What Worked 2017 - PolyParadise

Saturday December 30, 2017

Each year this is my space to reflect on the year that was in Black Rock City ala The Village of PolyParadise. To take a look at what we did right and what we did wrong; how the changes we instituted from the previous year worked out and what we might do to improve in 2018. This was the 19th year of PolyParadise; There is no doubt that it gets better & better each year.

You all should be very proud of the Community you created & nurtured all week long.

I thank you all for being part of the 19th ANNIVERSARY of the Village of PolyParadise.

I offer my own observations and as always welcome Comments, Praises, Bitches & Roses for areas of your concern as campers that I have not addressed. Please post to our Yahoo Group or to our Facebook Page - generate some chatter; let's get PSYCHED!!! 237 Days!!!

BIG BIG Kudos - To our fellow AZBurners who are always available to assist during the year; for Truck Loading & Unpacking; carrying, cleaning, sorting and building PolyParadise year-round here in Phoenix. Special Thanks to (UncleBob, Rich, Poje, Big Phreeky, Alien, Sarge, Kilted James, The Doctor, Cobalt, Armella, Paul, Corvus, Sandman, CactusMan, Raymond, Atira, Cobalt, Rich, Painterboy, Ethan, Justin, Knotch, Shadow, Fancy Nancy, Neefer, Drew, JimyMac, Dr. Dirt, Daniel, Tequila Mike, Tony, Sunshine) Back in the day circa 2006 it was only WildChild & I that represented Arizona in PolyParadise. It is amazing to have had 35 AZBurners in our camp this year. You are all ACES in my book!!! Thank you all so very much!!!

****PolyParadise****

The population of the Village of PolyParadise population increased by 10 campers in 2017, to an On-Playa total of 250 Campers. When we include The Twisted Swan & 9 Energies theme camps with a total of 45 campers bringing the total population to 295 campers. WOW!!!!!

We had 155 veteran campers return and 140 new campers and of that number 88 were Burning Man VIRGINS. I thank all of the returning campers for making PolyParadise your Playa home, I so depend on each & everyone of you in making our camp an amazing loving space. We had 36 International campers from (Australia, Belgium, Canada, England, France, Germany, India, Israel, Mexico, New Zealand, Norway, Poland).

I hope that all of our Virgin campers have seen what Community really means, and I hope that you will all camp with us again.

I hope that everyone had an amazing time as a PolyParadise Resident.

Our 2017 Playa dimensions 250'x450'. The Twisted Swan was not given their own space and was to be included within those dimensions. This was not ideal and a departure from 2016 in which they had their own separate 100'x150' space. Within PolyParadise we did the best we could to create vertical rows of vehicles between Eulogy & Genuflect. We had the best we could to create walkways thru camp that should have made getting from the ends of the camp to the Community Space easier; this was met with limited success. The Community Space, Serving Area & Kitchen was an INCREDIBLE space in both day light and at night.

PolyParadise continues to be a ‘Camp Drama Free Zone’, I mean everyone seems to get along, no assaults, no fisticuffs between campers. No one acted like a 3-year old. So Thanks to all of YOU!!!

****Playa Location****

Each year BRC Placement continues to create unique neighborhoods with all placed Theme Camps & Villages. In 2017 we were mapped @ 3:45 Eulogy & Genuflect with the Twisted Swan as part of that allocated space. We did not get the corner as we had in 2016 - we were mid-block between 3:30 & 4:00. I appreciated Camp Leaders of the Twisted Swan & 9 Energies for being so accommodating in making adjustments to their camps frontage needs as we made it work with all three camps on Eulogy. With having to allocate space to the Twisted Swan the Human Carcass Wash needed to be moved to Genuflect; regardless of having to transport all the shade structure stuff to G - having the event in the center of our space; at the T in the road as 3:45 stopped @ G was AMAZING!!!

We had awesome foot traffic in our Community Space and incredible attendance at all of our camp events and the Twisted Swan was well attended every night. For 2018 I am going to do what we can to insist that The Twisted Swan be given its own separate space outside what is listed for PolyParadise.

