Field Hygiene

Most people take for granted the luxury of a working bathroom and the public sewer/sanitation systems that support themMost people take for granted the luxury of a working bathroom and the public sewer/sanitation systems that support them. Even if you're on septic, you need to have a back up plan in case the toilets stop flushing with out warning. No matter how much you don't want to think about it, you're eventually going to need to "go". An option for most families could be a simple 5 gallon bucket. It has enough "storage" for about 3 to 4 people a day, and can be readily mixed with either a binding agent or a composting agent. You can use simple dirt or sand as a binding agent to thicken the sewage and make it a little more manageable, but they don't do as good of job at odor control as a composting agent like sawdust. Think kitty litter for people. Composting agents are organic and actually work with your waste to create reusable gardening compost. Just be careful not to contaminate your food. Google this a bit more before you try it, but it works. Men are better suited for using urinals. This helps cut down on the number of trips to clean out the buckets. For short durations, its ok to bury some of the newly "minted" compost, but this is at best a temporary fix. Consider burning the compost to make sure we don't spread bacteria into the water table or through flies. It will stink, and no one will want to do it, but its safe. Militaries have been doing it for years. A little diesel and a stir stick you never plan on using again, then have at it. Don't forget to store up at least 2 rolls of toilet paper per person for about 5 days.