SAC and Swiss Hiking Trails point out # shitty moments in nature
The Swiss Alpine Club (SAC) and the Swiss Hiking Trails Association are joining forces to raise awareness about relieving oneself in nature—with clear recommendations and practical tools for everyday use. The goal is to promote respectful behavior in the outdoors.
Behind bushes, at viewpoints or right next to hiking trails: Time and again, outdoor enthusiasts come across the visible traces of improperly defecated waste. To raise awareness of this problem, the Swiss Alpine Club SAC and the Swiss Hiking Trail Association launched their joint awareness campaign again this month. Under the hashtag #ScheissMoment, they are appealing for considerate behavior in nature.
The first edition of the campaign last year already showed that there is a great need for education. Vera In-Albon, Head of Digital Communication at the Swiss Hiking Trail Association, explains: "The great response has confirmed that the topic is of concern to many, but also that education is still necessary." With a mix of information material, social media clips and practical tips, the campaign aims to show how the problem can be mitigated. After all, carelessly left tissues take up to five years to decompose, while wet wipes take even longer. In addition, human excrement can contain drug residues that pollute sensitive ecosystems - especially near bodies of water.
The campaign relies on a combination of education and low-threshold recommendations. For example, it is advised to plan toilet stops when planning a tour or to use the sanitary facilities when resting in huts and restaurants. If you still have to go on the trail, you should stick to simple basic rules: Stay off the path, at a safe distance from bodies of water, dig a hole with a shovel or stone, bury your business and take paper and toiletries with you in a sealable bag. Burning the waste is not an option, especially due to the risk of forest fires.
The campaign is accompanied by Scheissmoment.ch tips and information material in three languages. Campaign posters and a small hand shovel including a transport bag are also now available and can be ordered from the Swiss Hiking Trail online store.
Responsible at Schweizer Wanderwege: Vera In-Albon, project management, responsible for digital communication; Patricia Cornali, project support, responsible for association communication. Responsible at the Swiss Alpine Club SAC: Lucie Wiget, project management, specialist in open access & nature conservation; Muriel Bigler, project support, specialist in communication. Graphic realization: Jon Guler, film. Joni Hedinger, photography.
