refusing disposable sheets in albergues?

[mochilaverde]

Has anyone tried refusing disposable sheets in albergues? (Or thought about it?)

Eucalyptus isn't native to Spain and growing eucalyptus requires a lot of water and wrecks the soil for indigenous trees in Galicia. Eucalyptus forests are also a huge fire hazard. (see https://www.eoi.es/blogs/imsd/the-eucalyptus-in-galicia-and-its-impacts/ )

I didn't bring a sleeping bag on my most recent Camino, but next time I would like to bring a sleeping bag (or half sheet, half sleeping bag) and try refusing disposable sheets. I don't use the albergue pillows at all (they are too plump for a front sleeper) and I usually just sleep with my head on my fleece sweater. edit to add: with a sleeping bag or half sheet, half sleeping bag, none of my body is in contact with the mattress. I also wanted to clarify that the mattresses I have in mind have a rubberized cover (which the disposable cover goes on top of). I'm not proposing to sleep sans sheet on a mattress without a rubberized cover.

edit 2 to add:

Thanks to everyone for commenting. I tried to find out some more information:

• is there was a health code requirement for albergues in Spain to provide a fitted sheet (and mandate their use?) I didn't find any such requirement, but perhaps someone else with better Spanish might.... On my last Camino I walked without a sleeping bag and I borrowed synthetic blankets from albergues for two cold nights. My impression is that these blankets are not washed....
• what are albergue disposable sheets made of and where are they manufactured? I found disposable sheets for sale on Temu and Amazon, so there is a good chance that disposable sheets in albergues aren't even made in Spain. (And in that case, the content and origin of the fibres in the sheets might be pretty opaque.) Perhaps someone volunteering as a hospitaliero can find more information about the manufacturer on a box of sheets?

My understanding is that most albergues have mattresses with a rubberized cover for hygiene reasons and that the disposable sheets are offered to people because it's uncomfortable to have skin in contact with the rubberized mattress cover. In other words, the disposable sheets are for comfort, and not because they protect people from germs or bedbugs.

For me, part of the Camino experience is contemplating what I truly need and considering the impact that I have on the world around me. Seeing invasive eucalyptus prompted me to consider the environmental costs of manufacturing and disposing of sheets. Of course, laundering bedding has environmental costs as well, but as a general rule, manufacturing an item only to throw it away after a single use creates more harm than manufacturing a single durable item and cleaning it.

 

[Maurice Frank]

I did refuse them on occasion. No problem doing that. I sleep in a silk sleeping bag liner.

 

[C clearly]

Are you suggesting that the disposable sheets are made from Spanish/Galician eucalyptus trees?

 

[trecile]

I did refuse them on occasion. No problem doing that. I sleep in a silk sleeping bag liner.

I do the same. Or I take it and leave it unwrapped. I think that I read that albergues (at least in some regions) are required to provide some kind of sheet, so if they don't want to wash cloth sheets they use the disposable ones.

 

[J Willhaus]

In albergues with bunks we are required to provide a bottom sheet of some kind. At some albergues we still use real fitted sheets and wash them daily.

 

[VNwalking]

Or thought about it

No. That's disgusting, because those liners are there for a reason. If you refuse them, you're adding a night's-worth of your sweat and sebum and skin flecks on the mattress. Thanks a lot.

 

[SabsP]

Has anyone tried refusing disposable sheets in albergues? (Or thought about it?)

Eucalyptus isn't native to Spain and growing eucalyptus requires a lot of water and wrecks the soil for indigenous trees in Galicia. Eucalyptus forests are also a huge fire hazard. (see https://www.eoi.es/blogs/imsd/the-eucalyptus-in-galicia-and-its-impacts/ )

I didn't bring a sleeping bag on my most recent Camino, but next time I would like to bring a sleeping bag (or half sheet, half sleeping bag) and try refusing disposable sheets. I don't use the albergue pillows at all (they are too plump for a front sleeper) and I usually just sleep with my head on my fleece sweater. edit to add: with a sleeping bag or half sheet, half sleeping bag, none of my body is in contact with the mattress.

No, I try to follow the rules/ arrangements of the country / albergue where I am a guest.
So I take the disposable sheets yes.

Can you provide us details that these sheets come from the Eucalyptus?

