Toilet Paper

[MarciaWhitney]

Since I did the Camino twelve years ago, there have been some improvements. Unfortunately, I have been dismayed at the amount of toilet paper left behind large bushes and even rest areas. I don't want to sound cranky, but I don't think it is too much for pilgrims to just stuff used toilet paper in a plastic bag and carry it until they are able to properly dispose of it. Fortunately, most of the toilet paper is not visible from the path itself, but I would think the Way would inspire us to be more sensitive to our environment. I am sure it is just a very small percentage of the pilgrims who litter and probably not any that follow this Forum. I guess I just had to express my disappointment with some pilgrims. Marcia from Chicago

 

[Anniesantiago]

Do a search on this topic and you will find long threads, my own included. It's my biggest pet peeve on the Camino. Women are, sadly, disgusting, when they are not in their own front yard.

 

[CaminoKris2013]

Since I did the Camino twelve years ago, there have been some improvements. Unfortunately, I have been dismayed at the amount of toilet paper left behind large bushes and even rest areas. I don't want to sound cranky, but I don't think it is too much for pilgrims to just stuff used toilet paper in a plastic bag and carry it until they are able to properly dispose of it. Fortunately, most of the toilet paper is not visible from the path itself, but I would think the Way would inspire us to be more sensitive to our environment. I am sure it is just a very small percentage of the pilgrims who litter and probably not any that follow this Forum. I guess I just had to express my disappointment with some pilgrims. Marcia from Chicago

I agree! Something I saw today in the dollar store was a pack of 75 little disposable diaper bags ( fresh outside scent). Debating on whether this would be overkill for me.

I personally am looking to use available facilities whenever I walk thru a village. I do have a small travel size TP I got thru Rei, and bring a few baggies.

It is one thing to leave our biological waste, but the remnants of other waste shows a certain disrespect to our host countries.


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

 

[petitewalker]

This is the only issue I have about waiting till September to walk. I suspect the TP really accumulates over the summer when herds of Pilgims walk. Let's hope no one on this Forum litters along the way. When I hiked in NZ 6 years ago, everything was carry in/carry out or dig deep holes to bury personal waste, and I don't recall ever seeing any personal waste.

 

[jeffnd]

When I walked this March and April, the only place I remember seeing used TP was on top of the hill by Castrojeriz. Other than that, I don't recall any.

Slightly off-topic, but still relevant, if you are a pilgrim that doesn't have to worry about going
out in nature, I would still recommend bringing a roll along with you. I encountered many a bar with no TP in the bathroom. Also no soap or hand towels. So you'll want to bring some Purell along as well.

While I was walking, I made a Facebook post saying that if I died, I didn't want a monument of stone or metal, instead, I wanted a series of port-a-johns placed in certain locations in my honor!

 

[koilife]

Something I carry with me whenever backpacking . . . http://www.qiwiz.net/trowels.html

Light enough not to care about, and nothing says respect for other pilgrims like a proper cathole.

 

[gwdelmar]

I agree! Something I saw today in the dollar store was a pack of 75 little disposable diaper bags ( fresh outside scent). Debating on whether this would be overkill for me.

I personally am looking to use available facilities whenever I walk thru a village. I do have a small travel size TP I got thru Rei, and bring a few baggies.

It is one thing to leave our biological waste, but the remnants of other waste shows a certain disrespect to our host countries.


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

I also agree, it's common sense to be considerate and respectful to others. My wife and I will be doing our part to take the necessary steps to cooperate with the environment, and be considerate to others. I'm sure most in this forum agree.
Btw, CaminoKris, we are probably neighbors, as I see your location as Bradenton. We are in Sarasota, and will be walking in Sept. from SJPP

 

[CaminoKris2013]

I also agree, it's common sense to be considerate and respectful to others. My wife and I will be doing our part to take the necessary steps to cooperate with the environment, and be considerate to others. I'm sure most in this forum agree.
Btw, CaminoKris, we are probably neighbors, as I see your location as Bradenton. We are in Sarasota, and will be walking in Sept. from SJPP

Are you petitewalker's husband?

If when I return to the US in August, like to get together, let me know!

Kris


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

 

[gwdelmar]

Are you petitewalker's husband?