We did have interesting neighbors this year. The CONSTANTWHITENOISE of the Large Generator on the 4:00 side was menacing for sure; one of the reasons I have shied away from doing that in our own camp space, though they were very nice to assist with a defined walkway on that side all the way E to G. A different experience on the 3:30 side where we had several border disputes

For 2018 we will be asking for the same placement area & dimensions but giving the Twisted Swan its own space next to us or adjacent thereof. But there are no guarantees - we get placed and given our Camp Dimensions and that is that; it is Burning Man we adapt.

What were your impressions of 3:45 Eulogy & Genuflect -

****Community Space****

The space itself was awesome, area for chairs, pillows, crash space and the massage table. Thanks again to Dr. J for that wonderful gift to the community, it has lasted 7yrs now and shows a few minor tears in the material but no major structural damage. Thanks to JustJack for donating a 2nd massage table - amazing and AWESOME!!

The space worked out well with the Community Space, Serving Area, and Kitchen all just one big connected space, so that the straight edge met instead of at the peak. The space measured 100’x40’, we used tarps to 'Wall Off' 20' (10' on either side), having a 20' opening (in the middle) between the two structures to better manage wind thru the kitchen.

The community space 20'x60' was incredible and well utilized. The extra space allowed us to be able to setup a Clothing Exchange area - additional room for more campers to sit & eat within the community space at once. Because of the limited room we had on the frontage of Eulogy we made an L with the 3rd 20'x40'; I actually liked the way it was setup.

The Popcorn Machine & late night movies were a big hit and will certainly be back in 2018. I know I had an awesome time watching movies and munching popcorn - I hope all of you did too. I am gathering additional movies titles to be available in 2018. We will be purchasing a new Laptop & Projector as both have been to the Playa 7yrs and are in need of replacement.

The space really kicked ass at night. The move to using all Rope Light to light the Kitchen and Community space was amazing!! It gave off the just enough ambient light. Because of the limited space with our Frontage on Eulogy we were unable to raise the Light Tower we had up the previous year but the front walkway and frontage of the camp was lit up AMAZING!!!

Major kudos for another year goes to Tailfeather & Twist for the shower base & frame that we have been using since 2008. Major Kudos to Rich, Paul & Cobalt for assisting in all that was in ripping out the old linoleum bottom and giving the inside of the shower base a new coat of epoxy Paint. It worked GREAT!!!

For 2018 we will need to fashion a new top cover to the Shower as the one we have been using has seen better days.

Thanks to 2Cripsy for redoing the shower & kitchen sink pump/drainage tubs at the work-party. As mentioned I need to get a straight length of pool hose and not segmented hose to better serve this function of getting the water form the tub to the Grey Water Tanks.

****Kitchen & Stuff****

In 2017 PolyParadise continued with the Community Kitchen related ‘Requirement’ upon registration; to be part of the daily cooking/feeding ritual - make one meal for 25 people and be able to enjoy a smorgasbord of food the rest of the week. The Community Kitchen was an awesome success! Thanks so much to Knotch & Shadow for stepping up as our New KITCHIAN BIATCHES and to all of their helpers that maintained the kitchen all week long.

The kitchen & serving areas encompassed a full 40'x40' – the layout was awesome for ingress & egress in and out of the kitchen area. This year we implemented a 10'x40' 'Cooler Cove' at the back of the kitchen that allowed us get personal coolers out of the walkways in the kitchen; this was AMAZING! For 2018 - we will purchase additional canvas tarps to allow coolers to not sit directly on the Playa and dealing with WET PLAYA and your cooler.

With the six (6) 3-Burner Cast Iron stoves, we had plenty of cooking surface area. The wind and keeping the stoves lit continues to be an issue - We appreciate additional wind shields created by Honest John to mitigate or reduce this issue. The VERY LARGE GRILL now in its 3rd year is holding up fine and allows us to cook meat dishes far more effectively. We had plenty of snacks for everyone, and all seemed satisfied with the selections available.

Thanks to everyone that took the time & effort to create some awesome meals all week long. There were so many great courses served each day. Thanks to everyone who assisted with Trash Can Pizza & Trash Can Turkey!!! Thanks to everyone who cleaned up, picked up, MOOPED up.

The switch to BBQ Lighters instead of matches was a winner just need MORE or them and maybe better quality instead of the cheap bulk ones I bought.