Even if this is so then I would still take the sheets. Living ecofriendly is always a give -and take. I think of myself as living in an ecofriendly way but sometimes you have to choose the lesser of the two. I make up for it by doing lots on foot or bike at home and shop plasticfree, etc...

 

[dick bird]

The problem with the disposable sheets is that they are totally useless. They detach themselves from the mattress in about 5 seconds so fail completely to perform the function for which they are intended.They are designed for examination couches in doctors’ surgeries. They consume resources and add to landfill and I am fairly sure are made from synthetic materials. A silk sleeping bag liner will do the job much more effectively. You can decline politely if offered, or simply leave it in its polythene wrapper.

 

[GingerRob]

They are made from a hygroscopic material the same used in agriculture, really good to throw onto of a bed of vegetables in early spring and not on a bed designed to sleep in.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Has anyone tried refusing disposable sheets in albergues? (Or thought about it?)

Eucalyptus isn't native to Spain and growing eucalyptus requires a lot of water and wrecks the soil for indigenous trees in Galicia. Eucalyptus forests are also a huge fire hazard. (see https://www.eoi.es/blogs/imsd/the-eucalyptus-in-galicia-and-its-impacts/ )

I didn't bring a sleeping bag on my most recent Camino, but next time I would like to bring a sleeping bag (or half sheet, half sleeping bag) and try refusing disposable sheets. I don't use the albergue pillows at all (they are too plump for a front sleeper) and I usually just sleep with my head on my fleece sweater. edit to add: with a sleeping bag or half sheet, half sleeping bag, none of my body is in contact with the mattress.

I understand your concerns, it's a huge amount of waste. You could do what some of us do and simply take it with you after your first night, and reuse it for several days.

Are you suggesting that the disposable sheets are made from Spanish/Galician eucalyptus trees?

If they are paper-based then it is very possible. Eucalyptus is one of the major species used for pulp and paper industry. A large proportion of the trees grown in both Spain and Portugal are used for pulp production.

Disposable sheets seem to be made from all sorts of things - some are cellulose based, others polypropylene, etc

No. That's disgusting, because those liners are there for a reason. If you refuse them, you're adding a night's-worth of your sweat and sebum and skin flies on the mattress. Thanks a lot.

Whilst I agree with you the OP did specifically say "none of my body is in contact with the mattress".

As I have never yet slept completely cocooned in my sleep sheet, part of my body - specifically my arms - would always end up touching the mattress so from that perspective....

Perhaps the OP is different.

 

[Flog]

Has anyone tried refusing disposable sheets in albergues? (Or thought about it?)

Eucalyptus isn't native to Spain and growing eucalyptus requires a lot of water and wrecks the soil for indigenous trees in Galicia. Eucalyptus forests are also a huge fire hazard.

Much as I'm not a fan of disposable sheets, impractical as they might be, I wouldn't refuse them on ecological grounds as it would be hypocritical of me. I'm in no position to lecture the spanish people on the environment while I choose to travel to their country by plane, all the way from Ireland and burning tons (and tonnes) of kerosene in the process.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

They are made from a hygroscopic material the same used in agriculture, really good to throw onto of a bed of vegetables in early spring and not on a bed designed to sleep in.

As hygroscopic literally just means 'water seeking' that doesn't really answer the question as to what material they're made from.

And they are made to be slept on - Hospitals, clinics and nursing homes frequently use disposable bed sheets.

Edited to add: wool for example is highly hygroscopic

 

[davejsy]

I too found them pretty useless, and very rarely were they still in position by morning. In the end I also used to just leave them in the packet on the bed to be reused. I slept in a sleeping bag. I do recall some places they were an actual extra.

 

[Kirkie]

Has anyone tried refusing disposable sheets in albergues? (Or thought about it?)

Eucalyptus isn't native to Spain and growing eucalyptus requires a lot of water and wrecks the soil for indigenous trees in Galicia. Eucalyptus forests are also a huge fire hazard. (see https://www.eoi.es/blogs/imsd/the-eucalyptus-in-galicia-and-its-impacts/ )

I didn't bring a sleeping bag on my most recent Camino, but next time I would like to bring a sleeping bag (or half sheet, half sleeping bag) and try refusing disposable sheets. I don't use the albergue pillows at all (they are too plump for a front sleeper) and I usually just sleep with my head on my fleece sweater. edit to add: with a sleeping bag or half sheet, half sleeping bag, none of my body is in contact with the mattress.

