Embracing Dry Toilets for a Cleaner Lake Atitlán

In the heart of Guatemala, San Pedro La Laguna nestles along the shores of Lake Atitlán, one of the most stunning lakes in the world. Unfortunately, beneath the surface beauty of this natural wonder lies a pressing environmental crisis: pollution. The contamination of Lake Atitlán is not only an eyesore but a serious threat to the health and well-being of the communities that rely on its waters. One of the primary contributors to this pollution is human waste. However, there's a simple, effective solution that can help turn the tide—dry toilets.

The Problem with Traditional Toilets

The use of traditional flush toilets is common all over the world. These toilets, while convenient, are part of a larger problem, especially in developing countries where the filtration of dirty water may or may not happen before it is released back into our water systems. On Lake Atitlán, waste from these systems very often ends up in the lake, either through faulty sewage systems or the more likely reason, direct discharge, leading to severe contamination. The unpleasant smell of excrement in the streets is a stark reminder of the inadequacies of our current waste management practices. You can smell this scent very clearly walking through San Marcos and Panajachel. It is quite unpleasant to say the least! This is where dry toilets come into play as a viable, sustainable alternative.

Our Dry Toilet at the Luna y Sol Restaurant

Why Dry Toilets?

1. Environmental Impact

Dry toilets, also known as composting toilets, do not use water to flush waste away. Instead, they collect and compost human waste on-site. This method drastically reduces the amount of wastewater that would otherwise flow into the lake. By preventing human waste from entering the water supply, we can significantly decrease the pollution levels in Lake Atitlán.

2. Conservation of Water

Water is a precious resource, and using it to flush toilets is an inefficient practice. Dry toilets conserve water, which is particularly crucial in areas where water scarcity is an issue. In San Pedro La Laguna, where access to clean water can be limited, every drop saved is a step towards a more sustainable community.

3. Reduction of Odor

Contrary to popular belief, well-maintained dry toilets do not smell bad. The composting process neutralizes odors, transforming waste into nutrient-rich compost over time. Compare this to the persistent smell of sewage in the streets—dry toilets offer a vastly superior alternative. The occasional, earthy scent of decomposing matter is far preferable to the pervasive stench of untreated excrement.

4. Fertilizer Production

One of the significant benefits of dry toilets is the production of compost. This compost can be used to enrich the soil, promoting sustainable agriculture and gardening. By closing the nutrient loop, we can turn waste into a valuable resource, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and enhancing food security.

Overcoming Misconceptions

Many people might resist the idea of using a dry toilet due to misconceptions about cleanliness and convenience. However, modern dry toilets are designed to be user-friendly, hygienic, and odor-free. Education and demonstration are key to changing perceptions. Community leaders and environmental advocates in San Pedro La Laguna can play a pivotal role in showcasing the benefits and functionality of these systems.

Go with us on a journey, this is how we constructed our dry toilets:

DRY TOILET 1: Casa de Sydney & Santiago

A Call to Action

The choice is clear: we can continue down the path of environmental degradation, or we can embrace sustainable practices that protect our beloved Lake Atitlán. Adopting dry toilets is a significant step towards a cleaner, healthier environment. It’s time for the residents of San Pedro La Laguna, and neighboring towns, to take action. By making the switch to dry toilets, we can ensure that our communities thrive without compromising the natural beauty and health of our lake.

Tenés una foto del lago con niños jugando adendro? Creo que eso es fuerto - si nuestros niños estan jugando en el lago - no podemos echar nuestro popo allá con ellos.

In conclusion, the adoption of dry toilets is not just an environmental necessity but a step towards a more sustainable and pleasant living environment. Let's choose the smell of progress—an earthy, composting scent—over the stench of pollution. Our lake, our community, and our future generations depend on it.