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Ecologically Responsible Toiletsby Lawson SchallerIt is unlikely that a child in the United States today might ask, "why are we pooping in our drinking water?" I am sure there must be a child somewhere in the world that asks that question. More likely it is an environmentalist or a conservationist who poses the same question in more scientific terms – "'historically what human behavior mechanism began and continues the pattern of humans defecating into their potable water supply." Or, as a friend has stated in street terminology, "why are we crapping in our drinking water?" I hear the debate still goes on as to whether or not a person with the last name of Crapper invented the water closet. At first it may strike some folks as a bit vulgar, gross, or obscene to think of pooping in drinking water. Maybe that thought process will have a positive impact in the long run? The fact that most people in the U.S. have fresh, high quality drinking water delivered to their finger tips and their toilets for less than one penny per gallon makes it rather challenging to treat it as a precious resource. Of course, we can flush our waste with greywater and that has been discussed in prior months. You may recognize the reoccurring theme of water in this column. My apologies, it so important to me that I want to write about it . . . again. But, I will diversify. Waterless toilets are growing in popularity and are quite practical for many applications. There are a number of people I know who have composting toilets and like it. They feel they are doing the right thing by not using potable water to flush waste and also avoid the costly traditional treatment methods associated with waste water. They safely and responsibly compost it right on site. So, compost toilets use little or no water and little or no energy. Passive compost toilets use no centralized utility energy. There are a number of compost toilets on the market that use some electricity to accelerate the composting or drying. These models are somewhat common for boats, R.V.'s or homes, cabins, art studios, etc. where water and or plumbing are inaccessible or cost prohibitive. Some of these composting (waterless) toilets are nice tidy packages for those that are opposed to the quasi-outhouse or home built methods. It doesn't have to be outdoors, cold, or uncomfortable. Composting toilets can be comfy and warm. Do not confuse compost toilets with porta-potty's that are simply dumped into the waste water stream that then goes to the large treatment plant for expensive and very energy / chemical intensive treatment. The Humanure Handbook is a classic how to on composting human manure. Their website is full of fun and interesting stuff, such as the Lovable Loo Eco Potty. Check it out. Check with local authorities on codes, permits, etc., and use your best judgment. Nonetheless, your great grandparents and others that used compost toilets in the outhouse fashion, and those children that have the foresight and curiosity to ask why we are pooping in our drinking water, would likely be pleased to see a movement toward waterless toilets. Look to future months for info on urine sequestering. Yes it is happening, and for many a good reason. (Is that water related?)
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