No, I did not. I respect rules - usually. If the sheet is correctly put on over the mattress, and you have your own liner or sleeping bag, what is the problem?
Coherency is such a difficulty today - in actual speech, as well as in practice, on many levels. I refer here to the implication of not wasting resources. The further we get from local, the more difficult to be coherent. Even typing this tells a story of expenditure of energy that is unnecessary. To be coherent, this could be the final message from me on the forum! it will not.
Returning to the question, I repeat: no. If I am asked to comply, I will. That is what I was taught. I am Scottish. Law abiding. Mostly.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

If the sheet is correctly put on over the mattress, and you have your own liner or sleeping bag, what is the problem?

The problem is that the sheet is thrown away, regardless as to whether or not you use your own liner/ sleeping bag as well. Let alone the plastic bag they generally come in.

As mentioned more than once above, the simple solution is of course to take your first one with you to reuse as long as practical.

 

[Kirkie]

The problem is that the sheet is thrown away, regardless as to whether or not you use your own liner/ sleeping bag as well. Let alone the plastic bag they generally come in.

As mentioned more than once above, the simple solution is of course to take your first one with you to reuse as long as practical.

Whatever.

 

[Kirkie]

Whatever.

Perhaps I will go back into my shell again. Not much point really, is there? No. Let the forum be for real camino issues, not for debatable points of divergence.

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

Whatever.

Rather a rude response to a reasonable answer

Perhaps I will go back into my shell again. Not much point really, is there? No. Let the forum be for real camino issues, not for debatable points of divergence.

Perhaps you should, if you can’t at least be civil. You chose to answer the thread.


The OPs question is reasonable, and waste is a real Camino issue - far more so than many that are debated time and again here on the forum.

Why? Because we are visiting Spain, at the very least we have a moral responsibility to minimise our impact on the land and it’s people.

 

[OldHands]

I have been to several private albergues on the Camino where you are not allowed:
- to bring your backpack to the dormitory
- to use your own sleeping bag
- to use your own bedsheet (in case you have one)
On my last Camino I witnessed a scene where the albergue owner got very upset by finding a sleeping bag on one of the beds and (not kidding) theatrically threw it into a garbage can.
The albergue provides the bedding and you must use it, fullstop. Precautions against bed bugs.

 

[henrythedog]

Rather a rude response to a reasonable answer

Perhaps you should, if you can’t at least be civil. You chose to answer the thread.


The OPs question is reasonable, and waste is a real Camino issue - far more so than many that are debated time and again here on the forum.

Why? Because we are visiting Spain, at the very least we have a moral responsibility to minimise our impact on the land and it’s people.

The advice of my usual point of reference at these times - the late Father James (Jack) Hackett - comes to mind.

‘Nuns! Reverse!!’

I’ll go now.

 

[LTfit]

I'm now on the Sanabrés and yesterday in my first Xunta albergue giving out those disposables (A Gudiña). This morning I threw out the sheets then thought, silly me, take them and reuse them . Today I'm in Laza and will not throw them out. @Peterexpatkiwi has the right idea, reuse them. I take a silk liner in addition so I have no fear that I'm leaving nasty bugs on the mattress.

 

[Felice]

Galician albergues might be required to provide a bottom sheet, but prior to Galcia, by no means all albergues provide bedding. In May last year, on my first night walking after Pamplona, there was no bedding provided and I was really glad to have saved my fitted disposable sheet from the previous year's walk (washed, of course) to go on my bed.

On my first camino in 2014, I brought a silk sleeping bag liner. We did not get on well together. At some point in the middle of the night we always ended up parting company. My bag would sulk off to the edge or end of the bed and I would end up stranded on the blue plastic mattress. So when I saw disposable sheets for sale in Leon for the first time, I willing bought a packet and got numerous more nights use out fo them.

I have never had a problem with disposable sheets. I treat them gently, put them on the mattress carefully and they reward me with many nights of loyal service.

 

[amrmeaner]

I did refuse them on occasion. No problem doing that. I sleep in a silk sleeping bag liner.

