StatCounter

Tuesday, March 13, 2018

Travel Trash



One of the unreported issues with travel is taking out the trash. It can be an issue. Okay, for some people it's no problem. They toss their junk out on the side of the road or behind their campsite. Pretty disgusting, in my opinion.

For the rest of us, we have to deal with the trash we generate. Of course, the best way to limit the trash problem is avoid items with a lot of packaging in the first place. That's nice when you can do it. Another way is to bring along canvas bags for your groceries. I don't care if people think it's dorky. It reduces plastic litter and those canvas bags have a thousand other uses.

Even the most environmentally conscious people are going to generate at least some trash. It seems every campground has a different way of disposing of it. Many have a few central dumpsters and you have to learn where they are. Others have smaller barrels scattered all over the place. One campground even had daily pick up right from your site. The presence of bears makes a difference too, as trash in bear country has to be locked down. Usually their dumpsters are well latched and there are bear proof trash cans around.

We've even been camping places that have no trash containers at all. They seem to have the worse littering problems.

One way to keep trash from piling up while traveling is to use the trash containers at gas stations when fueling up. Even small items add up over time, so dumping that handful of junk when you can makes a difference.

Recycling is another thing entirely. We've noticed a lot of places don't deal with it. My lovely wife and I will hold onto our recyclables until we come to a place that recycles. We've been keeping them in a sealed bucket so they don't attract bugs.

There are two types of people out there. One group is concerned about the common good and takes care of public spaces. Others feel that common areas aren't their personal space so it doesn't matter what happens to it. I feel that those who litter probably have other personal faults, like a general disregard for their fellow man.

-Sixbears

15 comments:

  1. To anyone considering the lifestyle, make sure you don't mind dealing with toilet waste!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. As they say in the kid's book *Everybody poops.

      Delete
  2. I believe your last statement to be 100% correct.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Me three, if everyone does their part, much more good in the world.

      Delete
    2. A little awareness and concern goes a long way.

      Delete
  3. One method we always use , is to remove the original packaging and put it into zip lock bags. Don't throw them away ! Wash them and reuse. Tho you do need to get the heavy duty freezer type.
    When plenty of water is available, rinse the residue from cans and they'll not get stinky so fast. Have a means to crush and compact all trash.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I used to do a lot of backpacking. Would leave as much packaging behind in the trash as possible. Hauled back the rest.

      It would drive me nuts how they had no difficulty hauling in the full package, but it was too much trouble to haul out the empty wrappers or cans.

      Delete
  4. My kids were taught to never throw anything not edible out the window. They've taught their kids the same. When camping we always make sure to keep our campsite clean. I think the throwing of trash out on the road began with fast food.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. There was a study where they found trash was worse about a 20 minute drive away from fast food places. People eat the food while driving and toss the trash on the road.

      A clean campsite helps keep the bears away, so that's another incentive!

      Delete
  5. I try to minimize trash when camping. A lot of campgrounds have aluminum glass plastic collection containers. Six how many times have you seen campers and their site and wondered ? DO they live Like this at Home?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yes, that's one of the things I wonder. They will toss trash on the ground right next to a trash container. How hard could it be to put it inside?

      Delete
  6. I was raised to respect my fellow man and nature. Therefore, never litter and when camping in the woods, try to leave behind no trace that you were there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Makes one wonder how people are being raised these days.

      Delete
  7. We recycle in the town that we live in and it's such a good feeling to know that that bag every two weeks doesn't go into the landfill. We also heat with wood and I have found that I can burn leftover bacon grease (I always have two pints on hand but...) in with my wood. I've also found that the paper egg cartons make great fire starters as well as empty paper towel roll. Yes we have cloth towels too. Sometimes paper is superior. Remember when they said that paper would be a thing of the past when computers were new??? LOL! With Amazon and Pet food home delivery, well, good thing trees are a renewable resource! Finally getting watts on our solar...when it stops snowing that is. Glad you both are enjoying your travels. Winter is getting a bit long in the tooth in my neck of the woods :)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. If more people were as concerned as you are, the world would be a better place.

      I'm glad I'm not in the north getting slammed by all the storms.

      Delete