Washing And Pollution?

[Brian]

Hi

Generally in fact where ever possible here when camping we try to keep soap away from creeks and rivers, when we wash etc we take water away from the river to do so and after washing we dispose of the soapy water away from the stream all this is to endeavour to reduce pollution as much as possible.

From the photos and videos that I have seen this does not appear to be happening along the Kokoda Track even with a water pipe for showering etc I am sure the water used there is finding its way back into the river lower down.

I stand correcting if what I am thinking is wrong?

What if any precuations do we as trekkers take to limit where ever possible any possible pollution we may create along the track, special soap, rinse and not use soap at all be interesting to hear back from those who have actually walked the track as to what they found and personally did to limit pullotion where ever possible?

Brian

[Geoff Hardie]

Hi Brian,

The issue you raise is one part of a far bigger problem along the track. Certainly little care is taken by most trekkers with soap extensively being used in creek washing etc. Of equal or greater concern is the innappropriate sighting of pit toilets close by creeks etc.
These are all issues the Track authorities are accutely aware of however will take considerable time to address.
All this highlights the absolute must of water purification measures being part of one's personal kit.

Regards,

Geoff Hardie

[Brian]

Hi Geof

I like to think that I am a practical greenie we do at least try where ever possible but unfortunately there are those that do not even here.

I am going in September and I am sure that I am going to want to wash, using soap, as much as anyone else if it only to be fresh at nights.

During the drought we have used special washing powder for our washing machine so that we can recycle the waste water on to our lawn or garden. I was wondering if there was any hand soap that was "Safer" than other brands or types to use on the trek.

There will be some 6000 trekers passing along the Kokoda track in 2008 that is a lot of possible pollution in one way or another. Many in fact most of those going would not be regular bushwalkers and I feel they may not realise the problem that are contributing to.

If there are "Safer Soaps" that can be used I am sure that if each of these 6000 was advised most would only be too happy to do thier part to limit thier pollution where ever possible.

The location of the toilets I am sure is a major problem possibly worse than the soap one but one we trekkers can do liitle about as we just have to use them and with 6000 trekkers plus others using them during the course of the year it sure is a growing problem that unfortunately will take time for the Authority to fix.

Back down off my Soap Box
Brian

[Freray]

From my experience on the track, the guides know which crekks are used as water supplies. They will let you know which creeks you can use soap in. Generally though, you are still going to stink until you put clean clothes on, so don't bother with the soap.

[39thdecendant]

Hi Brian,

If you go to a good camping shop, they have a bio-degradable liquid soap which anthony & I used. It worked really well for us, though not good for hair washing. Bear in mind that the natives use ordinary soap in the same water, when they are washing their clothes etc and have been for years.

Nettie

[Author]

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