How to keep tourists from snacking (and peeing) in the wrong spots, and avoid fines, too :-)

EDIT-- Original comments deleted as they were completely misunderstood

I hear you, Joe -- you'd rather leave your picnic leftovers for those who come after you.

After spending thousands of dollars to go somewhere just to be part of a jail work party picking up trash is right at the top of my list. NOT

What a strange reaction. I don't believe anybody is forcing you to pick up trash in order to visit the site. Don't want to pick up litter? Then don't buy a postcard. Seems okay to me. The difference between an incentive and a requirement.

I never said I was leaving my trash behind in other than a proper receptacle.

What is so strange about not wanting to be a volunteer garbageman while on vacation?

Joe, I'm also not attracted (usually) by 'service' trips, especially for a vacation. In normal years, the Sierra Club offers a bunch of them and they don't strike a chord with me, considering my aims when getting away from it all.

The issue in this video clip, if everyone would take ten minutes to watch it, is that the park authorities are in-effect thanking people for disposing their trash courteously by giving them a postcard on their way out. Most parks already probably have regulations prohibiting littering, the issue here is how to find other ways to get people to behave themselves besides punishments or threats thereof. Like if you make it really easy to pee in a controlled/confined way, then a lot fewer people will pee in a loose/broadcast way, thereby making the place more pleasant for everyone. And less need for heavy-handed authorities.
(This analogizes well with wearing your mask, too. )

That's so cool that they mentioned the BWCA (Boundary Waters Canoe Area!) I'm a Minnesotan who has camped with friends multiple times in that region, and sat through the required video in Tofte (our nearest office to our entry route) each time to get the permit. We never packed in anything in cans (not allowed) and packed out our own refuse as well as anyone else's that couldn't be incinerated in the campfire.

The DH and and I also hike the National Parks with a bag to collect litter. There are multiple principles in the Hiker's Code but top of the list is to take nothing but pictures, leave nothing but footprints, and kill nothing but time. The same can apply to both backcountry and urban explorers, eh? Thanks for the post and link, avirosemail!

Great comment, Kathy -- there's much wisdom as well as commonsense in the hiking bibles!
I notice this also in the 'unwritten rules' that motorcyclists follow, like stopping to see if/how you can help when someone is stranded, and giving up the right of way, and letting other vehicles play through -- the ethics of motorcycling are often the opposite of how bikers are portrayed in pop culture.

Very informative and interesting video. A few years ago i started wearing a rasher when swimming or at the beach to avoid using sunscreen. I do remember reading that is was harmful to the Sea life.

the ethics of motorcycling are often the opposite of how bikers are
portrayed in pop culture.

That is so true! Bikers can almost always be counted upon to come to one's aid if one finds themselves in difficulties. Nice folks, bikers.

I've always wondered what's going through the mind of someone who knowingly carves their initials into something like the Colosseum. Is there any incentive/education/punishment that will stop some of the idiots?

I do love creative thinking to find solutions. Not all ideas will be keepers, but if you don't try, you'll never know. I'm really curious if the speed lotter is sustainable over a long period and if other such incentive based solutions can work. Personally, the behavioural videos on airlines would be a hit with me, but I have to wonder if the same people that watch them would be the same people that would read an RS guide from cover to cover (me) and so the message wouldn't be getting a broader audience.

A friend of mine is a wedding planner. She says she fantasizes about having a couple pay all their fees up front. And then every week that they meet their deadlines like provide information regarding photographers schedule, Etc she would refund a cash amount per week. If either mother calls her the clock stops. But a really focused Non problematic wedding couple could earn themselves a free wedding just by being on the ball. She has never done it yet, but is thinking about trying.

@Allan
I've had the same thoughts. How about padlocks on bridges? I thought it was a European thing but now I see in US. I always wonder, do you cut off the lock if the marriage/relationship ends.