How do you go to the toilet in the woods?

Let's not beat about the bush, it's a basic observation: we don't like other people's poo! It is all the more taboo in our modern societies with their shiny (or even connected) toilets.

So when the piles of toilet paper overrun the trails, on which we have come to find peace and quiet, it is like a cold shower!  

While this problem is not often addressed here, it is more common in the United States, for example, where the big parks suffer from overcrowding. The major problem arises because of the high concentration of people on a particular site. 

To avoid these aesthetic and sanitary issues, here are some steps to follow. First of all, let's keep in mind that the easiest solution for us will certainly be the toughest for the earth.

We recommend that you always keep at least 50 metres from rivers when nature calls.

Ideally you need to dig a "cat hole" (with your foot, a stone or a small retractable shovel). There is no point in digging deep: the most effective enzymes for decomposing excrement are found in the top 25 cm of soil.

THE PAPER ISSUE: be careful not to burn it! This was the advice that used to be given, but it is now banned because of the rise in forest fires. And, of course, remember to use eco-friendly toilet paper (or paper for septic tanks which will decompose more quickly).

Bear in mind that mixing everything together will accelerate the decomposition process. And because it's best to teach children the habit as early as possible, finding a suitable stick can become a game.

Do not wash your hands in a river. Instead, use some hydro-alcoholic gel.

Before concluding, let's mention a final hazard. ~When nature calls, we are often in a hurry for fear that some other walkers will pass by. However, take time to check that there are no stinging plants in the vicinity.

In France we are lucky, nettle stings don't last too long, however those who travel the world come back with stories of unpleasant experiences getting stung by plants or insects of a more exotic nature.

And conversely, just as the environment can pose a threat to our buttocks, we can also pose a threat to it. Be careful not to trample on anthills or other burrows in your haste to find your toilet.