"I begin the first lines of my journey diary. I am Philip Hart. I plan to write until I manage to return to Earth."
"Perhaps if I succeed in returning, I will keep this diary in a corner of my house, occasionally looking back at it to reflect on this journey. If I fail, I hope someone will preserve it so my story will not be forgotten."
"This is not a dream, but I think it must be… a long dream."
"The past days pass quite peacefully."
"My main activities revolve around finding food, washing clothes, and exploring. I try setting traps, but I never succeed. I always make basic mistakes, like tying knots too loosely, making traps too small for the prey, or having traps backfire on me. If not for my reflexes, I would have broken my arm, and there would be no effective solution for such a situation."
"After washing clothes with plain water many times without feeling they are clean, I decide to find something to replace detergent. My first plan is to look for natural cleaning agents. I recall simple chemistry lessons: wood ash has an alkaline property and can be used for cleaning. I diligently gather ash from the fire I light each night for warmth, mix it with water to make a solution. Though it cleans dirt well, the clothes become rough and have a slight smoky odor. Still, it is a temporary solution."
"I don't stop there; I continue my journey of discovery. One day, while exploring deeper into the forest, I find a soapberry tree. Its fruits look ordinary, but when boiled with water, the solution feels slightly slippery, like soap. I pick a few, boil them, and test them on a small piece of fabric. A miracle happens: it cleans stains without damaging the fabric! It feels like uncovering an ancient secret."
"The next day, I come up with the idea of using sand when I see a pile of fine sand near a stream. Using sand to scrub clothes, especially for stubborn grease stains, seems like a suitable solution. I experiment by sprinkling some sand on a greasy piece of fabric and scrubbing vigorously. While this method cleans well, I realize sand can damage thin or soft fabrics if used too forcefully."
"During a search to the south of the forest, I discover another treasure: mint, guava leaves, and bananas. I quickly gather them, thinking they might be useful for cleaning. Back at my shelter, I crush them, mix them with water, and experiment. The solution creates a pleasant scent, probably thanks to the mint, and works well for gently cleaning clothes."
"Even though I find several ways to wash clothes, it is still not easy. I always test a solution on a small corner of the fabric first to ensure it doesn't damage the material. Once, I didn't test before using wood ash, which caused a shirt to fade and lose its softness. Rinsing thoroughly is another headache. I have to use a lot of water to remove residues like ash or sand completely, but clean water is not always easy to find."
"After temporarily solving the issue of washing clothes, I realize that oral hygiene is also a priority. Without a toothbrush or toothpaste, I rely on what nature provides. My first idea comes when I look at the pile of wood ash I used for washing clothes."
"Clean wood ash has an alkaline property and is a fairly effective natural cleaning agent. I take a bit of fine ash from the cooled fire, using my finger to rub it on my teeth. At first, it feels strange and slightly rough, but soon I notice my teeth are cleaner, and some plaque is removed. I rinse thoroughly with water from the nearby stream—a clear, cool stream that flows gently over moss-covered rocks."
"However, wood ash is only a temporary solution. Once, while preparing firewood for dinner, I notice small charcoal fragments in the fire pit. If untreated with chemicals, charcoal can be ground into a fine powder to use as a natural abrasive. I experiment, grinding some charcoal and using my finger to apply the powder to my teeth, rubbing gently. The result is surprising: my teeth not only feel cleaner but also slightly brighter, though my lips and hands are stained black from the charcoal powder."
"I don't stop there. I also find leaves with antibacterial oils in the forest—guava leaves, mint, and a leaf resembling neem. I collect them during an exploration trip. These leaves not only have a pleasant fragrance but also contain natural oils that help fight bacteria. I chew them gently to release the oils and then rub the leaves on my teeth. This method not only cleans my teeth but also freshens my breath—a small comfort that brings significant relief in these harsh conditions."
"Caring for oral hygiene also comes with lessons about experimentation. I always carefully test each ingredient before use to ensure there are no adverse effects. Spring water is an essential part of my routine. The water here is so clear you can see the bottom, with smooth, shiny pebbles. I often sit by the stream, feeling the coolness spread through my hands as I scoop up water to rinse clean."
"Besides that, I still have one more issue: creating a natural toilet and handling waste. Of course, I can't make a proper standard toilet, and what's available in this forest are the only substitutes. Starting with toilet paper, my preferred option is banana leaves because they have a broad surface, are easy to use, and don't cause irritation. Their softness also helps prevent skin damage, especially in sensitive areas. Spring water is another option I consider combining, but I think I'll need to reserve this water source for other purposes, so I decide against it.
However, new problems keep arising, and I face an issue I can no longer delay: waste disposal. Even though I live alone, leaving waste scattered around is not only unpleasant but could also attract insects and wildlife. So, I decide to address it thoroughly.
I start by digging a deep hole about 20 meters away from the hut. This is a far enough distance to keep the smell from being bothersome and reduces the risk of spreading bacteria or contaminating the water source. The hole I dig is more than a meter deep, enough to ensure the waste can be buried and gradually decomposed over time.
Initially, I sprinkle wood ash into the hole after each use because I've heard that ash can speed up decomposition and neutralize odors. However, after about two days, I notice the smell is still quite unpleasant, especially in the hot afternoons. This makes me realize I need to find an additional solution.