As the world’s population grows, our sewer systems are being strained to their limits. And right here in the U.S., nearly 2 million people don’t have access to an indoor toilet! Rose George, author of The Big Necessity, talks about the global politics of defecation, and why it’s a major public health issue that should be openly discussed.

Comments [8]
I heard that fancy hotels in Mongolia have composting toilets!
mLu from NJ:
Why are you listening then? Especially when it is possible to listen to the program (if you care to) by streaming (no pun intended) at a later date.
Please ask guest whether Japan actually recycles purified human waste as a food product. I remember reading something about this a while ago in Discovery magazine and can't find it since. Not kidding.
Doesn't Paris have a sewer museum or something like that?
I sincerely congratulate Ms. George for writing this book and to you, Mr. Lopate, for the interview.
It's such a shame that so many people are so immature to properly deal with this phenomenom, even it that ignorance jeopardises their very health and environment.
THIS IS A GREAT SUBJECT..
COMING FROM THE CARIBBEAN...I WISH THAT THE PEOPLE REALIZE (IN THE COUNTRYSIDE) THAT WEARING A SANDAL COULD HELP THEM FROM GETTING
SOME PARASITES THAT WILL GET THEM SICK ESPECIALLY THE CHILDREN....CAN YOU PLEASE MAKE
A COMMENT ABOUT THE CARIBBEAN...THANKS
"Digesters," machines that are increasingly being used to process animal waste on farms, may offer an energy-generating solution for human waste as well:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/24/business/businessspecial2/24farmers.html?scp=1&sq=Digester&st=cse
Am I the only one having trouble hearing the interview over the sounds of my own vomitting? Hello..it's lunch time! This tops the bedbugs show. Will she be a guest on Jon Stewart tonight? That should be good.
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