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Camino Clean-Up Campaign
In December 2013, I was in Moratinos on the Camino Francés staying at the Peaceable Kingdom with Rebekah Scott and her husband, Paddy in order to undertake hospitalero training. The timing coincided with Rebekah's annual Camino clean-up in Palencia so it was that I found myself wearing gloves and a safety vest, carrying a plastic bag and tongs whilst walking along the Camino picking up rubbish. "It looks pretty good" I thought but then the light caught the sheen of plastic, and again, then once more and before I knew it, I was on my way to filling the second bag. Surprisingly, it was actually quite an enjoyable activity. As well as the feeling of doing something worthwhile for my beloved Camino, I was having some exercise and enjoying the company of my fellow volunteers. The days were well-structured and consisted of working for a couple of hours then having a break for coffee or lunch. The afternoon session was followed by the enjoyment of a glass (or two) of wine and a well-earned meal. Rebekah allocates a week for the clean-up. The other volunteers each worked for a few days and I did one session on each of the three days I was at the Peaceable Kingdom. It didn't seem like a punishment and it wasn't, more a privilege. Except for the blackberries! For those in need of enlightenment, I pass on the information that blackberry bushes do not eat rubbish, they merely hide it and delight in tearing at the arms of those who seek to relieve it of its treasure. |
Rubbish bins in San Nicolas - worthy receptacles of many of our filled plastic bags (photo by clean-up volunteer, Keith)
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The Camino gives us many rewards, please treat it with respect. You may want to write your innermost thoughts then tear up and scatter the pieces to the wind. Might I suggest you place them in a garbage bin instead? Not quite as romantic an image but future clean-up workers will thank you for it.
I applaud people like Rebekah and Paddy who live the Camino spirit. They seek ways to care for the Camino and the pilgrims on it. While I was staying with them, I witnessed the way in which they welcome pilgrims in need of nourishment and a bed - surely this is a better use of their time than cleaning-up after thoughtless others.
We can all do our bit to help. Unfortunately some don't think about the cumulative effect of a little piece of paper or a pair of shoes left on The Way. For those of us who do care, simply carrying a plastic bag and picking up as you walk would go a long way to alleviating the burden on the few who actively take part in clean-up campaigns. For many, the Camino is a sacred place. Treat it as such, respect it and please take your rubbish (including toilet paper) with you.
Julie
I applaud people like Rebekah and Paddy who live the Camino spirit. They seek ways to care for the Camino and the pilgrims on it. While I was staying with them, I witnessed the way in which they welcome pilgrims in need of nourishment and a bed - surely this is a better use of their time than cleaning-up after thoughtless others.
We can all do our bit to help. Unfortunately some don't think about the cumulative effect of a little piece of paper or a pair of shoes left on The Way. For those of us who do care, simply carrying a plastic bag and picking up as you walk would go a long way to alleviating the burden on the few who actively take part in clean-up campaigns. For many, the Camino is a sacred place. Treat it as such, respect it and please take your rubbish (including toilet paper) with you.
Julie