If when I return to the US in August, like to get together, let me know!

Kris


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

No, I just noticed she is from Sarasota. So, there are few of us from the area. We'll have to get together at some point to share stories. When are you doing The Camino ? We are leaving at the end of August, to start the beginning of Sept.

George

 

[CaminoKris2013]

I leave tomorrow to Germany, then to Spain where I start walking next Tuesday!

Do you know Jane and Dennis B from Sarasota?

Definitely need start our own little Camino group,

Kris


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

 

[petitewalker]

No, I just noticed she is from Sarasota. So, there are few of us from the area. We'll have to get together at some point to share stories. When are you doing The Camino ? We are leaving at the end of August, to start the beginning of Sept.

George

Hey George, I'm petitewalker and my husband and I are actually from Osprey (I tell people we are from Sarasota so they know where that is). We are leaving for our Camino on September 9th and starting our walk from SJPP on the 12th.

 

[petitewalker]

I leave tomorrow to Germany, then to Spain where I start walking next Tuesday!

Do you know Jane and Dennis B from Sarasota?

Definitely need start our own little Camino group,

Kris


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

Kris,
Safe flight tomorrow and " Buen Camino". So excited for you. Touch base when you get back. I'm heading up to upstate NY next week for the summer and will take off for our Camino from there. But I agree. Let's get together when we all get back.
Linda

 

[gerardcarey]

It's very communal stuff, TP.
Pilgrims don't like the fact that it hangs about in groups.
And that it's lazy. Lies about doing nothing.
Making the place look untidy.
But, to be fair, it is very private.
It does likes to hide away.
Like behind big blackberry bushes, that's a favourite place to hide.
'Out of sight, out of mind' it tries to be.
But does it get any thanks?
No it doesn't. It just gets complaints.
It just wants to lie there and degrade, without bothering anybody.
But these pilgrims.
They just have to come and hunt it out and complain.
Give TP a break.
That's what I reckon.

Regds
Gerard

 

[gwdelmar]

I leave tomorrow to Germany, then to Spain where I start walking next Tuesday!

Do you know Jane and Dennis B from Sarasota?

Definitely need start our own little Camino group,

Kris


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

So you must be doing final preparations for your trip. Best wishes in your trip tomorrow , and in your journey. You must be excited for the trip. We are leaving at the end of August, and I can't wait ! It would had been great to meet before your trip, but we'll definitely plan to meet when you come back.
Regarding Jane and Dennis B, I have no knowledge of them. Are they here in the forum ? Are they also doing The Camino ? I just communicated with petitewalker. I'm surprised to learn of some other people from the area also doing The Camino. That's great ! I'll have to get in the forum more often.

Again, best wishes, be safe, and BUEN CAMINO !!!

George

 

[bystander]

How right and how true, Gerard
It tries to be kind
It tries to be gentle
It tries to be a friend in need
And all you can do is tell it go and get lost.

 

[CaminoKris2013]

So you must be doing final preparations for your trip. Best wishes in your trip tomorrow , and in your journey. You must be excited for the trip. We are leaving at the end of August, and I can't wait ! It would had been great to meet before your trip, but we'll definitely plan to meet when you come back.
Regarding Jane and Dennis B, I have no knowledge of them. Are they here in the forum ? Are they also doing The Camino ? I just communicated with petitewalker. I'm surprised to learn of some other people from the area also doing The Camino. That's great ! I'll have to get in the forum more often.

Again, best wishes, be safe, and BUEN CAMINO !!!

George

Hi George. J&D did the Camino back in 2012, I believe. It was thru this forum that we met. She wrote one of the first books about the Camino called Women of the Camino. Nice couple.


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

 

[tploomis]

I know two women who can do a quick squat behind a bush and do not need toilet paper to wipe up. I wish more women would experiment with this. If the toilet paper is absolutely essential, certainly carry it with you (a small, sealable plastic bag should be adequate). However, the Camino will be what it is, and I try not to be overly focused on the residuals of other people's inconsideration.

 

[gwdelmar]

Hi George. J&D did the Camino back in 2012, I believe. It was thru this forum that we met. She wrote one of the first books about the Camino called Women of the Camino. Nice couple.


