Potty Talk

Discover key insights from a recent discussion on Indigenous water stewardship. Highlighting three takeaways—decentralized, women-led systems; the integration of Indigenous and Western science; and the power of wetlands and kelp farming—it showcases how Indigenous knowledge offers sustainable solutions for today’s water and climate challenges, rooted in reciprocity, resilience, and respect for nature.

In the 1800s, water-flush toilets sparked a sanitation crisis, polluting rivers and wasting nutrients. From Japan’s shimogoe trade to England’s dry earth closets and Europe’s pneumatic toilets, innovators sought to recycle human waste. As we face climate disasters and water pollution today, these historical solutions offer inspiration for sustainable sanitation systems today. Can we relearn the art of turning waste into a resource?

Sewer water from a Tijuana neighborhood is cleaned by a nature-based wastewater treatment system to irrigate a green oasis. The park is also home to a botanical garden, orchard, and environmental education center.

Ocean Sewage Alliance’s 2024 Annual Impact Report highlights a year of growth and progress, from welcoming eight new partners to driving global solutions at high-level conferences. By fostering collaboration, innovation, and advocacy, OSA is proud to lead the charge for cleaner oceans and a sustainable, sewage pollution-free future. Estimated read time: 3.5 minutes