Camp Kitchen Rules:

• At home you can let your dirty dishes sit for days in the sink, but not out here. As much as you hate to, do dishes right after your meal so you don't attract wildlife to your camp.
• Put the left over food into paper bag. Use paper towels to wipe food residue out of pots. Dispose of paper bag & towels into the campfire.
• Do not wash directly in the streams. Bring a large bucket or wash tub.
  Avoid dipping cookware in lakes, rivers, or streams. Wash nearby without putting soap in the creek. It poisons the fish downstream. (even the biodegradable soap is better, but not totally non-polluting)
• Disperse the wash water over the ground at least 200 feet from nearest stream, river or lake.
• Use a sponge scrubber with soap in the handle for convenience.
• If you are in 'bear country', do not cook near the tent. Cook downwind from your sleeping area.
• Two large plastic boxes/containers with lids helps in storing items properly, away from rodents & rain.
  Use one box for kitchen wear & Use one box for food storage.

How to deal with Bears & food storage

A large rubber container with lid is great for storage & doubles as a wash tub, so you don't end up adding suds to the stream. Many mountain streams are used for drinking water sources & the less polution in them, the better.