Composting Toilets
In the highland communities of Chiapas, using the toilet can be a bit tricky.
First, because usually there is no toilet. Second, because many latrines are holes in the cornfield with a couple of boards for your feet. Because the latrines are so unhygienic, the chickens, dogs and cats walk through the area and bring fecal material in the house. There is no sink for handwashing, so meals prepared are also easily contaminated. Many intestinal diseases result and it is not uncommon for babies and children to die of diarrhea.
When the cooperative sent us a proposal at the beginning of 2012 requesting funding for 'dry latrines', I personally was very excited about it. 28 families, divided among 3 municipalities, would receive the innovative double chambered, high off the ground latrines. The toilets are high so as not to contaminate groundwater. Urine and fecal waste are separated for further use as fertilizer. One chamber is in use while the other composts.
These families were selected by virtue of need/urgency. Each family agreed to shoulder the cost of the exterior walls. The project includes at least two workshops which address the benefits of the latrines, construction information, and maintenance. Also included are the materials, expert construction help and maintenance checks every 6 months for 2 years to insure that proper care is being taken.
This project should have the construction of the toilets completed within a year. The cost is $8900 ($318 per toilet). An anonymous donor has given us half that amount, and the project is starting this fall. If you are interested in helping fund this worthwhile project, please contact us at mujeres@olypen.com or use the Donate button on our website.
These toilets, in harmony with the environment, may save lives and prevent illnesses. We hope that they will also be 'role models' for neighbors and inspire others to 'upgrade'.
Judith
First, because usually there is no toilet. Second, because many latrines are holes in the cornfield with a couple of boards for your feet. Because the latrines are so unhygienic, the chickens, dogs and cats walk through the area and bring fecal material in the house. There is no sink for handwashing, so meals prepared are also easily contaminated. Many intestinal diseases result and it is not uncommon for babies and children to die of diarrhea.
When the cooperative sent us a proposal at the beginning of 2012 requesting funding for 'dry latrines', I personally was very excited about it. 28 families, divided among 3 municipalities, would receive the innovative double chambered, high off the ground latrines. The toilets are high so as not to contaminate groundwater. Urine and fecal waste are separated for further use as fertilizer. One chamber is in use while the other composts.
These families were selected by virtue of need/urgency. Each family agreed to shoulder the cost of the exterior walls. The project includes at least two workshops which address the benefits of the latrines, construction information, and maintenance. Also included are the materials, expert construction help and maintenance checks every 6 months for 2 years to insure that proper care is being taken.
This project should have the construction of the toilets completed within a year. The cost is $8900 ($318 per toilet). An anonymous donor has given us half that amount, and the project is starting this fall. If you are interested in helping fund this worthwhile project, please contact us at mujeres@olypen.com or use the Donate button on our website.
These toilets, in harmony with the environment, may save lives and prevent illnesses. We hope that they will also be 'role models' for neighbors and inspire others to 'upgrade'.
Judith
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