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

That's very nice. We will all have to meet after we all come back, and share stories.

 

[mralisn]

In June '12, I counted something like 32 "tissue-spots" in 30 kms.

In threads one can find here, a great suggestion is to bring a baggie of some sort to place tissue if go #1. Pack the tissue out.

Also, we should remember to buy something at the bar if we are going to ask to use the facilities. Many are shocked to get turned away if not a paying customer.

Whatever the choice, let us remember we are not the only ones out there. We are all in this together.

 

[MichelleNichols]

I'm on the Camino now and saddened at the amount of TP along the path and in the bushes.
Ladies, please join me and learn to get over your city habits and "go" without TP. Humans existed for millenniums without it. You can do it! (pardon the pun.)
PS Don't forget, you'll probably have a hot shower that night.

 

[Sandy Martyn]

Martha, I just finished walking from SJPDP to Santiago and wanted to post on this exact topic. A small ziplock bag, kept in my back pocket during the day (nothing else) and emptied that night at the Albergue worked perfectly. Will other pilgrims help is get the word out?? Thank you all. Sandy

 

[quadgirl]

Good points, all! I think I will carry some of those lightweight bags people around here use to clean up after dogs while going on walks. Then, just dispose as you said at the Albergue. I have been fretting over such details as my start date arrives! I begin June 4th from SJPP. Glad I read this. Buen Camino, all!

 

[grayland]

Unfortunately, the people on the forum are a very small percentage of the pilgrims walking.
You are pretty much preaching to the choir here. Forum members, for the most part, are aware of the problem and are very unlikely to be offenders.

Not much hope of reaching the majority from around the world.

 

[petitewalker]

Unfortunately, the people on the forum are a very small percentage of the pilgrims walking.
You are pretty much preaching to the choir here. Forum members, for the most part, are aware of the problem and are very unlikely to be offenders.

Not much hope of reaching the majority from around the world.

 

[petitewalker]

 

[Kanga]

We need a project to get posters up in albergues. Someone to sponsor handouts of ziplock plastic bags? With a small square of reusable, washable cloth perhaps.

 

[mralisn]

I had shared an idea a while back about how it might help to have the Pilgrim's Office (or other "main" starts) suggest/encourage/have available for purchase something like the little bag idea. Perhaps that would be a start.

 

[Thomas1962]

I totally agree with the fact that it is important for anyone to leave no waste at all on any place. I would support any campaign to raise awareness on this issue.
At the same time I also would like to address this issue to the local authorities or individuals. More and more people walk the camino, so more money is earned and at the same time the pressure on natural resources becomes an issue, like the issue we discuss here. To start more public toilet facilities on the casino would be a way to take off this pressure. Especially on long stretches without villages and bars.
Haven't walked the frances, but don't remember any public toilet on the camino's I walked.
Most of the time it needs different measures from everyone involved to solve a rising problem.

 

[CaminoKris2013]

I totally agree with the fact that it is important for anyone to leave no waste at all on any place. I would support any campaign to raise awareness on this issue.
At the same time I also would like to address this issue to the local authorities or individuals. More and more people walk the camino, so more money is earned and at the same time the pressure on natural resources becomes an issue, like the issue we discuss here. To start more public toilet facilities on the casino would be a way to take off this pressure. Especially on long stretches without villages and bars.
Haven't walked the frances, but don't remember any public toilet on the camino's I walked.
Most of the time it needs different measures from everyone involved to solve a rising problem.

Love the auto spellings...I think that"casinos" try to maintain their facilities...they don't want their "pilgrims" leaving for sites with facilities!



Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

 

[Kanga]

. To start more public toilet facilities on the casino would be a way to take off this pressure. Especially on long stretches without villages and bars.
Haven't walked the frances, but don't remember any public toilet on the camino's I walked.
Most of the time it needs different measures from everyone involved to solve a rising problem.

I recall a village on the slopes of the Sierra del Perdon tried some portaloo toilets; people treated them like rubbish bins, stuffing plastic bags and other non degrading material into them and pilgrims kept using them anyway until disgusting sewerage mixture was flowing out the doors....
Toilets aren't just a matter of capital expenditure. They need regular cleaning and maintenance. The villages along the Camino don't have a lot of money.
And even the Australian Eco-long drop toilets used in the bush only work if people use them properly; i.e. only compostable natural products.
I think this is a matter of education - pilgrims should clean up after themselves.

