Is the thought of going to the toilet outdoors enough to put you off camping?
It’s a valid concern for both sexes. If you live to 78 years old you’ll spend 92 days in total on the toilet and men spend four more minutes on the toilet than women daily.
Here’s what to do when nature calls and you’re miles from indoor plumbing.
Consider the environment and ‘leave no trace’
When there’s no toilets around, there are two options for dealing with a number two – you can dig a hole and bury it or you can take it away with you.
Finding human waste or toilet paper at a campsite is never okay – even if it’s in a plastic bag. So follow these simple rules for how to dig a hole and bury it safely:
1. Choose a spot at least 200 feet away (that’s about 70 adult steps) from water, trails, and campsites near thick underbrush, decaying logs or anywhere others aren’t likely to find it. Choose a sunny spot because heat speeds up decomposition.
2. Dig a hole six to eight inches deep (15 to 20cm) and four to six inches (10 to 15cm) in diameter. Always bring a small shovel or trowel as part of your essential camping gear.
3. Fill in the hole, cover it over with soil and hide it with ground material.
Another option is to use a compostable BioBag and take it to the nearest composting long-drop toilet if there is one nearby.
Don’t get poo on your shoe
To make the process much more comfortable, BioBag has introduced a BioToi with certified compostable bags.
BioBag World Australia Director Scott Morton says the seat is sturdy and supports up to 125kg – a major hit with campers all around the world.
“It doesn’t make sense to put organic waste into a plastic bag that takes hundreds of years to break down, or degradable bags that leave microplastics behind,” Scott said.
“BioBags are the only type of bags that break down safely into organic matter with no microplastics or toxic residues left behind, so they’re safe to bury with the contents.”
Why is a BioBag better than a plastic or degradable bag?
BioBags are made from compostable polymers that leave no toxic residues behind, says BioBag World Australia Director Scott Morton. “Be aware of misleading ‘degradable’ and ‘biodegradable’ plastic bags.”
“A BioBag doesn’t need to be heated to high temperatures to break down. If it doesn’t make it into a compost bin or organics bin, a BioBag will still break down anywhere there’s oxygen and micro-organisms, whereas plastic will live on and enter the eco-system for hundreds of years,” Scott said.
BioBag’s BioToi is available here on our website: https://biobagworld.com.au/product/biotoi-with-bags/
Sources: Go Camping Australia, Trail Space, Department of Conservation NZ