Me too. Also I do not like the idea of single use plastic stuff. In fact I sometimes reuse my disposable sheet a few times. Not sure if that creates a bedbugs transfer mode.

 

[dick bird]

One thing you can safely say about disposable sheets is that they are totally useless as a prophylaxis against bedbugs.

 

[MethaV]

Has anyone tried refusing disposable sheets in albergues? (Or thought about it?)

Eucalyptus isn't native to Spain and growing eucalyptus requires a lot of water and wrecks the soil for indigenous trees in Galicia. Eucalyptus forests are also a huge fire hazard. (see https://www.eoi.es/blogs/imsd/the-eucalyptus-in-galicia-and-its-impacts/ )

I didn't bring a sleeping bag on my most recent Camino, but next time I would like to bring a sleeping bag (or half sheet, half sleeping bag) and try refusing disposable sheets. I don't use the albergue pillows at all (they are too plump for a front sleeper) and I usually just sleep with my head on my fleece sweater. edit to add: with a sleeping bag or half sheet, half sleeping bag, none of my body is in contact with the mattress.

I always bring a silk sheet on the Camino, and I also often find the pillows too plump. I bring a small inflatable pillow which is really good. Next time i'll try to avoid the disposable sheets.

 

[witsendwv]

Perhaps I will go back into my shell again. Not much point really, is there? No. Let the forum be for real camino issues, not for debatable points of divergence.

Please don't go- many of your responses give me my daily chuckle. Your response didn't feel rude to me, but.....whatever!

 

[jandeschepper]

I understand your concerns, it's a huge amount of waste. You could do what some of us do and simply take it with you after your first night, and reuse it for several days.

If they are paper-based then it is very possible. Eucalyptus is one of the major species used for pulp and paper industry. A large proportion of the trees grown in both Spain and Portugal are used for pulp production.

Disposable sheets seem to be made from all sorts of things - some are cellulose based, others polypropylene, etc

Whilst I agree with you the OP did specifically say "none of my body is in contact with the mattress".

As I have never yet slept completely cocooned in my sleep sheet, part of my body - specifically my arms - would always end up touching the mattress so from that perspective....

Perhaps the OP is different.

The part taking them with you to the next stop is an excellent idea. It could be on the notice board at the albergue.

 

[NerdGjerd]

For newbies (me) am I understanding there are two types of disposable sheets at municipal albergues? One that’s fitted and might stay on the sheet overnight, and one that’s just a flat thin doctors table tissue type which seems like it would be useless?

 

[trecile]

For newbies (me) am I understanding there are two types of disposable sheets at municipal albergues? One that’s fitted and might stay on the sheet overnight, and one that’s just a flat thin doctors table tissue type which seems like it would be useless?

No, the bottom sheets are always fitted with elastic corners (in my experience), and come with a pillow case that may test your patience when trying to open it!
Both are made of a thin nonwoven fabric of unknown origin.

 

[Ella L.]

The environmental burden imposed by the disposable (maybe biodegradable) ill-fitting mattress covers, and their associated and even more ill-fitting pillow slips, is a fair topic for discussion, but I think the concern for the invasive eucalyptus is a little, too late. The tree has been part of the Spanish landscape for well over a hundred years and used for pulp production for sixty? more? years. The tree, like any other successful introduced species, is established. At least it is being managed if it is harvested for an end product. Refusing to use that product will ensure that the eucalyptus can really take over without any limits.

 

[peregrina2000]

but I think the concern for the invasive eucalyptus is a little, too late. The tree has been part of the Spanish landscape for well over a hundred years and used for pulp production for sixty? more? years. The tree, like any other successful introduced species, is established.

There are official efforts and policies to put an end to eucalyptus farming in Spain. Nothing too draconian, but I wouldn’t say that the long-term future of the eucalyptus tree in Spain is a foregone conclusion. And many would disagree with the use of “successful” in the quoted post. I am not a botanist, but I walked years ago with a mushroom specialist from the University of Santiago de Compostela, and on the few days from Santiago to Finisterre he was almost at the point of tears to see what the eucalyptus had done to mushroom/hongo growth.

 

[Thomas1962]

I used to have an albergue. Only a very small part of the disposable sheets come from Spain, by far most of them come from Spain.
In the covid times, when the price for a seecontainer from china did get up really high, it was difficult/nearly impossible to get sheets for a while.

