Allan Jacob (Dubai)
This innovation could help you breathe some fresh air while sitting on the toilet seat. We’re talking about a simple, water-free, water-saving system that also works as biological agent against human waste. And it’s being showcased at COP28 in Expo City Dubai.
Letting go and clearing up during the morning ritual can also be an odourless and natural process, claims the product’s creator; it won’t leave you breathless; and it doesn’’t need water to flush (but don’’t forget to wash your hands).
“Think gravity,” said Imad Agi, the man behind the contraption that’s being deployed in several corners of the world to serve a basic human need without the fuss, while saving natural resources. It’s all for the earth, as the waste blends with the soil naturally and can be used for agriculture.
“In simple terms, it’s a biological toilet,” Agi said with glee as he waved a packet with what looks like brown dust.” It’s potent against excreta, he exclaimed.
“Drop it once into the toilet system once a month, and the bacteria does its work to convert faeces into liquid fertiliser.” What about urine? Same process, the substance turns into a solution with a cola-like colour. And the odour? He invited this writer to take a sniff.
“No smell. See!” said Agi with the air of a magician. He even looks like one.
Impressed with his performance, he continued, adding that more than 4,000 of these toilet units have been used in 25 countries so far. His clients include governments, NGOs and industry. “I am not doing this merely for the money,” said Agi, who embarked on his social entrepreneurial journey in 1987 to find sustainable solutions for the developing world.
He hit upon the idea for the bio-toilet in 2008. “I was concerned about open defecation in parts of Africa and Asia, and decided to do something about it to make people’s lives easier,” he said.
His invention, dubbed the “Ecoloo” is now being installed in far-flung places. Governments and industry have shown increasing interest in his work, and he’s been featured on several global media platforms. The World Economic Forum has also recognised his innovation. So how much does it cost? The basic bio-toilet is $1,500, but lasts for two decades, said its maker, who now has factories in Malaysia and India.
“It’s perfect for water and energy-stressed regions of the world, and more governments should see its potential,” he added. These bio-toilets have been installed in public areas in many regions, including the Middle East.
Petra in Jordan is one such location, where these toilets have proven effective with tourists.
Developed countries should follow suit and take this invention seriously before it’s too late to save the earth, he noted.
“There’s so much water being wasted for flushing, washing, and treating sewage,” the founder of Ecoloo said. This sustainable bio-toilet could be a nice way to start the day, as saving the planet and the plants don’t need much effort after all.