Leave Less Trace

This year we are introducing a practice of using reusable dishware, which we're calling Leave Less Trace.

We are providing washable dishes and utensils for the gathering participants as an alternative to the styrofoam, paper, and plastic stuff that Camp Ramblewood provides in the dining hall. Many of you have also brought your own. The washable plates are large and sturdy, which also makes it easier to carry your food to the table. You'll also probably appreciate the sturdier forks and knives.

Leave Less Trace! Here's how:

• Eat. (dishware will be at the food tables.)
• Scrape all food off your plates into the trashcan inside the dining hall.
• Carry your plates outside to the dishwashing station and wash/rinse/sanitize them.
• Leave them there to dry, and walk away satisfied.
• Repeat next mealtime.

If you're doing your own cooking, you're also welcome to wash plates and utensils at the dishwashing station. However, you should bring your own washtub for pots and pans; our dishwashing station is not adequate for cleaning pots and pans.

The Dishwashing Station

Outside the dining hall, you'll notice the dishwashing station, consisting of 3 buckets, where you can wash your plates and utensils after meals. This is a well-tested, widely-used hygenic method of getting dishes and utensils clean in field conditions. It's important to carefuly scrape your plate into the trash before you start; otherwise, the water quickly gets icky™. The buckets will be marked to indicate the proper washing order:

1. Soapy wash water
2. Clear rinse water
3. Sanitizer

Set your plates and utensils in the drying rack after dipping them in the sanitizer. Air drying is necessary to allow the sanitizer time to work properly. After it dries, the sanitizer's residue is non-toxic, environmentally neutral, and does not adhere to the plates and utensils. Be careful not to splash sanitizer in your eyes or on your clothes.

We will return the dishware to the food tables for the next meal.