Q and A
Q: I attended for the first time in 2001, and thought I'd never return because
of the dust. However, last year, I went ahead and braved it. Wow! What a difference?
Why was there so much less dust this year than in 2001? Did Burning Man water
the streets more?
A: The incredible amount of dust in 2001 was a result of that year's dry
weather. After the frozen winter, during which the playa freezes and thaws
into a fluffy, dust-producing cruft, a good amount of spring rain is needed
to transform the surface into the crackled, hard-packed earth that we know
and love. Weather patterns in 2002 were much closer to normal, which meant
enough rain to pack the fluffy surface back down. When coupled with participant
adherence to the 5 MPH speed limit in the city, and Burning Man's usual efforts
at watering the streets, the result was a significantly less dusty Black Rock
City. Much better, right?
Q: When walking past the burn platform near my camp one night, I saw a group
of burners pull up with a truck, unload a couch into the flames, and take
off into the night. I wasn't sure at the time, but I thought that burning
couches made toxic fumes? Should I have said something to them?
A: Absolutely. Burning carpets, couches, mattresses, or similar items is toxic
to the environment and is forbidden at the event. We attempt to educate the
public about this issue each year through the Jack Rabbit Speaks, the website,
and the Survival Guide. This communication effort is up to every one of us.
If you see someone trying to burn toxic materials, please help the community
by reminding them that such burns are not permitted. Your local Black Rock Ranger
is the one to ask for help if your fellow participant fails to realize that
couches are definitely on the "pack it in, pack it out" list.
Q: It was a serious bummer last year when my really expensive bike was stolen
as I watched the Temple burn. I thought I could trust everyone in Black Rock
City. Do I really have to lock my bike at Burning Man?
A: At times, Burning Man really feels safer than anywhere on earth, but the
fact is, you're still in an urban environment, and just one lone bike thief
or a case of mistaken bike-identity can ruin your good time in a flash. The
community-at-large is BRC's best defense against theft, and that means that
we can all help create an environment where thieves can't succeed. So, be
very aware: Get to know your neighbors, and help keep an eye out for one another's
camps throughout the day and night. Know where to find a Ranger if you see
anything that raises your suspicion. Also, don't bring a nice bike to the
playa in the first place. Get a thrift-shop beater that won't be a temptation
to anyone with a nefarious agenda. And yes, lock your bike when you walk away
from it. If nothing else, it will keep some dreamy-eyed burner from innocently
making off with your trusty steed in the dark, thinking it's her own.
Submitted by,
Andie Grace, aka ActionGrl
Click here to read the 2001 Q and A report.