Dishwashing and keeping the Pots/Pans washed and available for the next person continues to improve year to year as we as a community become better washers and more aware that if we want clean pots & pans that the only way that is accomplished is by each of us doing some dishes during the week.

For 2017 we purchased three standup kitchen sinks that worked well though their standard height meant you needed to bend over to wash - we will need to raise the height of the sinks for better OLD FOLK Back issues.

The Kitchen/Serving Area & Community Space were (4) 20’x40’ structures oriented with the straight edges meeting instead of at the peak. With this arrangement we are able to use tarps to 'Wall Off' 20' (10' on either side), having a 20' opening (in the middle) between the Kitchen area & the Community space to better manage wind thru the kitchen. The kitchen arrangement continues to work well with the two corner areas that housed the shelving with the snacks, pots & pans and the other side was the coffee tea area.

The 100-cup coffee maker that worked very well in created caffeinated elixir drinks for the masses. There were suggestions about better coffee then Folgers from Costco; we will see what we can do about that and more coffee singles for when the large pot is brewing and someone needs an immediate Caffeine FIX!

In 2017 we were required to apply for and adhere to the standards of a Nevada State Health Department Food Permit. This was the fifth year of this mandate for camps with a population over 125 serving community meals. The cost of the Food Permit was $50. With our Official Food Permit prominently displayed within the kitchen; we had a visit on Monday from the Nevada State Health Department to see that we were complying with the stated rules, which included: Food Handler Gloves, Hand Washing Station (Hand Soap, Towels, Continual Flow Water) Bleach cleaning supplies, clearly visible menu, separate food preparation/serving areas, food thermometers, and clearly marked Community/Personal Coolers.

In previous years of being inspected we had been cited in a few areas including: Gloves not being worn by food preparers, Food needs to be served to guests as opposed to guests severing themselves. With the prominent display of signage within the kitchen we were able to satisfy the inspectors and received a PASSING GRADE! We also received HIGH MARKS with the Foot Pump/Hand Washing Station 3.0 - Our hats OFF to Mark for coming up with the idea and its ever changing design. Our Kitchen Biatches have mentioned that they are in need of replacement and that they will be taking care of that for 2018.

We were inspected by the Health Dept. on Monday morning; they are there to make sure we are preparing & serving safe so that no one might get ill; they arrived Monday morning before our community ice run. Because we have a space for your coolers of course they inspected the coolers and found several - I mean several coolers that did not have ice and the contents of those coolers we over proper storing temperature. So those food items were thrown out. I along with our Kitchen Biatches made sure that those folks that were affected knew why their food was discarded. I am very glad they came by and did this inspection cause I know I would not have wanted to get sick or anyone else to get sick. There were coolers that did not have any ice and probably never had ice as there was no melted water. YOU ARE RESPONSIBLE TO COME TO THE PLAYA WITH YOUR COOLERS ICE FULL! We will do what we can as a camp to have an early Monday morning ice run to assist with getting coolers iced; but in the end this is your responsibility as a camper to know when you need ice for your coolers.

I realize that using the paper plates and plastic silverware creates additional trash, but I am convinced that going the disposable route is better than having regular tableware - having to constantly clean dishes & silverware. Of course needing to continually wash your own dishes and silverware for each meal requires water – then disposal of additional waste water. We will continue to use paper plates and plastic silverware in 2018.

Having the Menu & Volunteer list printed in a 5'x5' poster size board displayed in the Kitchen was awesome, letting everyone know what was going to be cooked at each meal and who volunteered for what events.

With regards to Syrup - We had many campers volunteer to make pancakes/waffles or things that needed syrup. The food items were delicious & tasty but each person brought their own supply of syrup, which means we have lots & lots of syrup. We now have enough syrup for pancakes/waffles to feed several armies. So if you plan to cook Pancakes/Waffles for 2018 WE HAVE SYRUP, no need to bring anymore.

Thanks so much to STAGGER for again heading up the Trash area and to everyone that assisted in bagging, tagging & tapping up trash. More importantly, thanks to all of you for taking some trash home. We generate this trash as a camp; we need to deal with its removal from the Playa as a Community. Because of your efforts and commitment and Love of Community Trash…We transported ZERO bags of trash off the Playa in the truck back to Phoenix. We did have 7 buckets of general slop, generator oil, left over food stuff slop, the remnants of many a thing on the Playa.

