[pct-l] Soap?

[Ellen Shopes]

Another thought from a desert hiker: to clean dishes after a meal, lick them 
clean first.  Saliva has an enzyme in it that breaks down starches.  Saliva 
also contains varying amounts of fluoride, with its antiseptic properties. 
After all food debris has been removed in this fashion, I usually find that 
it takes no more than a 1/2 cup of hot water to finish sanitizing the 
dishes.  The 1/2 cup of water will look pretty clean (drink it if you want). 
The last thing to do is let the dishes dry completely (there are few 
organisms that can survive on a dry surface).  No soap will be needed.
I know this sounds kind of gross, but I've been doing this for a few years 
now, and neither my husband nor myself have gotten sick.
I personally like wet wipes better than hand sanitizer (less weight). 
They're great for a mini-bath (also known in medical circles as a PTA bath).

----- Original Message ----- 
From: "Donna Saufley" <dsaufley at sprynet.com>
To: "'Kathleen Salmon'" <ksalmon at wesleyan.edu>; <pct-l at backcountry.net>
Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2008 1:14 PM
Subject: Re: [pct-l] Soap?


> Use hand sanitizer, rather than soap. Mainly alcohol based, it evaporates.
>
> Biodegradable camp soap, if used, should always be used far away from any
> water sources and rinsed out over soil, not plants or rock.
>
> Many hikers use Dr. Bronners, but IMHO, it has too many oils (18 different
> kinds!) and leaves a lot of oily film.  It's been banned from the Hiker
> Heaven shower because it leaves so much scummy residue, which I have to
> scrub hard to remove.  I wouldn't think of putting those oils out into the
> natural environment due to their scent and staying power.
>
> I've been searching for a plant based soap that doesn't have added oils. I
> have found some at Whole Foods (under their label) that only contain one 
> oil
> (lemon, lavender, and something else).  But none without added oils.  I am
> intrigued with soap root. If anyone has more skinny on it, I'd be
> interested.
>
> L-Rod
>
> -----Original Message-----
> From: pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net [mailto:pct-l-bounces at backcountry.net]
> On Behalf Of Kathleen Salmon
> Sent: Saturday, April 12, 2008 8:03 AM
> To: pct-l at backcountry.net
> Subject: [pct-l] Soap?
>
> Nominations for the most environmentally friendly soap (for hands before
> eating)?
>
> Kathleen
>
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