re: [Paddlewise] NOLS research paper on Human Waste

The paper wasn't very conclusive at all.  Mostly it said there was a lack of
research specific to wilderness waste consideration, and what was suggested
was we should carry on as we have read in outdoor guides.  "There is no
definite study on whether pathogens retain their infectivity while in sea
water."  This sounds like something a beginning biology student could
determine, so why hasn't this been studied?

For some reason, I feel hostile towards those who advocate we should always
be packing out our poop.  Perhaps it is the righteous fever of the "leave no
trace" advocacy that makes me annoyed.  Certainly, there are many places
where it is appropriately recommended, like glacial or alpine areas, or
heavily-trafficked rivers.  I also believe that people should always pack out
(used) toilet paper, even when burying it, since often becomes "revealed." 
However, if my sense tells me the impact of my waste is negligible
(aesthetically and environmentally), I wouldn't hesitate.

As for packing out urine using crystals, urine is sterile, so why must one
transport it out?  Maybe one plans to drink it later, or should we be making
Jello with it?  Do "leave no trace" advocates sell lots of (useless?) gear on
the side?

- Elias

--- Mary Zuschlag <mzuschlag_at_attbi.com> wrote:
> This is a good research paper on the problems and solutions related to
> human
> waste in wildland areas.  They briefly discuss marine issues.  Scroll down
> to the bottom of the page and click on the adobe reader article.
> http://research.nols.edu/humanwaste.html
> 
> NOLS did much of the early work on leave no trace camping. -- MZ
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