A unique art project in Partschins draws attention to an important environmental issue. Initiated by the Partschins Tourist Association, the project features a creative wooden installation in the form of a toilet paper holder. However, instead of the usual white toilet paper, a salt lick for animals, resembling a roll of toilet paper, is mounted. The artwork bears the inscription: “Nature is not your toilet, and this is not toilet paper.”
These unconventional and perhaps provocative art installations, placed along various hiking trails, aim to remind viewers that nature is not a place to leave trash. In particular, toilet paper and tissues do not decompose quickly (2-3 years), and human waste can also pose dangers to wildlife. Salt licks, on the other hand, are a useful resource for grazing animals like goats and sheep, which can lick the salt.
The primary goal of the project is to draw visitors’ attention to the need to protect and respect nature. It seeks to encourage responsible behavior and discourage leaving waste in natural areas.
If there are no other options for relieving oneself, waste should be buried at least 15-20 cm deep to promote decomposition and keep animals away. Natural materials like large leaves or moss can be used for hygiene and buried along with the waste. These materials are biodegradable and cause no long-term environmental damage.
The municipality of Partschins and all of South Tyrol are known for breathtaking landscapes and diverse wildlife. With this project, the Tourist Association aims to contribute to environmental protection and raise awareness about the issue.
This art project also demonstrates that art can not only be aesthetically appealing but also convey a strong message and make a meaningful contribution to environmental protection.