I know this is a subject that most don’t really want to think about much, let alone talk about BUTT……
If there ever was a renewable resource that we have more of than we even know what to do with, it’s poop. It’s cheap, plentiful and chances are high that we’ll never run out of it. But why should you give a sh*t? Well, scientists and engineers are harnessing the power of poo to generate energy, create building materials and more.
Poop happens. The birds do it, the cows do it – we all do it. But nowadays, instead of seeing it as waste, researchers have been harnessing the power of poop and converting the precious substance into energy, building materials and even back into food (talk about circle of life)!
1. Many developing countries do not have toilets, or even proper sewage disposal systems, which can lead to the spread of bacteria and water-born illnesses. With these issues in mind, designer Virginia Gardiner created a solution to both problems, called the LooWatt. The eco-commode is itself made from poop- molded from 90% horse dung, with a biodegradable lining. Aside from creating a sanitary place to sit and think, when the LooWatt is full, thewaste can be turned into energy, with the aid of a biodigestor, bringing sanitation and an energy source to underdeveloped countries.
2. Building off of poop’s molding capabilities, students at the Prasetiya Mulya Business School in Indonesia developed the EcoFaeBrick, a lightweight brick made from cow patties. The durable bricks are 20% stringer AND lighter than clay bricks, and since the material is natural and not quarried, their usage would cut down on the environmental destruction thatquarrying creates. EcoFaeBricks create a solution for cow waste, while saving local environments, and providing local farms with a new revenue stream.
3. A park near MIT in Cambridge, MA that has a popular dog run has become energy self-sufficient, thanks to a project by Matthew Mazzotta. Dubbed “Park Spark,” the project asksdog owners to dump dog doo into Mazzota’s special digesters, rather than the trash. Funded by the city and the school, the large drums then convert the natural methane that is given off by thepoop into energy, which powers the park’s street lamps at night. Park Spark also helps cut down on naturally emitted greenhouse gas.
4. Big companies are also recognizing the power of poop. Hewlett Packard, Microsoft and Google have investigated partnering with American dairy farmers, to discuss the possibility of creating poop-powered data centers. The initial equipment investment may be what is holding them back, but the renewable power is great, with the average cow pooping enough power to light a 100 watt lightbulb.
5. Volkswagen should also take note- Bristol, UK based waste treatment company, Geneco has converted a cute VW Bug into a bio-fuel guzzling machine. Using the solid waste from 70 homes, the Bio-Bug could drive 10,000 miles a year with a fuel efficient of 5.3 miles per cubic meters f the bio-gas. The Bug can also run on traditional gasoline as well. The Bio-Bug, unlike other bio-fueled prototypes, runs more cleanly, with a comparative performance to petroleum based fuels.
So there you have it. The scoop on the poop.
















With over 22 years experience in residential real estate, Lynn feels strongly that service is the key to satisfied customers. Lynn's passion for the environment prompted her to be one of Washington's first EcoBrokers. She is excited to assist both buyers and sellers in making choices that will lessen their footprint on the earth.