 

[petitewalker]

I had shared an idea a while back about how it might help to have the Pilgrim's Office (or other "main" starts) suggest/encourage/have available for purchase something like the little bag idea. Perhaps that would be a start.

Agree, maybe even a small brochure handout that goes with the Pilgrims passport explaining the need to leave no trace. It's all about education. I'm sure most people never give it a thought till they get out there and find the need to go. Here in the US we have little stations in parks where doggies bags are available for dog walkers. Perhaps that would be much more economical than freestanding toilets.

 

[dougfitz]

To start more public toilet facilities on the casino would be a way to take off this pressure. Especially on long stretches without villages and bars.
Haven't walked the frances, but don't remember any public toilet on the camino's I walked.
Most of the time it needs different measures from everyone involved to solve a rising problem.

Like @Kanga, I am not convinced that there is the social and economic infrastructure to properly support public toilets away from villages and towns. It would make extraordinary demands on the villages and towns to maintain such remote facilities, even if they are built with low maintenance in mind.

My own view is that there are few long stretches that cannot be prepared for by using a toilet in the town or village at the start, or waiting till the end. I equally know that it is an unrealistic expectation - life is never that simple when it comes to toilet matters. But putting a public toilet in the middle of nowhere, and expecting the people of some town or village to maintain it is equally problematic.

Regards,

 

[Tia Valeria]

Yes Doug,this topic was discussed some time back with the only solution being maybe the 'long-drop' - ie a deep hole (flies don't go down more than about 3 metres) with a seat and minimal shelter/privacy (3 walls a door and no roof??) Someone still has to dig it and then when it is full dig the next and infill the old one with the diggings from the new. Grand for fertilser in a few years, but who will maintain such a system?? However no true maintenance needed and no water for flushing, no paper etc;just a good deep neat hole in the ground.........although we could tell some stories about 'long-drops'

 

[celtictrekker]

Since I did the Camino twelve years ago, there have been some improvements. Unfortunately, I have been dismayed at the amount of toilet paper left behind large bushes and even rest areas. I don't want to sound cranky, but I don't think it is too much for pilgrims to just stuff used toilet paper in a plastic bag and carry it until they are able to properly dispose of it. Fortunately, most of the toilet paper is not visible from the path itself, but I would think the Way would inspire us to be more sensitive to our environment. I am sure it is just a very small percentage of the pilgrims who litter and probably not any that follow this Forum. I guess I just had to express my disappointment with some pilgrims. Marcia from Chicago

In June '12, I counted something like 32 "tissue-spots" in 30 kms.

In threads one can find here, a great suggestion is to bring a baggie of some sort to place tissue if go #1. Pack the tissue out.

Also, we should remember to buy something at the bar if we are going to ask to use the facilities. Many are shocked to get turned away if not a paying customer.

Whatever the choice, let us remember we are not the only ones out there. We are all in this together.

Very true words. If you stick to them ya can't go wrong!

 

[celtictrekker]

I totally agree with the fact that it is important for anyone to leave no waste at all on any place. I would support any campaign to raise awareness on this issue.
At the same time I also would like to address this issue to the local authorities or individuals. More and more people walk the camino, so more money is earned and at the same time the pressure on natural resources becomes an issue, like the issue we discuss here. To start more public toilet facilities on the casino would be a way to take off this pressure. Especially on long stretches without villages and bars.
Haven't walked the frances, but don't remember any public toilet on the camino's I walked.
Most of the time it needs different measures from everyone involved to solve a rising problem.

them damn casinos!

 

[Olivia Luna]

I agree! Something I saw today in the dollar store was a pack of 75 little disposable diaper bags ( fresh outside scent). Debating on whether this would be overkill for me.

I personally am looking to use available facilities whenever I walk thru a village. I do have a small travel size TP I got thru Rei, and bring a few baggies.

It is one thing to leave our biological waste, but the remnants of other waste shows a certain disrespect to our host countries.


