Reduce outing waste
Living out the Outdoor Code and Leave No Trace principles means taking active responsibility for the waste we generate in camp. Requirement 9c is a hands-on, two-outing comparative experiment where you conduct a waste audit on a baseline outing, implement the Three R’s (Reduce, Recycle, Repurpose), and measure your results on a subsequent outing.
Outing 1: Conducting Your Baseline Waste Audit
On an initial troop campout or family outdoor excursion, observe and document the total amount of waste your group generates:
What to Track During the Outing
- Single-Use Disposables: Paper plates, plastic forks, disposable water bottles, plastic grocery bags, paper towels.
- Food Packaging: Individual snack wrappers, juice boxes, frozen meal pouches, cardboard cartons.
- Organic Waste: Leftover food scraps, potato peels, fruit rinds.
- Estimated Total Volume: Count the number of full garbage bags filled over the weekend (or measure weight if scales are available).
Developing Your Reduction Action Plan
Between your first and second outing, formulate a specific plan to tackle each category of waste using the Three R’s:
REDUCE (Bring Less Trash to Camp)
- Repackage in Bulk: Buy snacks (nuts, trail mix, pretzels) in bulk containers and pack meal portions into reusable silicone bags or washable containers before leaving home, eliminating individual plastic wrappers.
- Eliminate Single-Use Plates and Cutlery: Require every patrol member to use their personal washable Scout mess kit, camp mug, and utensil set.
- Refillable Hydration: Use personal reusable canteens or hydration bladders rather than purchasing disposable plastic water bottles.
RECYCLE (Sort and Divert Materials)
- Camp Sorting Station: Set up a designated patrol recycling bin alongside the main trash bag to separate aluminum beverage cans, clean tin food cans, and recyclable plastics (#1 and #2).
- Pack It Out: Carry sorted recyclables home to place in your municipal curbside recycling bin.
REPURPOSE (Give Materials a Second Life)
- Camp Fire Starters: Save cardboard egg cartons and dryer lint to make wax fire-starter cups for campfires.
- Gear Organization: Use clean plastic food tubs with lids to organize patrol matches, spices, or small repair kits.
- Wash and Reuse: Wash and dry heavy-duty freezer bags to use for multiple campouts.
Outing 2: Putting the Plan into Action & Comparing Results
Execute your plan on a similar second outing (e.g., a similar 2-day troop campout or day hike). Record your final waste metrics and create a comparison:
Comparative Results Summary
| Metric | Outing 1 (Baseline) | Outing 2 (With Plan) | Net Improvement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Total Trash Bags | 3 full 13-gallon bags | 1 half-full bag | 75% reduction in landfill waste |
| Disposable Water Bottles | 18 single-use bottles | 0 (all reusable canteens) | 100% eliminated |
| Sorted Recyclables | 0 lbs (all thrown in trash) | 6 lbs clean aluminum/cans | 6 lbs diverted from landfill |
| Paper Plates Used | 45 paper plates | 0 (used washable mess kits) | 100% eliminated |
Total Trash Bags
- Outing 1 (Baseline)
- 3 full 13-gallon bags
- Outing 2 (With Plan)
- 1 half-full bag
- Net Improvement
- 75% reduction in landfill waste
Disposable Water Bottles
- Outing 1 (Baseline)
- 18 single-use bottles
- Outing 2 (With Plan)
- 0 (all reusable canteens)
- Net Improvement
- 100% eliminated
Sorted Recyclables
- Outing 1 (Baseline)
- 0 lbs (all thrown in trash)
- Outing 2 (With Plan)
- 6 lbs clean aluminum/cans
- Net Improvement
- 6 lbs diverted from landfill
Paper Plates Used
- Outing 1 (Baseline)
- 45 paper plates
- Outing 2 (With Plan)
- 0 (used washable mess kits)
- Net Improvement
- 100% eliminated
Reflecting with Your Scoutmaster
During your conference, discuss what went smoothly and what unexpected challenges arose:
- Did washing mess kits require more water or time at the wash station?
- Did pre-packing meals at home save cooking and cleanup time at camp?
- How did your patrol respond to the waste reduction challenge?