Thanks to all the PolyCampers that stayed till Tuesday and took any remaining trash bags Off-Playa.

****Kitchen Biatches Notes ala Knotch & Shadow****

PP Kitchen Lessons Learned 2017 - What went right and what went wrong observations in no particular order:

PP Kitchen 2017 was so fun and so awesome we loved every minute of being your PP Kitchen Bitches.

What went right:

Three sink setup was great. Nice deep sinks. It took a little over 5 gallons per sink for a conservative amount of water depth.
Automatic sump pump worked pretty well, but still needs to be monitored regularly. Sometimes the float would get stuck and it would not kick the pump on to empty the sump, or would not stop pumping after the sump bin was empty.
Two 55-gallon drums of water was good. Used clean cooler water to supplement when available, but tried to drain both drums first so they were empty by the end of the stay.
The table next to the sinks for dirty dishes helped a lot. Previous years stacking dishes on the ground led to piles of dishes being out of sight and out of mind. Stacking on the table put the need to clean front and center.
Checking pH levels every 2 to 3 hours is needed and it kept the sanitizing water perfect. After 3 or 4 hours the pH dropped to levels that did not even register color on the test strips. About 2 caps of Clorox per 5 gallons was good.
Inventory of plates, bowls, knives, forks, spoons, and big and small foil serving pans was good this year. We washed the foil serving pans when they were not too messy for reuse.
Inventory of napkins was barely adequate and almost ran out at the end of the week.
Clorox wipes are excellent. Something magic in them cleans the playa very well. The amount in inventory this year was adequate. It was really beneficial to have a container at the ends of each cook table for cooks and cleanup. Please supply them again next year.
Hand washing stations are great but getting worn out. They need to be replaced for next year. Knotch and Shadow will build new ones.
Rolls of white paper towels were great but we ran short. Select-a-size is best. They are perfect for the ends of cook tables and important for helping clean extra sticky food from cooking pans so the wash water stays cleaner longer.
Brown paper rolls for hand washing stations worked very well, but we did run out of those rolls.
The disposable gloves brought this year were much better than previous years. Whatever brand they were is the one to get next year.
Tablecloths worked great. Cleaning after every meal allowed us to go the entire burn while replacing only one tablecloth, and that was due to ripping when someone put duct tape on the center of it and removed it. Replenish inventory with the same number for next year.
Gorilla tape was the only tape that worked to hold the tablecloths on the tables. Make sure we have a roll in inventory for kitchen tablecloth use next year.
Sharpies and light-colored duct or gaffer tape for labeling bins in the kitchen during setup worked great and were appreciated.
Grill lighters for the stove were a very good idea, but maybe buy a little better quality next year.
Using the large stainless steel strainer to separate icky cook pot liquids worked well. Icky water drained into an orange bucket and the solids were dumped into another orange bucket for sealing and transport off-playa.
We could use one or two more large stainless steel strainers sized to fit the 3 large cooking pots. We need them for frequent separation of pasta from water. The small plastic strainers were not big enough to fit the cook pans or hold all of the pasta, and holding them while cooks poured hot water led to steam burns.
The folding metal wind shields around the stoves help a lot and are worth keeping.
The big grill and flat top griddle are great and take a tremendous load off the smaller kitchen stoves. They are great time savers for massive bacon, pancakes, toasted bread, and grilled meat cooking.
Coffee routine of about 100 plus 60 cups, 160 total per day, seemed about right. Coffee made for breakfast only usually lasted until 10:30 or 11:00. Let us know if coffee needs to be available later in the day.
Single-serve coffee packets were very appreciated by the late-to-breakfast crowd when morning coffee was gone. Need them for next year.
Disposable insulated hot cups for coffee were great and we need them for next year also.

