Touring - Responsible soap use outdoors

Ok, I've been testing out this bio-degradable stuff. They tell me I only use a drop or two and lather up for clothes, body, etc. Well, I find I have to use way more than a drop. Plus the stuff seems to biodegrade as soon as it touches water!
I'll be in middle of nowhere Alaska and I'd like to be responsible during my washings, but I'd also like to get stuff clean.

Any tips on how I can use soap thats effective but a little more environmentally friendly than bar soap?

Thanks,

Dave

Dave Try Dr. Bronner's 18-in-1 pure castile soap.It is all natural,soft and effective for cleaning(incl. clothes),shaving mouthwash and 15 other uses I can't recall. You dilute it with water so is space efficient.I got mine at GNC and use it all the time(peppermint).I took some on the Fl. tour but the vial I used leaked so be sure to use a well sealed container. Carl

I know they tout all these multi-uses for this kind of soap, but is it really strong stuff? The stuff I was using wasn't Dr. B's, but I think it was comprable. I just felt like I was using too much to warrent spending more money on another bottle. Its supposed to be concentrated too! After one week, the bottle is half empty!


Dave

I have a quart sized bottle that I seem to have had forever and it is strong stuff(needs to be diluted)and is good for general cleaning not heavy soiled or stain removal.I don't know about one or two drops but a small amount does go along way. Maybe you can buy it in bulk like this at a good price and include it in your maildrops. Carl

Speaking as a long time backpacker, whatever kind of soap you use the most important thing is to not contaminate water sources. Wash yourself and dishes well away from lakes or streams. 200 to 300 feet is the distance generally agreed upon, even though that seems like a long way to carry water. Discard any dirty or soapy water on the ground, not into the water source. Even soap labeled biodegradable won't break down immediately. I often carry a Sun Shower or Solar Shower with me. When I get to camp I fill it up, let it warm in the sun (how long depends on the weather), and sneak off into the woods for a nice (spartan) shower. If I'm traveling light or the weather is cold, I heat up a pan full of water on the stove and take a sponge bath. You'd be surprised how little soap it takes to get clean, and lather has nothing to do with how clean the soap gets things.