Beyond the Bathroom: Hygiene and Comfort (for Women) in Polar Regions

We all got to do it: pee and poo in the wilderness, far from toilet facilities. When doing fieldwork in remote places, fulfilling these basic personal needs can become a challenge. Often, conversations about these topics are non-existent or limited, leaving individuals to feel isolated with their concerns. For women, this challenge can be even greater, especially when managing menstruation in environments with little privacy, running water, or waste disposal options. It's time to break the silence and normalize these conversations—because addressing these needs openly can empower everyone to focus on the fieldwork itself, rather than the logistics of personal care.

Actively addressing toilet and menstruation practices is essential to overcoming these barriers. We offer practical strategies for every phase of an expedition, from planning and preparation to implementation in the field, including effective ways to manage waste outside of station facilities and away from civilization. This contribution seeks to raise awareness and foster open discussions about hygiene and comfort during fieldwork in remote areas. Drawing from our experiences in Greenland and Antarctica, we aim to share insights while gathering and exchanging practices from other locations and contexts. We hope to collaborate with others in the field to develop a community-driven effort that will culminate in comprehensive guidelines and resources for field hygiene and comfort. If you are interested in contributing, we invite you to join the conversation and help shape this initiative!