What needs work:

Sink height was way too low. Need to raise legs around 8 inches. Rich said they are adjustable.
Need a few spray bottles for water and Clorox disinfectant spray to help remove dried-on crud from tables and the dirty dish table. Nevada Health Inspectors mentioned we needed this.
Need some kind of backing for clean dish racks to prevent dishes and utensils from falling off the backside of the racks. Maybe shade cloth and zip ties.
Need more tongs. Knotch and Shadow will gift more tongs to camp.
Need a few more rolls of white paper towels than the 2017 inventory.
Tri-fold paper towels do not work well. They are moopy and easily blow all over the place.
Need more pump hand soap. Nevada State Health inspection requires pump hand soap available in the kitchen at hand washing stations.
Need at least a couple more 5-gallon buckets than inventoried this year, because 4 are now tied up at hand washing stations.
Need more pump hand sanitizer.
Need a few more square pot holder pads. We have enough mitts, but were usually short of pads. Mitts were used instead of pads, but they make the pot unstable.
Almost all stoves are wearing out. Knobs and internal control jets are getting loose, and several burners had very low flame and could only be used for light duty.
The griddle accessory for the large grill must not be used for cooking anything that produces a lot of oil. Bacon caused grease to build up, run over the edge, and catch fire in the bottom burner flame.
The grease drip problem from the small griddle is still an issue. Need to engineer a drip catcher for hot grease.
Personal coolers, dangerous temperatures, and ice issues were noted during the Nevada Health Department inspection. More information needs to be provided to campers ahead of time about icing their coolers properly and keeping them iced.
Drain pipes for sinks and shower kept popping out of the sump tanks and coming apart at hose joints. There were probably 10 to 15 spills and 3 full-scale head-to-foot soaks from grimy sump water when emergency repairs were needed.
First Aid box needs to be inventoried and restocked. It was missing ibuprofen or pain killers, band aids were old and did not stick, Pedialyte was not there when needed, hydrogen peroxide was expired, and other common items were missing.
Better quality grill lighters are needed. A lot of them failed quickly this year.

****Community Meals****

In 2017 PolyParadise had a Community related ‘Requirement’ upon registration, a choice of being part of cooking & sharing a meal for 25. The meals and the variety of all things cooked were amazing!!!! There was never a want for food, there were always choices.

Special callout to everyone that assisted in the creation of Trash Can Pizza on Tuesday, Of course to UncleBob for coming up with this crazy idea. Thanks to for everyone that assisted with Trash Can Turkey and a HUGE Thanks to the crew for jumping right in and carving up all that turkeys (90bs of BIRD) while an anxious crowd awaited food…Amazing!!

Thank you so much to everyone who contributed to the planning, cooking, serving & cleanup of each and every meal. For when we share a meal and break bread together we grow from just being friends to being FAMILY!

Over the years campers have mentioned to me that they arrived for a meal and there was not enough food for them or that they saw some campers going back for seconds and when they had not gotten any food. I understand your complaints - meal times are set at two hour intervals 8:00a-10:00a 12:00p-2:00p 6:00p-8:00p - Policing who gets in line and how many times is not where we are headed. There are two possible solutions to make sure you get food - Get to meal times ON TIME or see that there is not enough food and STEP UP and be part of the solution which is to Cook an additional meal for the community. Remember meals are not included in the Camp Fee; they are a GIFT to the Community.

****Playa Events****

This was an amazing year for PolyParadise Playa Events. We had lots of amazing events that drew large crowds each day.

Poly High Tea - Human Carcass Wash - Mind Melt - Poly Friendly Social Mixer, Clothing-optional qi gong, Conscious Breathwork, No Urgency, Yoga Postures for 2, Mindful Hugging, Best sex living with STD's, Yoga for the truly beautiful, Card Magic Human Conection, Awakening Energy Meditation, Distaff Shatner, The week long 9 Energies Tent and of course EVERY NIGHT @ THE TWISTED SWAN!!!

Major Kudos to the organizers _Touch & Crew (HCW), Facilitators & participants of Poly High Tea, BrotherLuv (Mind Melt), Trevor, Keira, Brandi for the Poly Mixer, JanTed for the No Urgency & Best sex living with STD's, JustJack for Card Magic making connections Just Jack & Donald for Yoga Postures for 2, Donald for Mindful Hugging, NoGoodnick for the qi dong & Distaff Shatner. You all are aces in my book!!! Thanks to everyone who assisted in each and every event. The events are as much for us as a camp as well as sharing with the Playa Citizenry.

The Human Carcass Wash encompassed a full 40’x40’ structure. Long gone are the days from circa 2001 when the HCW was a 5'x7' piece of Astroturf. With this additional space the HCW now serves well over 500 participants daily!!! Freakin INCREDIBLE!!! I am thinking about making the HCW Space bigger for 2018 to accommodate the very large crowds we get each day, maybe adding a full 20'x40' to the existing structure.

