Tools Of The (CITO) Trade
Cache In Trash Out®, also known at CITO, is an ongoing environmental initiative supported by the worldwide geocaching community. Since 2002, geocachers around the world have been dedicated to improving parks and other cache-friendly places. Through these volunteer efforts, we help preserve the natural beauty of our outdoor resources.
Geocachers around the world celebrate International Cache In Trash Out Weekend annually by hosting and participating in CITO events in their local area. Events might be focused on litter clean-up, removal of invasive species, revegetation efforts or building trails. Together, we make an enormous positive impact. Did we mention that we also have a bit of fun while we’re at it?
The 13th Annual Cache In Trash Out Weekend is scheduled for April 24-27, 2015. So it’s time for you to roll up your sleeves. But what should you bring? What should you do? And my goodness, WHAT SHOULD YOU WEAR? Don’t worry steadfast geocachers – we gotcha covered!
If you’re hosting a CITO, make sure to have:
- A well stocked first aid kit
- Directional signs so people can find the CITO location
- Garbage bags – lots and lots of garbage bags
- More garbage bags
- Extra work gloves to protect hands
- Necessary tools such as shovels, buckets, rakes, etc.
- Water and snacks
- Hand sanitizer
- Safety vests for high-traffic areas
- A lanyard for your whistle, camera, GPS, or any other gear you may need within reach
10 Official CITO Trash Bags, 1 CITO Vest, 1 Pair CITO Work Gloves, 1 Standard Lanyard, 1 Lanyard Pen, 1 CITO Geocoin- Gold, 5 CITO Trackable Tags. The Kit includes some items for getting the job done, as well as some very sought after give-a-ways for your guests.
If you’re attending a CITO:
Definitely dress for the weather, and for the area you’ll be working. For example, if you plan to clear blackberry bushes, shorts probably aren’t your best choice. Always bring work gloves, water, snacks, sunscreen, plus any tools that might come in handy like a grabber, shovel, or rake. Pro tip: labeling your tools with your name and phone number is a great idea in case your tools get mixed up during the event.
What about CIRO (Cache in, Recycle Out)?
Did you know that blue is the new green? Recycling bags are for anything that we can reuse, so make sure to bring some recycling bags to pick up those discarded water bottles, beer/soda cans, and the like. We found 50 bags selling on Amazon (30-gallon capacity) for about $20.00.
Treat yourself:
You’ve worked hard. You smell like sweat and garbage. You’ve taken good care of Mother Earth. How about treating yourself to something pretty like a CITO Geocoin, Travel Tag, patch, pin, or a fresh T-shirt?
Make it a daily habit:
Why wait for a special event? How about you always bring an extra bag or two, and help keep Mother Earth happy whenever you’re out searching for that next smiley?
Will you be attending or hosting a CITO event this year? Tell us about it in the comments below!
