Ziploc Lawsuit: Bagged and Abandoned

A disturbing trend has emerged in tourist destinations like national parks and popular hiking trails: people are leaving behind Ziploc bags filled with what appears to be human waste. While some initially suspected the bags contained dog feces, park rangers and volunteers are increasingly finding that they hold human excrement and used toilet paper. The problem is particularly prevalent in areas where bathroom facilities are limited or non-existent. Hikers, faced with the urgency of nature, are opting to relieve themselves in plastic bags rather than practicing "Leave No Trace" principles like burying waste in a cathole. The Ziploc bags are then left behind, often hidden under rocks or bushes, creating an unsanitary and unpleasant environment for other visitors. The accumulation of these bags poses a significant health hazard and contributes to the degradation of natural ecosystems. It also places an additional burden on park staff and volunteers tasked with cleaning up the mess. Authorities are urging visitors to properly dispose of human waste by digging a cathole at least six inches deep and 200 feet away from water sources or trails, or packing out solid waste in designated bags. The use of plastic bags as a convenient solution is actively discouraged due to the negative environmental impact and the potential for them to be abandoned and contribute to pollution. find the original article here: https://www.yahoo.com/news/people-tossing-ziploc-bags-disturbing-171500963.html