Hi folks, I am a ranger in Desolation Wilderness in Tahoe, and my boss wants me to find some opaque ziplock bags for visitors to pack out their toilet paper.

Naturally, I thought of you first :)

So, not special biodegradable bags that would break down too soon, and not wag bags or poo bags, this is just for TP.

They would be given out free, so they have to be cheap in quantities of 1000 -- can't be using aloksaks.

Any ideas or leads would be welcome, thanks in advance.

"Keepin' it clean", Paul

Edited by Paul_Tree on 07/24/2009 16:35:00 MDT.

http://www.huckster.com/ziplock-bags.htm#5

I did find that, I guess that's what it comes down to. Thanks tho.

http://www.sorbentsystems.com/mylar.html

These are not expensive and can be bought in various sizes. Check out what Sorbent carries....

That looks like a good option. And they look more high-tech than a regular plastic bag, which might make people feel better about using them.

These look good, but at nearly a dime each, more than I'd like to pay, because we want to make them freely available.
Link

12 x 15 is rather large, to my mind, but when you are turning down the top so you don't make contact, it might be pretty nice.

As a non-TP user, solo hiker, my perspective is not the average.
Would everyone in a party want their own tp bag?

Edited by Paul_Tree on 07/26/2009 11:13:05 MDT.

Paul,
Just curious, is your area so dry that burying TP in a cat hole is impractical?

Edited by swearingen on 07/26/2009 13:09:13 MDT.

I can tell you as a TP user, that yes, I won't share ;-) This is also great for ladies who use tampons!

It's littering.

Alli, while packing out TP is preferable, certain areas of the US it is still quite acceptable to bury it in a cathole. In the wet forests of the PNW for example it breaks down fast - where in a desert or alpine it won't.

So something to consider and that if buried properly in a cathole, it won't be seen - so it isn't littering (again, follow local rules and more important, know if it is legal to bury TP.)

Alli, while packing out TP is preferable, certain areas of the US it is still quite acceptable to bury it in a cathole. In the wet forests of the PNW for example it breaks down fast - where in a desert or alpine it won't.

So something to consider and that if buried properly in a cathole, it won't be seen - so it isn't littering (again, follow local rules and more important, know if it is legal to bury TP.)


__________

Please Know:

It is simply NOT acceptable to bury toilet paper.

I have been an LNT master for over a decade, and I have worked for years in North Cascades National Park.

And I can say, without hesitation, that it is NOT an accepted practice. There is no way to propperly burry toilet paper. It is litter, plain and simple.

Just because it's buried and "can't be seen" doesn't make it acceptable.

Mike, I have no problem saying what I do: I pack out ALL my TP and lady products but neither will I spend my free time harping on those who bury it responsibly. I am sorry, but while I tread lightly I do NOT buy into the whole LNT spiel. I live the best I can and while I will gently prod those who drop litter on the trail, neither will I check their "toilet site" to ensure they follow a concept that many find overbearing.

One of my closest friends, an ex-ranger, who was indoctrinated in preaching LNT to any and everyone, finally had it after a gross encounter and happily lives in the same train of thought world I live in.

Better to live ones life the best they can and not preach overly loud. Preaching is one of the biggest turn offs I can think of. Heck, I have LNT teachers tell me I am downright evil due to that we enjoy going 4 wheeling in areas set aside for it. Maybe with that you can see why I instead option to live by "the best I can do" theory.

...And here goes another 20 pages of LNT TP and poopoo discussion.

What if you have diarrhea?

This reminds me to never again buy any used backpacks from people on this forum.

Online forums have taught me to never discuss religion, guns, and LNT.

If you have not read Mike's
article, on using no TP it is very good.
As for bags here, 0.036 per bag in 8 X 8

Edited by djjmikie on 07/27/2009 10:30:27 MDT.

I'm with Joe on this one...poor Paul is looking for some Opaque Bags and has asked us for some help and now this thread will turn into 20 pages of craziness....

Paul,
Do they need to have a "ziplock" on them. I know at my local packaging place they sell black sandwich bags but they do not have the zipper...probably more convenient with it, but much cheaper without.
Steve

The "master" has spoken Grasshoppers. Listen...and obey...

Sarah, you will be banned at sunrise for your transgressions..lol

Edited by jshann on 07/27/2009 10:28:32 MDT.

"I pack out ALL my TP and lady products but neither will I spend my free time harping on those who bury it responsibly..."

It's trash and I personally don't buy the idea of "responsibly" burying trash in the backcountry. I cannot count the number of times I've overturned a rock to find a wad of half-decomposed paper. Or witnessed a spot where it's been dug up by an animal and tp has been dragged everywhere. It's not right.

There really needs to be a paradigm shift when it comes to acceptable toilet practices in the wild but apparently city-level comfort and conveniences take precedence over leaving an area without litter, buried or not.

I've done my harping for the day.
Have a good one.

"If you have not read Mike's
article, on using no TP it is very good."

I thought LNT requires one to "Leave rocks, plants and other natural objects as you find them."