 

[Felice]

There are official efforts and policies to put an end to eucalyptus farming in Spain. Nothing too draconian, but I wouldn’t say that the long-term future of the eucalyptus tree in Spain is a foregone conclusion. And many would disagree with the use of “successful” in the quoted post. I am not a botanist, but I walked years ago with a mushroom specialist from the University of Santiago de Compostela, and on the few days from Santiago to Finisterre he was almost at the point of tears to see what the eucalyptus had done to mushroom/hongo growth.

Since eucalyptus trees have been mentioned....
There are lots of protest posters saying Altri Non in the area of Palas del Rei area. Locals are against the proposal by Greenfiber to build a cellulose factory in the area, using eucalyptus trees as feedstock.
So in the future, if you buy some 'sustainable fabric' you might just be contributing to the continuation of the eucalyptus tree in Galicia!

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

The environmental burden imposed by the disposable (maybe biodegradable) ill-fitting mattress covers, and their associated and even more ill-fitting pillow slips, is a fair topic for discussion, but I think the concern for the invasive eucalyptus is a little, too late. The tree has been part of the Spanish landscape for well over a hundred years and used for pulp production for sixty? more? years. The tree, like any other successful introduced species, is established. At least it is being managed if it is harvested for an end product. Refusing to use that product will ensure that the eucalyptus can really take over without any limits.

As @peregrina2000 says, there are official efforts underway against eucalyptus - for very good reasons. It is absolutely disastrous environmentally (heavy transpiration, reduces biodiversity & soil fertility, allopathic) plus it is actually a major fire issue and in the increasingly drought stricken areas causing an incredible amount of harm. Both because it is an extremely thirsty tree, and of course because of the fire risks.

Whilst some of the large plantations are well managed unfortunately many are not. In addition to which there are many small plantations which have long since been abandoned because of their lack of profitability. Let alone the abandoned rural properties (common in Spain and Portugal) which are becoming overgrown with self-seeded trees.

The Primitivo (Hospitales) was closed in April last year because a wildfire ripped through the plantation that borders it. I saw the devastation myself in July. At Lugo I transferred across to the Norte, a couple of days later I stood at a T-intersection and actually videoed a clip.

Very well-run new plantation on my left, another well-run more mature plantation on my right. Straight ahead of me an abandoned plantation, overgrown, loads of debris on the plantation floor, strips of dead back hanging from the trees - just waiting for a hot day and a spark....

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

I came across this article regarding fire risks some time ago, some of you may find it interesting.

https://www.theguardian.com/environ...ng-blamed-for-devastation-pedrogao-grande-aoe

Opening this thread with another device I found that @mochilaverde has edited & added some very worthwhile additions to her original post, you might want to jump back up to post number one.

 

[VNwalking]

I came across this article regarding fire risks some time ago, some of you may find it interesting.

Yes, thanks, Peter. It's a very good read.

Opening this thread with another device I found that @mochilaverde has edited & added some very worthwhile additions to her original post, you might want to jump back up to post number one.

Thanks also for this.
I've always assumed those liners were not manufactured in Spain - and the additions seem to confirm that assumption. So having the sheets isn't supporting the Eucalyptus pulp industry. But there are other climate effects, those from global commerce and shipping. Unfortunately these are the same kind of effects we all cause when we buy shoes and backpacks and clothes.

 

[David Tallan]

No, the bottom sheets are always fitted with elastic corners (in my experience), and come with a pillow case that may test your patience when trying to open it!
Both are made of a thin nonwoven fabric of unknown origin.

They are fitted, but all too often they are fitted for a mattress that is just a tiny fraction smaller than the one on your bed. making it barely possible or impossible to get that fourth corner in place and very easy, if you manage to succeed, for it to let go during the night.

 

[David Tallan]

Only a very small part of the disposable sheets come from Spain, by far most of them come from Spain.

I don't think this is what you meant to type. Was the second supposed to be China (based on your comment of the effect of Covid on shipments from China)?

 

[Peterexpatkiwi]

I've always assumed those liners were not manufactured in Spain - and the additions seem to confirm that assumption. So having the sheets isn't supporting the Eucalyptus pulp industry. But there are other climate effects, those from global commerce and shipping. Unfortunately these are the same kind of effects we all cause when we buy shoes and backpacks and clothes.

