Back in 2002 I was doing an environmental masters degree at The Centre of Alternative Technology in Machynlleth, Wales. We had to write a lot of essays but could basically choose our own essay title as long as it was
Copper v HEP2O
Leaky loos – why it’s not as simple as faulty flush valves
If you listened to The Great Leaky Loo Scandal aired on Costing the Earth, Radio 4 (aired Sept 2020) you would be forgiven for thinking that if only flush valves were banned and the WC siphon (a flushing mechanism that
Do not use the toilet while the train is standing in the station – Cath Hassell, India and UK
“No more platform No 2s” was a headline in the Guardian back in October 2017 referring to the fact that in 2019 the practice of trains discharging the contents of their toilets directly onto the tracks would stop.[1] A combination
A review of ‘Mayordomo’ by Stanley Crawford
If you asked me would I have liked to read a book about a year in the life of a ditch I would probably have demurred. If you had told me it was an irrigation ditch in northern New Mexico
Can hand dryers damage your health?
Can hand dryers damage your health? I love Dishoom in Granary Square, Kings Cross. Especially their old fashioned toilets and wash basins. But a couple of years ago, as I was using the loo, the peace was shattered. The reason?
Toilets of the World by Morna E. Gregory and Sian James
I’m always a sucker for a book with toilets in the title, so very pleased to get this for Christmas. Even if I did have to buy it myself! Starting with a short history of toilets it then divides its
The problem with waste disposal units
The disposal of food waste is a huge problem. Food scraps range from 10% to 20% of household waste and around 40% of total commercial catering waste with approximately 77% of all food waste being liquid. Food waste creates public
Sewers for the 21st Century – The Thames Tideway Tunnel
In London, 39 million tonnes of raw sewage ends up in the River Thames each year – the effect of excess rainwater in the combined sewer system that covers most of the city. Just 2mm of rain is enough to
A review of ‘Septic Tank Options and Alternatives’ by Feidhlim Harty
This is a fascinating, clearly written and highly informative book on a very important topic, namely, how to deal with your poo if you are off mains drainage.
UK Raingardens Guide
Rain gardens, or rain garden planters, are a quick and easy way to disconnect rainwater downpipes from combined sewers. Find out how to do it and the best plants to use.