Litter!!!

JohnG said:

Have just completed my first Camino and am pleased to report that it exceeded all my expectations, I now understand why people do it again and again and again.

There is one thing though that took me totally by surprise, in a less than pleasant way, and that is the amount of litter on and around the path, sadly for almost its entire length.

More numerous than yellow arrows, and just as visible. On the track, beside the track, near the track, behind every tree, around every bend, mound, bush, fence post in fact in every ‘squattable’ location a Kleenex also marking the way of this world heritage walk.

Both my wife and daughter, along with many, many of their gender manage their toilette without littering the countryside so why is it that so many, apparently responsible walkers in every other way, think that this is somehow OK.

Not only that, in some sort of ‘group think’ they give permission to all who follow to do exactly the same. They may not travel that way again but please, can they give a thought to everyone else.

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Al the optimist said:

You could clean up as far as Orisson Pat!

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eagleak said:

....There needs to be code for all pilgrims to be mindful and care for the Camino......

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charlesx said:

"Pack out what you pack in."

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wayfarer said:

From many previous posts on the subject this seems to be an age old problem. I saw plenty of it in 2012 and 2013. Rebekah Scott, Tyrrek and many others organise clean up operations along the Camino every year which is a great thing to do. Hopefully I will be able to join in this at some stage, its on the list.

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eagleak said:

To John G. Excellent point! There needs to be code for all pilgrims to be mindful and care for the Camino. I walked in 2012 and found this be my Irk. In Sept I depart to walk my 2nd Camino and was hoping this would be better maybe yes more ten likely maybe no.

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gwdelmar said:

Now, do I hear more pledges ?

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falcon269 said:

You probably can get a pledge from everyone in the Forum. I will give mine. However, you are in the presence of a nearly insignificant percent of the pilgrims who will walk, so the impact on the litter/sewage will not be large. Still, I commend the sentiment.

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eagleak said:

Luka, where are you at or what leg of the Camino did you complete today?

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JohnG said:

Have just completed my first Camino and am pleased to report that it exceeded all my expectations, I now understand why people do it again and again and again.

There is one thing though that took me totally by surprise, in a less than pleasant way, and that is the amount of litter on and around the path, sadly for almost its entire length.

More numerous than yellow arrows, and just as visible. On the track, beside the track, near the track, behind every tree, around every bend, mound, bush, fence post in fact in every ‘squattable’ location a Kleenex also marking the way of this world heritage walk.

Both my wife and daughter, along with many, many of their gender manage their toilette without littering the countryside so why is it that so many, apparently responsible walkers in every other way, think that this is somehow OK.

Not only that, in some sort of ‘group think’ they give permission to all who follow to do exactly the same. They may not travel that way again but please, can they give a thought to everyone else.

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Luka said:

I started in León and finish tomorrow in Sarria (am in Triacastella now). I came from the VdlP, so many things have shocked me already ;-)

Today I passed by a house where they sold forestfruits on little plastic trays. Three pilgrims before me buyed a tray (like I did myself). After finishing half of it I decided to walk on (as they had done) and ate the rest as I walked. A little bit further on I found three trays on the path and in the bushes next to it. I collected them and held the four (mine included) in my hand till the next garbage bin. I passed the three fellow pilgrims and they must have seen the plastic trays in my hand, but they acted like nothing had happened...

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falcon269 said:

However, you are in the presence of a nearly insignificant percent of the pilgrims who will walk, so the impact on the litter/sewage will not be large. Still, I commend the sentiment.

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Kanga said:

We can also spread the word. Raise the issue at shared pilgrim meals and whenever you get the chance - especially women to women. Show and tell! Ziplock plastic bag and small square of washable fabric. On my next Camino I'm carrying extra to give away.
And debunk the myth that toilet paper is "biodegradable" and therefore OK.

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