Reuse of human excreta

Human excreta is the stuff that comes out of our bodies when we go to the bathroom. It could be pee or poop. Instead of throwing it away, we can reuse it. But how and why?

Some people believe that human excreta is a valuable source of nutrients for plants. It contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are essential for plant growth. When we use toilets, the excreta goes into a septic system or sewage treatment plant. In these places, the solids are separated from the liquids, and the liquids are treated before being released into a river or an ocean.

But some countries do not have proper sewage treatment plants or toilets. In these places, people practice open defecation, which means they poop in the open fields or along the sides of the roads. This can lead to the contamination of soil and water with harmful bacteria and viruses, which can cause diseases.

To reduce the risks of diseases and to make sure that essential nutrients are returned to the soil, people can reuse human excreta by using composting toilets or by converting it into fertilizer. Composting toilets are like regular toilets, but they break down the poop and pee into a material that can be used for gardening or farming. Fertilizer made from human excreta is called "humanure," and it can be used to enrich the soil and improve crop yields.

Reusing human excreta may seem gross, but it is an eco-friendly and sustainable way of managing waste. It helps to reduce the amount of waste that needs to be treated in a sewage treatment plant, saves water, and reduces the use of synthetic fertilizers. Plus, it is a way of giving back to nature, as the nutrients in human excreta are returned to the soil and continue to nourish plants.