MINIMAL IMPACT

(OUTDOOR EDUCATION)
Callum Dunk & Alex Woodlands
WHAT IS MINIMAL IMPACT?
LET’S BRAINSTORM ON THE BOARD!
MAIN CONTENT OF THE LESSON
• WALKING
• CAMPING (ACTIVITY)
• WATER CONTAMINATION
• TOILETING
• SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES
• RUBBISH
• HYGIENE
• MENSTRUATION
AIMS OF THE LESSON
 WALKING
TREAD SOFTLY PACK IT IN, PACK IT OUT
WATCH SAFETY

MINIMISE WALKING ON LOOSE

DON’T DISTRUB THE BUSHLAND GROUND, SCREE SLOPES, DUNES,
MARSHES AND BOGS

LIMIT WALKING IN AREAS THAT

HAVE BEEN OVER-USED
 CAMPING
CAMP IN DESIGNATED PLACE TENTS ON SAND
SPACES ONLY COMPLY WITH OR HARD SURFACES
FIRE GUIDELINES
KEEP GROUPS
SEEK LAND DISTURBING NATIVE TOGETHER
OWNERS PERMISSION VEGETATION
LOW NOISE LEVELS
PREPARE FOR HAZARDS, AT NIGHT
EMERGENCIES AND EXTREME
WEATHER CONDITIONS
WATER CONTAMINATION
IF YOU WERE IN THE BUSH AND
DIDN’T HAVE ACCESS TO CLEAN DRINKING WATER,
WHAT WOULD YOU DO???

ANSWER: USE YOUR TRANGIA TO BOIL THE WATER

 TOILETING/SHOWERING
1. Bury human wastes. Dig a small hole at least 100m away from any open water

2. Disposal of human waste at heavily used campsites. Go further away from the campsite

3. Wash well away from streams and ensure that any soap, detergents does not enter water ways
and water sources. Avoid using chemically harmful products
 SUSTAINABILITY ISSUES
Products such as soap, toothpaste, shampoo, bug spray and sunscreen can contain toxic ingredients
which can harm the environment. All of the listed products all have all-natural variations that are
helpful to the environment.

When preparing for a camp, it is recommended to purchase the eco-friendly options.

Reduce greywater whenever possible. For example, If located near a safe water source, try and take
a swim. Swimming in natural resources eliminates showering and using products such as shampoo.

Sustainability also requires respect for the environment and equipment.

 RUBBISH
• A plastic bag can be the storage place for all food scraps. Preferably bring a sealable plastic bag so
food scraps will not escape.

• Avoid leaving food scraps on the ground (even if the food can decompose). Animals will eat
excessive food scraps left on the ground. Resulting in the animals choking or become sick from eating
the food scraps.

• Any plastic containers or food wrappers must go into the plastic bag.

• Cardboard and paper can be thrown onto the campfire to keep it burning. Burning cardboard and
paper is a safe and straight forward way to dispose of the two materials

• Throw all the waste from the plastic bag into a bin when the opportunity presents itself.
 HYGIENE
What to bring Avoid packing
• Oral hygiene kit (toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss) • Shaving razors
• Toilet paper • Mirrors
• Hand sanitizer • Non-biodegradable products
• Washcloth • Aerosol deodorant
• Baby wipes
• Towel (Preferably a quick-dry microfiber towel)
• A menstrual cup
 HYGIENE
• Hygiene refers to an individual camper maintaining their health and wellness. Performing good
hygiene habits will reduce any chances of catching sickness or disease.

• Poor hygiene can cause diseases such as Hepatitis A, gastrointestinal Illness (Gastro), Skin
infections, Ear infections, colds and flues. A build-up of bacteria and germs are the leading cause of
the body to catch a disease.

• Sufficient knowledge about hygiene will prevent sickness, and provide a safer, more enjoyable
camping environment for everyone.

Clothes should be changed and washed daily, especially if returning to a campsite. Changing
clothing is an essential procedure for individuals and groups.

