Backpacking Hygiene
Aside from the social aspects which we can all appreciate, good wilderness hygiene is important to keep both you and the environment healthy.  With proper hygiene you stand a better chance of avoiding sickness and infection.

Soap
Soap is not generally known to occur naturally, so when using it in the wilderness it is important to make sure that you minimize the impact.  To that end, following these tips will help minimize the environmental impact of lathering up.

• Minimize Use - The best way to lower the environmental impact of using soap is to limit the amount that you use.  Makes sense right?
• Use Biodegradable Soap - Use only soap that is biodegradable.  It's designed to break down more quickly and into non-toxic substances.  Actually, it's a good idea to use biodegradable soap all the time since it all goes back into the environment whether you are at home or in the wilderness.
• Keep Away from Water Sources - Make sure that all of your soap use is done at least 200 feet from any water source.  This limits the amount of soap that makes it into the water.  This rule applies to pouring soap out as well.  This gives the soap time to break down as it leeches through the soil.
• Don't use it - Look at the alternatives to using soap in the wilderness.  You can use baby wipes, alcohol based sanitizers, or my personal favorite sand and water.  

Kitchen Duty
Washing dishes is often higher impact than it needs to be.  You can minimize your impact by choosing foods that don't require soap or require dishes to be washed.  Hot dogs, bagels, or freeze-dried foods are good examples of foods that get around washing dishes.  If you find yourself needing to wash dishes, using sand as a scouring agent is quite effective and usually negates the need for soap.  However, if you absolutely must use soap, follow these tips:

• 200 Foot Rule - As above, this applies here too.  Dispose of soapy water at least 200 feet away from water sources, and make sure that the soap is biodegradable.
• Strain It - If your waste contains food particles, strain them out and pack them out.  A thin cloth such as a bandana or piece of pantyhose works well for this.
• Rinse Well - When washing dishes, make sure to use treated water and rinse adequately. 

Washing Clothes
You will rarely need to wash your clothes on a backpacking trip, but in the event that you do consider the following.  Often rinsing the dirt off on some rocks in a river is adequate.  This is not really a great idea because it adds body oils and salts to the water, but it's lower impact than using soap.  If you use soap, follow the above rules.  Use it sparingly and do so at least 200 feet from water sources.  

Poopie 
There have been books written on the best ways to poop in the woods.  When answering nature's call in the backcountry, make sure that you use established latrines where available.  If they're not available, use the "cathole" technique.

    Cathole Technique 

1. Dig a small hole not less than 6 inches deep at least 200 feet away from all water sources, campsites, and trails.  
2. Do your business
3. Bury your business completely and make sure to pack it down tight.
4. Camouflage site with ground cover (leaves, pine straw, etc) so that it is invisible.
5. Wash your hands.  This is especially important in the backcountry to avoid transmission of intestinal parasites.

There are other techniques for dealing with human waste that work better than the cathole technique, but this one is usually appropriate for wilderness areas that receive frequent visitors such as the ones in Georgia.  If you would like more information on other techniques, you may find it on the Leave No Trace website. 

Note:  In some wilderness areas and state parks you are required to pack out your waste.  Check with local regulations regarding this before you start your trip. 

Keep it Clean & Quiet
Be sure to keep your campsite clean so that its is visual impact is subtle at best for those passing by.  Please don't be a beer camper; keep your voice down and avoid yelling.  Leave the radios at home.  If you are camping on a lake or river, remember that noise carries well across water.  Keep these things in mind especially in crowded areas.  It helps to preserve the illusion of solitude.