Blog: thinking about nature on the toilet

Jimmy’s Farm & Wildlife Park’s Lauren Dodman writes about how compost toilets are making a difference for nature at the park…

People don’t necessarily think of the soil when they think of nature conservation but did you know there are more living things in one teaspoon of healthy soil than there are people on the planet? Radical wildlife conservation usually evokes images of Wildlife Parks committed to protecting polar bears, giant anteaters, zebras and crocodiles. But here at Jimmy’s Farm we are making a difference in a rather different way.

Jimmy Doherty with the new 'exhibit' at Jimmy's Farm and Wildlife Park.

Jimmy’s Farm was born of passionate environmentalism. Our namesake, Jimmy Doherty is a man on a mission - with a degree in animal biology, having studied a for a PhD in entomology and as an environmental campaigner. Just last year Jimmy played an important role in exposing how Britain’s water companies were discharging sewage and polluting our waterways.

So, at Jimmy’s Farm our attention is turning to the soil and water which supports life at a fundamental level. The plants, the animals, the quality of our air; none of them would exist if it weren’t for healthy soil and clean water. And it’s becoming clear that our UK waterways and soils are under threat from pollution, agriculture and degradation.

We think the waterless toilet might go a long way to helping us with these problems. Already the waterless toilet is being used by rural businesses, national charities and local authorities across the UK. With many people install these because it’s cheaper than laying pipes for plumbing in remote areas

While it might seem novel, in fact the waterless toilet is not new. The waterless toilet was designed 1859 by an English priest, Reverend Henry Moule. Moule argued that flushing waste into waterways was not only polluting water but neglecting nature’s nutrients which should be returned to the soil. He demonstrated that dry earth mixed with human waste could produce clean compost in just a few weeks

Prior to the invention of the water closet, humans (along with every other mammal) have always fertilised soil with their waste. The idea of flushing it into our waterways is a very modern concept, and one which has brought with it obvious problems. 

So, we’ve installed WooWoo waterless toilets on site here at Jimmy’s Farm – something we’ve received really positive feedback on from our visitors. Just like our polar bears or our rare-breeds the waterless toilets are another opportunity to get a conversation going with our guests to educate and inspire them to take care of the natural world.

Jacob Andersen, owner of WooWoo Waterless Toilets states, "Our mission is to transform public attitudes towards waterless toilets. The technology we have access to now is simply unparalleled and provides the same comfort and sanitation you’d expect of a water based system. Few people get excited about the toilet industry but these Kazuba units, as seen at Jimmy's, are causing quite a stir!"

And to answer a question you most likely had reading this – no they do not smell!

By Lauren Dodman

Marketing Manager at Jimmy’s Farm and Wildlife Park

All blogs reflect the views of their author and are not necessarily a reflection of BIAZA's positions