Sent from my iPhone using Camino de Santiago Forum

I Have rolls of doggie bags that I purchase at a pet store. They come in an array of colors and in small tight rolls. I can envision multiple uses for them in addition to holding waste paper if needed. I have dog so I buy these anyway. However, once I realized I could use them on the camino, I felt quite clever

 

[OzAnnie]

We need a project to get posters up in albergues.

I agree with Kanga. Education. There are a lot of people who walk the camino and don't read the English forum. Possible a picture in alburgues, hostels;
Say -of toilet /tissue paper left on the way! with a big red X through it...
Some minimal wording to express that if you can't wait until you reach the next servicios, carry your paper out in sealed lock bag (if wet) or if the other sort, to dispose of it thoroughly.

 

[annakappa]

We need a project to get posters up in albergues. .

Kanga, I think that the only way to get this through to people, would be to have printed a large very explicit photo that someone posted on this forum a couple of years ago! It was disgusting

I agree with Kanga. Education. There are a lot of people who walk the camino and don't read the English forum.
View attachment 10186

This sentence, Annie, should read: MOST people who walk the Camino don't read the English forum!
Because, percentage wise, very few people who walk the Camino read this forum! Anne

 

[whariwharangi]

Perhaps a small paragraph on credentials, and perhaps requiring that it is initialed as read, asking that pilgrims carry used toilet paper with them in a ziploc till it can be properly disposed.

 

[Kanga]

It is education. I met and walked with a couple of lovely Australian girls a few years ago on the Le Puy route. They had been told at one of the gîtes that it was OK to leave spots of toilet paper because it was biodegradable..... They hadn't considered how long it takes to degrade and the effect of thousands of people all leaving toilet paper, possibly because there were no other signs of toilet paper along the Le Puy. French walkers must be pretty environmentally conscious. I haven't been on that route for a few years - I hope it is still pristine.

 

[koilife]

However no true maintenance needed and no water for flushing, no paper etc;just a good deep neat hole in the ground.........although we could tell some stories about 'long-drops'

Has anyone seen my cell phone? I thought I had it with me.

 

[Icacos]

Has anyone seen my cell phone? I thought I had it with me.

I knew it wouldn't be long before we veered off in this direction.

 

[OzAnnie]

 

[Tia Valeria]

Has anyone seen my cell phone? I thought I had it with me.

No, but I know where there is a tiny wooden spinning top.

 

[saltwaterpearl]

I know two women who can do a quick squat behind a bush and do not need toilet paper to wipe up. I wish more women would experiment with this. If the toilet paper is absolutely essential, certainly carry it with you (a small, sealable plastic bag should be adequate). However, the Camino will be what it is, and I try not to be overly focused on the residuals of other people's inconsideration.

Fellow peregrinas, this is actually a useful tip before an extended hike. Get vigorously waxed. The payoff in general hygiene and ease of wild peeing and lessened concern about TP issues is totally worth it.

 

[petitewalker]

Fellow peregrinas, this is actually a useful tip before an extended hike. Get vigorously waxed. The payoff in general hygiene and ease of wild peeing and lessened concern about TP issues is totally worth it.

Ouch!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[fraluchi]

Unfortunately, the people on the forum are a very small percentage of the pilgrims walking.
You are pretty much preaching to the choir here. Forum members, for the most part, are aware of the problem and are very unlikely to be offenders. Not much hope of reaching the majority from around the world.

Message to be recalled!

 

[Debra Andrew]

Since I did the Camino twelve years ago, there have been some improvements. Unfortunately, I have been dismayed at the amount of toilet paper left behind large bushes and even rest areas. I don't want to sound cranky, but I don't think it is too much for pilgrims to just stuff used toilet paper in a plastic bag and carry it until they are able to properly dispose of it. Fortunately, most of the toilet paper is not visible from the path itself, but I would think the Way would inspire us to be more sensitive to our environment. I am sure it is just a very small percentage of the pilgrims who litter and probably not any that follow this Forum. I guess I just had to express my disappointment with some pilgrims. Marcia from Chicago

In Australia we have to pick up our dog poop in the street. I have yet to walk the Camino and I think it is an honour to do so, so why would you want to leave your mess there doesn't seem right. A little plastic bag is not going to add extra weight. I know I will be carrying a few bags just in case