****Perfect Place for Poly Play****

We all must collectively thank Tailfeather and everyone that helped erect the Poly Play Space. Each year the space has evolved and creates an awesome addition to our Community. The new and improved viewing tower atop the dome was amazing. Thank you all for creating such an awesome space to let loose, a space to explore sexually. Thank you Tailfeather and his orchestra - to everyone that assisted in the assembling & teardown of the dome. Please volunteer with Tailfeather as many hands makes light work & then Johnny can play!!!

****Leave No Trace****

PolyParadise has always prided itself on its Cleanup & Recycle efforts. The 2017 MOOP Map shows we had YELLOW on the frontage and back side (HCW). Playa Restoration does not give us any indication as to why our areas were YELLOW; though it does mean we need to be MORE DILIGENT at the smaller things that may be hidden below the surface of the Playa. Thanks to all that MOOPED all week and to Knotch - Shadow & Uncle Bob for being the last off the Playa and for making sure that our LNT efforts would in fact be as GREEN as possible!!

We did have a Friday visit from the Earth Guardians in which they schooled us in two areas. Proper placement of Gas Cans (Not under the Truck to ensure proper ventilation) and our Gray Water area. It was my mistake in purchasing segmented pool hose for the Shower & Sink connections to the Gray Water Tanks. The segmented hose pulled apart at said segments and was a MOOP Issue all week. Will endeavor to purchase 40' one length hose for 2018. The EG also found that because of the hose leaks we had a significant amount of water under the sink. To better deal with this in 2018 the entire sink area will be placed on top of tarp and canvas flooring to better capture this water.

We need to strive for ALL GREEN in 2018!!!

For 2018 our MOOP MAP Footprint goal is ALL GREEN - we can ALWAYS be more MOOP vigilant. Remember it is MOOP if it is not Playa -that is the definition of Leave No Trace. Overall we did an amazing job - thanks to all that assisted in Never Letting It Hit the Ground!!! Thank you to everybody that stayed for teardown and beyond...You guys ROCK for making those last sweeps through our space and making sure we would be MOOP FREE! Overall we did an amazing job - thanks to all that assisted in Never Letting It Hit the Ground!!! Thank you to everybody that stayed for teardown and beyond...You guys ROCK for making those last sweeps through our space and making sure we would be as MOOP FREE as possible.

Overall we did an amazing job - thanks to all that assisted in Never Letting It Hit the Ground!!! Thank you to everybody that stayed for teardown and beyond...You guys ROCK for making those last sweeps through our space and making sure we would be as MOOP FREE as possible.

****Gray Water Reclamation****

Our Gray Water disposal with the drain system for the sink and the shower that emptied into the holding tanks provided by United Site Services. This system is supposed to provide us as a camp a no-worry way to deal with the Gray Water issue.

In 2017 we contracted with United Site Services to provide Grey Water Reclamation Services. We rented (4) 250G tanks (The largest USS rents) - three were for PolyParadise & one was for the Twisted Swan. Our contract was for Servicing the tanks Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday. Over course of the week I estimate we generated just about 1,500 Gallons of Gray Water.

****Water - Water - Water****

In the desert water is a commodity – it is used to cook – clean posts/pans & dishes, starter for the Human Carcass Wash and of course for taking a shower. As a camp we require each vehicle in camp to donate 5 gallons of water to assist with our water supply as a camp. We obviously use a lot of water to do these tasks; even if we had 75 vehicles all bringing 5 Gallons of water that is only 375 gallons to add to the 100 that we bring in the U-Haul.

Some people have suggested that we get potable water delivered so that the amount of water is not an issue and do away with the requirement of the water donation and eliminate a lot of plastic waste. My opinion is that we need to remember that Burning Man is a desert camping trip and part of its ethos is we bring what we need to consume and take away what we use. Each camper manages their own water and as a Theme Camp we need to do the same.

In that vein I highly encourage - if you have the means & space to bring additional water for camp use it would be appreciated.

****Garbage, Garbage, Garbage****

Many Many thanks to STAGGER for again heading up all things Garbage Czar for stepping up and taking on the role of TRASH!

