When you head out, you should take only pictures and leave only footprints. We paddle to connect with nature and admire and appreciate all the natural world has to offer. Unfortunately, this can be marred by litter and other debris left behind by those who are careless in their travels. 

Garbage

Be ready to store all your garbage until you return so it can be disposed of properly. Carry garbage bags or containers so there is always a place to put litter during your travels, from large packaging to tiny wrappers. Remember that fire pits are not garbage cans. 

Human Waste

When nature calls, keep nature in mind. No one should know you've gone to the washroom when you're finished. Perhaps nothing is more annoying and gross than coming to a portage or campsite and finding piles of waste and toilet paper strewn about. Some simple steps can keep things clean:

Step 1
Pick an area away from tent sites, water and trails and any other place travelled or used. 

Step 2
Dig a hole into some soil. About 15 cm wide x 15 cm deep (6" wide x 6" deep).
Be sure to always pack a small shovel for this, like a garden shovel or trowel. 

Step 3
Go.

Step 4
When you're done, cover up your waste, toilet paper, and the hole, with the soil you removed.
No waste should touch the shovel or trowel.
Tamp it down lightly with your foot. 

Pick It Up

It is certainly annoying to come across what others have failed to bring out, but practice leaving the places you visit better than you find them. Bring extra bags, and even a garbage picker, to collect as much litter as possible that others have left behind. If we all do a small amount, it can make a big difference.