Where does your poo go after you poop?
Where does your poo go after you poop?
This edition of Changeletter is gross, but it's optimistic, I think.
Estimated reading time: 2 minutes
August’s Topic: Water Pollution
This week's module: 1. READ | 2. LISTEN | 3. ACT | 4. REFLECT
Why Poop?
As you can probably tell from the title, I’m in a humorous mood this week. I’ve been cycling in and out of quarantine depression and I think I’m in a “everything is absurd” phase. So… let’s talk about poop!
Before that, though, we made some stickers — you can see how to get them for free at the end of this newsletter.
There’s actually a more valid reason I picked today’s listen module. This month, as you read on last week’s Changeletter, is National Water Quality Month in the United States. Many of us take our water quality for granted (I know I did until researching last week’s content).
When we create waste in our homes that goes into the water system (sinks, toilets, drains), it’s out of sight -> out of mind for most of us.
I won’t let you off the hook that easily.
We have got to take water pollution seriously, and one way to get educated while caring a little more is understanding where our waste goes. The video I’m linking is only 3 minutes long, and I’ve included a bonus video that explains water pollution for kids!
Sewage in the big city
Here’s a few things I learned according to the Business Insider video:
Sewage plants actually don’t smell that bad!
Good news: sewage is not just treated for big, chunky trash. The system also filters out chemicals and smaller particles.
Some of the most common things that end up in the sewer system are sanitary wipes. Many things we write about in this newsletter require policy and structural change. Water pollution does too, but we can easily do our part in minimizing household items that end up in waterways.
News that stinks: federal standards require that at least 85% of organic material (AKA poops) are removed before water is recycled. In my opinion…15% is a LOT of poops left over.
Reply to this email and tell me what you think!
Bonus: Here’s the video on water pollution you can show any little ones in your life. I confess I watched it and enjoyed it thoroughly - finally a simple explanation that gave me the info I wanted.
Upcoming
Next week, I’m going to show you how you can learn more about your local water quality. I’m also going to share a list of non-flushable items.
Shoutout to Soli, one of our readers, for suggesting this!Reply to this email if you have any questions! I know a few water experts I can reach out to.
Also, the first five people* who share this post get free Soapbox Project (my company that runs this newsletter) stickers. Look how cute they are!
(Must be based in the US.)
