Why more Americans are installing composting toilets

Composting toilets have been around for a long time, but they have recently gained popularity in the United States and Canada. Composting toilets are a great eco-friendly alternative to traditional flush toilets and are increasingly being installed in homes, cabins, and off-grid properties around the country, and it’s little wonder with savings in water and an independence from the water grid. 

Composting toilets are environmentally friendly

One of the most significant reasons for the increasing popularity of composting toilets is their environmental friendliness. Traditional flush toilets use large amounts of water, and the water used for flushing is often treated with chemicals before being released into the environment. 

Composting toilets, on the other hand, do not require any water, and the waste is treated within the chamber of the toilet, reducing the reliance on and the strain on our municipal sewage systems whilst reducing the amount of water used in homes.

Here are 10 reasons why composting toilets are a great environmentally friendly alternative:-

  1. Reduced water usage - Composting toilets don’t require water for flushing, which saves significant amounts of water compared to traditional flush toilets.
  2. No chemical treatment - Traditional flush toilets require chemicals to treat sewage. Composting toilets do not require any chemical treatment as it uses the all-natural process of composting to produce humanure.
  3. No impact on groundwater - Traditional septic systems can contaminate groundwater if they are not installed or maintained correctly. Composting toilets have no effect on groundwater.
  4. Reduced strain on sewage systems - Composting toilets reduce the strain on municipal sewage systems by naturally treating waste at your home.
  5. Reduced energy usage - Traditional sewage treatment plants require a lot of energy to operate. Composting toilets use very little power and can be hooked up to solar if needed. 
  6. Nutrient-rich soil - Composting toilets produce a nutrient-rich topsoil-like product that can be used as a natural fertilizer.
  7. Reduced greenhouse gas emissions - The treatment of human waste at traditional sewage treatment plants produces a lot of methane, a potent greenhouse gas. Many composting toilets use aerobic decomposition, which does not produce methane.
  8. Reduced pollution - Traditional sewage treatment plants can contribute to water pollution by releasing chemicals and nutrients into bodies of water. Composting toilets don’t contribute to this type of pollution.
  9. Reduces the need for transportation - With composting toilets, there is no need to transport waste to a sewage treatment plant via sewage pipes or trucks (in the case of septic tanks), reducing the carbon footprint associated with transportation.
  10. Sustainable living - Composting toilets are an important part of sustainable living as they put the onus of waste management into the hands of the household. 

Composting toilets are cost-effective

Another reason for the rise in popularity of composting toilets is their cost-effectiveness. Traditional flush toilets can incur costly plumbing and installation fees, and homeowners often face high water bills due to the amount of water used for flushing. 

Composting toilets don’t require any plumbing, and installation can be easily completed by someone with rudimentary DIY knowledge. They also don’t use any water, resulting in lower water bills.

Composting toilets are perfect for off-grid living

Composting toilets are the perfect addition to any home that wants to live off the grid. These types of toilets are the ideal solution for those who live in remote areas where access to traditional plumbing, town water or electricity is not available. Installing a Nature Loo is also a great way to reduce your reliance on municipal water and sewage systems.

Composting toilets have health benefits

Many people aren’t aware that traditional flush toilets can create aerosols that spread harmful bacteria and viruses in your bathroom, increasing the risk of infection (if you’re feeling brave, take a look at this Mythbusters episode about toothbrushes and fecal matter). 

Composting toilets, on the other hand, have been found to reduce the risk of infection (and poothbrushes) as they do not create any aerosols.

Composting toilets are odor-free

If used properly and managed correctly, composting toilets are designed to eliminate odors. They use a clever ventilation system that ensures the air on the inside of the toilet is constantly being moved around and out of the system, preventing any odor buildup.

Composting toilets also use natural processes to break down human waste and turn it into nutrient-rich compost. The chambers where waste is held are designed to promote aerobic decomposition, which means they rely on the presence of oxygen to break down the waste.

One of the main reasons why composting toilets don't smell is the aerobic decomposition process that takes place is largely odorless. This is because the bacteria and other microorganisms that break down the waste require oxygen to survive, and as long as there is enough oxygen present, they produce little or no odor.
It’s easy to see why composting toilets are gaining popularity in the United States due to their environmental friendliness, cost-effectiveness, suitability for off-grid living, health benefits, and odor-free operation. If you would like to talk with someone about a Nature Loo composting toilet, please feel free to register your interest and one of our representatives will contact you ASAP.

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