Bertha Centre for Social Innovation and Entrepreneurship Just for a Change

S4, Ep.2 What does peecycling have to do with agriculture?

--:--
Did you know that human waste can be used as fertiliser for farming? That’s right. Your body waste consists of nutrients that can help grow food. Urine contains nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus – all found in fertilisers. How we get rid of human waste today can be harmful to the environment. It eventually makes its way to the ocean and threatens ecosystems. But what if there was a way to recycle urine? ‘Peecycling’, if you will. A system of waterless toilets or dry sanitation is being developed to collect human waste separately to effectively use in growing plants locally and abroad. Not only is all this possible, but it’s also a way to empower communities.

Liquid Gold Africa is one such company that is empowering rural communities in KwaZulu Natal. Hear more in this episode from Liquid Gold Africa founder, Orion Herman, as well as from others doing this work, among them the University of Cape Town's Dr Caitlin Courtney.

The Bertha Centre is the first specialised centre in Africa dedicated to advancing social innovation and entrepreneurship and focuses on researching, educating, convening, catalysing and advocating for social, environmental and economic justice. Find out more at https://gsbberthacentre.uct.ac.za/. This podcast is produced by 2stories in collaboration with the Bertha Centre, UCT Graduate School of Business, and the Bertha Foundation.
17 Jul English South Africa Business · Non-Profit

Other recent episodes

S4, Ep.9 What do balconies have to do with food security?

Did you know that in 2021 about 2.1 million, or 11,6%, of South African households reported experiencing hunger? Food insecurity remains a major social justice issue in South Africa due to the country’s history of inequality. What if vulnerable communities could relearn the lost art of cultivating and growing their…
4 Sep 32 min

S4, Ep.7 What does VR have to do with fighting fires?

Most of us have heard the words Artificial Intelligence, Augmented Reality and Virtual Reality. Depending on what you think of these advances in technology, these words could strike fear or delight in your heart. Or perhaps you’re still on the fence about this one. But what if these advances in…
21 Aug 35 min

S4, Ep.6 What do bees have to do with empowering communities?

According to the World Economic Forum, 35% of global crop production happens because of bees. Without these insects, you wouldn't have some of your favourite foods. Unfortunately, bees are at risk of extinction because of harmful pesticides and behaviours such as smoking them out because they are still thought of…
14 Aug 34 min

S4, Ep.5 What does a helicopter have to do with emergency heart surgery?

Imagine a world where quality healthcare services are available to all, and where technology enables and enhances access. Where those living in rural areas can access the same healthcare services as those in urban areas. SA Red Cross Air Mercy Service Trust (AMS), a non-profit aero-medical rescue organisation working in…
7 Aug 35 min
All episodes