Sadly, considering the sheer amount of pulp that Spain produces, you're absolutely correct. According to Google Spain exports a whopping 97% of its wood pulp to the Netherlands.

@Thomas1962 mentioned that the majority of his sheets came from China. China apparently imports two-thirds of its wood pulp. Knowing that New Zealand exports a significant amount of pulp and logs, I'd assumed that NZ might be one of the major suppliers however we are not. According to Google, China's major pulp suppliers include: Indonesia, Brazil, Canada, and the Russian Federation. All of which involves a massive amount of shipping.

That of course is assuming that the so-called 'paper sheets' are indeed even paper.

So many things used to be produced in our own countries. You mentioned clothes - Icebreaker was an iconic Kiwi brand. High quality clothing made in New Zealand, didn't get much better.
Until of course they got too successful and were bought out by a major US multinational. Now of course they're made in China - just like everything else.

Please note I have nothing against China, this has nothing to do with politics - I just really wish that we could support our homegrown Industries a little better. And potentially lower the environmental costs at the same time.

Getting back to the Camino I would love to see the situation where we were using locally produced sheets, and having them washed/dried on a local basis - minimising environmental costs whilst maximizing benefits to the local economy.

 

[LTfit]

I've taken mine from Laza to Xunqueira de Ambía . Glad I did cause the hospi only comes at 19.30 to collect our €10, stamp our credentials and give us those lovely disposable sheets.

 

[Ella L.]

As @peregrina2000 says, there are official efforts underway against eucalyptus - for very good reasons. It is absolutely disastrous environmentally (heavy transpiration, reduces biodiversity & soil fertility, allopathic) plus it is actually a major fire issue and in the increasingly drought stricken areas causing an incredible amount of harm. Both because it is an extremely thirsty tree, and of course because of the fire risks.

Whilst some of the large plantations are well managed unfortunately many are not. In addition to which there are many small plantations which have long since been abandoned because of their lack of profitability. Let alone the abandoned rural properties (common in Spain and Portugal) which are becoming overgrown with self-seeded trees.

The Primitivo (Hospitales) was closed in April last year because a wildfire ripped through the plantation that borders it. I saw the devastation myself in July. At Lugo I transferred across to the Norte, a couple of days later I stood at a T-intersection and actually videoed a clip.

Very well-run new plantation on my left, another well-run more mature plantation on my right. Straight ahead of me an abandoned plantation, overgrown, loads of debris on the plantation floor, strips of dead back hanging from the trees - just waiting for a hot day and a spark....

That I do understand...it is the tallest, the most elegant and the most incendiary of trees...it is a case of 'horse...stable...bolted'

 

[BarbaraW]

I was intrigued after meeting a French pilgrim who told me she always carries an albergue pillowcase and finds it useful. Thereafter I carried one and used it sometimes as an auxiliary towel. I took it home and was astonished to find how little it weighed and how well it washed. If there's another camino for me I will certainly reuse the first set of albergue sheets I am given. Thank you posters for suggesting it. Don't know why it had never occurred to me, as I dislike disposable things in principle.

 

[OldHands]

Every time I handwash my disposable sheets and hang them to dry in the sun, people look at me like I'm Borat or Crocodile Dundee. I suspect their ecological awareness has a lot of room for improvement.

 

[VNwalking]

Every time I handwash my disposable sheets and hang them to dry in the sun, people look at me like I'm Borat or Crocodile Dundee. I suspect their ecological awareness has a lot of room for improvement.

The suggestion to recycle the disposables that several have offerred here was one of those forehead slapping moments - why did I never think to do this??!

 

[Flog]

The suggestion to recycle the disposables that several have offerred here was one of those forehead slapping moments - why did I never think to do this??!

I was pleased to see that the used disposable pillow cases were put to good use in Güemes where I volunteered recently. Ernesto's place has a big turnover of pilgrims. In the mornings, we would tie knots in them, (not the pilgrims!) and use them as bin liners in the various dorms, cabins and bathrooms.

 

[Felice]

No need to hand wash the disposable sheets - they seem to wash safely in a machine as well!