Book reading
Practical Permaculture
Jessi Bloom and Dave Boehnlein
Pages 175 to 178: organic waste and human-waste systems
Pages 180 to 181: bioremediation
Book access & editionsModule 15 / 25
Waste and Bioremediation
Topics
- Conservation and recycling of materials in households and society
- Reclamation and re-use of greywater, blackwater, and soil and water on toxic sites
- Hygienic capture, treatment, and cycling of human waste
- Closed-loop manufacturing strategies (cradle to cradle)
What you’ll learn
Learning goals
- Guidelines to closing soil nutrient loops
- Assess personal practices regarding material use
Read, watch & explore
Getting the books · access & editions
Use your own copy, buy the book, or borrow it through a library when possible. If you are local to me, contact me about borrowing a copy. You can also contact me for information about digital or other access to assigned readings.
Ask about reading access ↗If your edition uses different page numbers, contact me and we can match the correct section. Contact instructor.
Material cycles and waste
Watch the Living Machine and Cradle to Cradle videos.
Watch
Living Machine Video
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
Cradle to Cradle video
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Watch
How to Make Humanure Compost with a Composting Toilet
YouTube
If the player does not load, use the source link.
Bioremediation and its limits
Read EPA Community Guide to Bioremediation and the Government of Canada’s phytoremediation fact sheet for the limitations behind the examples. Biological treatment can break down some organic contaminants. Metals are not destroyed by biological treatment; they may be immobilized or moved into biomass that still requires controlled handling. A green-looking site is not evidence of successful cleanup. Suspected contamination calls for testing and a site-specific plan. Do not attempt a remediation trial as part of this course.
Read
EPA Community Guide to Bioremediation
semspub.epa.gov
Open resourceRead
Government of Canada’s phytoremediation fact sheet
gost.tpsgc-pwgsc.gc.ca
Open resourceTrace your material flows
Add waste routes to the same water/material-flow diagram used in Module 8. Identify one waste-reduction choice and one treatment or disposal question. Keep wastewater separate from drinking-water assumptions, and check local health and wastewater requirements before any installation.
Optional quick check
Select your answers, then submit to see your score and explanations. You can retry. Results are not sent or stored.
Readings & resources
- Practical PermaculturePages 175 to 178: organic waste and human-waste systemsPages 180 to 181: bioremediationIn lesson ↑
- Living Machine VideoWatchIn lesson ↑
- Cradle to Cradle videoWatchIn lesson ↑
- How to Make Humanure Compost with a Composting ToiletWatchIn lesson ↑
- EPA Community Guide to BioremediationReadIn lesson ↑
- Government of Canada’s phytoremediation fact sheetReadIn lesson ↑