Potty Talk

Over 30 years ago, Joe Jenkins needed a better title for his book on composting human poop. He coined the term “humanure,” self-published The Humanure Handbook, and sparked a global movement promoting simple, affordable, and ecological compost toilets.

Ocean Sewage Alliance welcomes a wave of new leadership! Meet Dr. Helen Fox, our new Chair, and five brilliant new Steering Committee members. Discover their diverse expertise and the ambitious vision they bring to our mission of eliminating sewage and wastewater from the ocean.

At Rush Creek Lodge near Yosemite National Park, greywater from showers nourishes native landscapes, blending sustainability with scenic beauty. This innovative system saves millions of gallons each year, proving simple reuse can combat drought while restoring native ecosystems. From low-tech cabins to advanced recycling, the lodge models water-smart design.

Nitrogen fertilizers sustain industrial agriculture but harm the planet. A climate-friendly alternative? Human urine is packed with nutrients and readily available. From Niger’s farms to Portland’s labs, innovators are overcoming social and technical barriers to turn pee into fertilizer, boosting crop yields and reducing pollution. The future of farming may flow from our toilets.