Normalizing novel sanitation practices

Background

Wastewater consists of valuable nutrients that can be reused in agricultural fertilizers. In order to capi-talize on this reuse potential, a transition is needed to circular sanitation-food systems. Currently, our toilets and waste water infrastructure are not fi t for effi cient collectaion and reuse of urine and feces, so a different type of toilet is needed for circularity (e.g. vacuum or composting toilets).

Objective

A shift to circular sanitation­food systems calls for a de­routinization of current sanitation practices, as current toilet use is characterized by abundant use of water and chemical toilet cleaners that hamper the quality of wastewater. Instead, novel sanitation practices contribute to circularity by using the toilet in a manner that enables the collection and/or reuse of human urine and feces.

The performance of novel sanitation practices comes with some social implications with regard to the food domain. Namely, human excreta could contain pharma­ ceutical residues, viruses or pathogens, which all impose a certain risk on reuse in agriculture. Similarly, novel sanitation practices call for a reintegration of human waste into daily routines, which could pose an issue in a society that is currently dominated by the quick and ‘invisible’ disposal of wastewater.

In light of the above, and based on social practice theory, this thesis seeks to understand how a shift to novel sanitation practices may become more acceptable or ‘normal’.

Methods

To study how novel sanitation practices might become normalized, a mixed­method research design is adopted that compares and analyzes sanitation practices in three neighborhoods characterized by different ways of doing circularity:

1. Almere Poort 2. Buiksloterham

3. Oosterwold >

MSc Thesis Environmental Policy

Normalizing Novel Sanitation Practices

Author: Martijn Stehouwer

Supervisors: Dr Sigrid Wertheim­Heck (1,2) and Dr. Bas van Vliet (2)

1) Aeres University of Applied Sciences Almere 2) Environmental Policy Group Wageningen University

Master thesis in Environmental Policy, Wageningen University and Research.

First, a survey was conducted (N=91) to see whether there are any differences observable between neighbor­ hoods with regard to normalization. Second, eight semi­structured interviews were conducted to uncover the underlying practice motivations and perceptions that give shape to citizens’ (novel) sanitation practices.

Findings

Based on the findings from the survey and qualitative interviews, a number of mechanisms can be identified that contribute to the normalization of novel sanitation practices:

1. Experience with alternative sanitation: Already having prior experience with alternative sanitation systems could help to decrease or even get rid of the de­routinizing shift that comes with novel sanitation practices, as is illustrated by the quote:

“I have used composting toilets. That doesn’t smell. So I am positive about it”.

2. Knowledge of novel sanitation practices: If people know that their sanitation can benefit the environment, and also have the know­how on how to do this, the shift to novel sanitation practices is made easier. For example, a book could provide help in taking the next step w.r.t. composting excrements: “Yes if I

hadn’t read this, I would not have dared it”.

3. Design of the toilet:

Since current sanitation practices are largely centered around concepts of hygiene and convenience, emphasis on these aspects in the design and functioning of circular sanitary solutions contributes to the normalization of these toilets as part of novel sanitation practices. 4. Spatiality of reuse: The process of reintegrating human waste into daily routines can be normalized by looking at the ‘space’ in which these activities take place. Space here, relates to the scale and locale at which the practice of reusing human waste is performed.

1. Almere Poort 2. Buiksloterham 3. Oosterwold

a. Scale means the level at which the practice of reuse is performed. Focusing too much on local and collective reuse practices could inhibit normalization.

b. Locale means where the practice is performed. Normalization is more likely if reuse is spatially deemed feasibly; thus by being able to dispose of human waste effectively.

5. Purpose of reuse:

Those purposes that make waste reuse more ‘abstract’, such as energy production, could help to normalize the performance of novel sanitation practices: “Because

then it has nothing to do with your consumption, so that would be ok I guess”.

6. Engagement with the environment:

If people are truly committed to improving the environ­ ment, their positive impact on the environment might outweigh the discomfort that comes with the actions they are undertaking: “So, if you really are a sustainable

water saver, you sometimes leave some skid marks in the bowl”. In this way, inconveniences such as smell and

grossness associated with novel sanitation practices are becoming normalized.

Conclusion

To conclude, for a circular transition to sanitation­ food systems to take place, an integrative

approach is needed that addresses all mechanisms collectively, so that citizen’s underlying motivations and perceptions are all accounted for into

the design and use aspects of circular sanitation systems.