If an individual doesn’t change clothes, this will create bad hygiene habits. Bacteria will build-up and
the individual will smell of body odour.
 MENSTRUATION
Tips
• Changing products (pads, tampons, liners etc.) every 3-4 hours - more if
there's an exercise

• Not leaving any used products lying around the campsite - have a
rubbish/plastic bag handy at all times

• Carrying baby wipes for cleaning every morning/night - tissues are handy
also

• Tissues used in case there's no toilet paper available

• Carrying extra products in case of emergency or another girl is in need

 MENSTRUATION
Sanitary products/ procedures:
· Use a menstrual cup - saves space and carrying products must be washed with soap and water
regularly
· Allow for 3-6 tampons-pads a day
· Carrying Panadol for cramps and period pain
· Using unscented/unbleached products when camping to reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome +
other infections caused by chemicals in products
· Using zip lock bags for disposal of sanitary products to prevent leakage/smell
· Never bury the used products
· Reusable pads made from thick flannel = no waste
· Clean hands before and after handling products
· Drinking lots of water
· Dark clothing
ACTIVITY TIME
HAVE YOU BEEN PAYING
ATTENTION????

QUIZ TIME
1) Name three essentials to pack into a hygiene kit?

Answer: Oral hygiene kit toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss, toilet paper, hand
sanitizer, washcloth, baby wipes, towel, quick-dry microfiber towel, menstrual cup)
2) The following things contribute to the sustainability
of the environment expect:

a. Don’t feed the animals

b. Take a shower in a campsite with shampoo
c. Limit food wastage
3. Is it a good idea to leave food scraps on the
ground for animals to eat?

YES OR NO
4. What is the recommended packing requirements
for pads when preparing for an all-day bushwalk?

a. 1-2
b. 3-6
c. 7-8
5. Which of the following is not acceptable while
bushwalking?

a. Playing music out loud on your electronic devices

b. Use eroded areas while walking
c. Establish front markers and back markers
d. Always carry a phone in case of emergency
6. What is the general rule for rubbish?

Answer: Carry In, Carry Out

7. If you were to bury human waste, how far do you
need to be away from open waters?

Answer: 100 metres minimum

8a. What is a method used to clean up a campsite?

Answer: Emu Parade

8b. What are some things campers need to consider

regarding campfires?

Possible Answers: Fires in safe areas, check the fire

zone, no fires near tree trunks, use established fire
zones where possible, use sand or water to put out
the fire if it gets out of control
ANY QUESTIONS
FEEDBACK
 REFERENCES
Bell, J., & Bell, J. (2018, January 24). How to go camping, hiking or to a festival while on your period.
Retrieved July 20, 2019, from https://helloclue.com/articles/culture/how-to-go-camping-hiking-to-festival-
while-on-your-period

Cacti & Coconuts. (2019, March 01). 9 Tips for a Truly Sustainable Camping Season. Retrieved July 20,
2019, from https://www.cactiandcoconuts.green/blog/2019/2/26/sustainable-camping

How to Dispose of Garbage (and Waste) While Camping. (2018, June 01). Retrieved July 19, 2019, from
https://residentialwastesystems.com/blog/how-to-dispose-of-garbage-and-waste-while-camping/

Stevenson, J. (2018, August 08). A Backpacker's Guide to Personal Hygiene While Camping. Retrieved
July 18, 2019, from https://www.backpacker.com/skills/prof-hike-a-backpacker-s-guide-to-smart-personal-
hygiene

(2019). Retrieved 24 July 2019, from https://www.bushwalkingwa.org.au/wp-

content/uploads/2018/12/Policy_9_Minimum_Impact_Code.pdf

Minimum impact / Tread softly - Bushwalking WA, Western Australia. (2019). Retrieved 24 July
2019, from https://www.bushwalkingwa.org.au/taking-care/minimum-impact-tread-softly/