Since the Trash is generated by the community - our camp requirement is for each vehicle to take one-bag of Trash Off-Playa...Thanks to Stagger for making it easy with double-bagged/tapped/labeled bags for each of us. Were you surprised to find your personal bag-o-trash at your vehicle:) Major kudos to anyone and everyone that transported more than one bag, you are aces in my book!!

We do generate quite a bit of 'Burnable Garbage' we compacted the Burnable bags / wrapping them up tightly with gorilla tape & transported off-playa like other plastic bag garbage. This appeared to work well.

I encourage all campers to check in with Stagger and see how you might assist him in the managing of the garbage - Community Generated - Community Managed.

We are noticing that each year we are getting more campers that are entering Black Rock City via the Burner Express bus service. With this accommodation you receive a Clear Plastic MOOP BAG that you can bring back on your way home. We highly encourage all campers that use the Burner Express Bus Service to bring their MOOP BAG to STAGGER so he can properly fill them for you to transport off-playa.

****2017 Garbage Czar Report****

I am so happy to report that Poly Paradise’s garbage situation this year went extremely well compared to some years past. With only minor mixing, the residents of Poly Paradise managed to separate trash, and transport their allotted trash off the playa with no left behinds.

I would particularly like to thank Wolf for stepping up and helping with trash delivery. He was a big boost to my moral. He probably heard me bitching like I always do and came around to see what he could do. In total, 84 bags of trash were delivered – according to my running count – with works out to about 1.3 tons of trash delivered around camp. Thanks, Wolf.

Our new indestructible can crusher was great… Thanks to RICH for that. Stand up and take credit!!!

The burner express riders brought their bags back to the trash area and they were perfect for getting rid of pizza boxes and cardboard. Managed to get rid of every pizza box that way, and a significant amount of card board. Thanks guys.

The last day is always the toughest.. as people are leaving yet trash is still being generated. However, this year people stepped up and took trash on their own which was a BIG help.

We still bring too much cardboard to the playa, and without a fire this year it really stacked up. Some angelic person wrapped up the large pile of left over cardboard with duct tape making is much easier for me to toss into my van at 4:00 am when I left camp. Thank you anonymous poly person.. please also take a bow.

As well as things went this year.. there is always room for improvement.. I have an idea for next year that might improve things even more.. and add an element of fun to the whole getting rid of trash thing.

Thank you everyone for a great trash year.. and special thanks to Wolf for helping me when I needed it most.

****Scotto Speak****

2017 was my 18th Burn and my 16th serving as Camp Daddy, Benevolent Dictator of PolyParadise. We gather together from all corners of the globe to share, learn & grow - a passion & commitment to Community and lifelong friendships created on the hallowed grounds of BRC and within the borders of PolyParadise. I cannot imagine my life without Burning Man or PolyParadise. I thank you all for being part of it all with me.

The Burning Man/PolyParadise experience is different for each person. It is my hope that each of you felt you had a home & a family within the borders of PolyParadise and that each one of you had the MOST AWESOME TIME EVER!!! I hope that if you return to Burning Man again, you will camp with us and again help create the Community we love, PolyParadise in BRC!

My overall assessment of our camp is that after 19yrs we have this Playa thing down pretty good. Rinse - Repeat - Revise. We provide a great home within the Gates of BRC, a drama free space with an amazing Community Space/Kitchen, Events area, The HUMAN CARCASS WASH, Shower and of course the power of family & friends.

There is an extra special Callout; reserved to my Life Partner, Wife, Friend & companion, WildChild. You teach me each day the value of a Big Heart and are constantly there all year long with a smile, encouragement and new ideas to make the Burning Man/PolyParadise experience better & better each year. You are there to meet each challenge, you are there for our campers and most importantly you are there for me, I am forever yours.

Again, it has been my pleasure and honor serve as your Camp Daddy (Benevolent Dictator). Each year brings a different set of challenges, a different set of lessons to be had & learned or stumbled upon; you just never know what the Playa will bring....

We will learn from our mistakes, we will again come alive with The Village of PolyParadise, Version 20, it will be better than ever!!!

August 26 - September 3, 2018 - 237 Days left till Burning Man!

PolyParadise - 2017 - What Worked