Cleaning in an Earthship

Living in an Earthship will require a bit of change and effort; not that this is a bad thing.

An example of this is the cleaning routine.  Because all of the systems are interconnected, being careless about household chemicals and detergents will ultimately be detrimental to the house; harsh chemicals will kill the greywater plants and possibly contaminate the food coming from them. It will also contaminate the septic tank and the leech field - ultimately poisoning the property.  Not cool. On the other hand, even if you aren't living in an Earthship, when you find out how dangerous some of these chemicals are and how unethical the manufacturers have become, you may want to switch anyway.

I have started to switch to more natural solutions before I move in, so I can get used to it.   By the time I am ready to move in, changing habits will be minimal. 

Here are some of the things I have done:

Laundry  - I recently switched to soap nuts. There are many brands to choose from, and if you purchase from the right vendor, they aren't more expensive than traditional soap.   Certainly this isn't the only environmentally friendly laundry soap, but it's definitely one of the better ones.

All purpose cleaners - it's really easy to make your own cleaners out of inexpensive materials. Vinegar, borax, hydrogen peroxide, 60% alcohol, essential oils, baking soda, Castile soap.  They are truly effective; for example,vinegar will kill most bacteria.  Some say that it leaves the good bacteria.  For really evil bugs, you can use hydrogen peroxide or alcohol instead. These cleaners are much safer than bleach and ammonia and won't damage the septic system, black or grey.  

Combining natural cleaners with essential oils can boost their effectiveness.  Many essential oils have anti bacterial, anti fungal and antiviral properties.  Germs have a harder time becoming resistant to essential oils because there are so many varieties.  Plus it makes your cleaners smell nicer. (I admit, vinegar has a repugnant smell)

Cleaning Wipes - it's pretty easy to make your own cleaning wipes whether they are for your counters, your hands or the unmentionables.  There are plenty of recipes online; most just make use of combining vinegar or alcohol, heavy duty paper towels and re-using old containers. You can also make toilet wipes in a similar fashion using Castile soaps and oils, but I would NOT recommend flushing ANY of the above into the system.   They aren't good for any toilet system, and they do not biodegrade like manufacturers claim.  Just ask my city!

Personal stuff- soaps, lotions, conditioners - they all end up in the grey water system.  Other items that women use may end up in the blackwater system and pose clogging problems.  Switching is becoming easier.  There are many alternatives for natural/organic cleaners, lotions and shampoos and feminine products, or you can make some of them.  Considering some of the dangerous chemicals and procedures that go into making personal items, you may want to switch regardless of what type of house you live in.

Toilet thoughts

 I recently acquired a book called, Building Green by Clarke Snell & Tim Callahan.  In their writing, one of the items they suggest be installed is a type of toilet called a "composting toilet".  This odd looking device turns it's own contents into usable compost for the garden, much like a back yard compost.  There is no flushing, but there is some maintenance.    

This isn't the first time I've heard of such a thing.  In fact, the first time I saw one (on you tube) I watched the lady discuss how she pooped into this bucket like thing with a lid, added peat moss for bulk and had to manually stir it.  I wrinkled my nose in disgust and said, "Ugh, no way." After all, my aim isn't to have the most eco-friendly house on the block. I also thought that it would be smelly and disgusting, like having an indoor outhouse. And clearly unsanitary since you have to stir the thing. For my lifestyle, I felt that this was just too old school. 

However after reading in the book, my slow brain realized that there must be something modern made.  In which case, are they really gross? Surely someone has invented something less archaic than a toilet with a bucket.

Sure enough, I found a website or two:

http://www.sun-mar.com/

http://www.envirolet.ca

There are many types of composting toilets.  From self contained to central flush. 

I spent a while reading the information and decided that this is a feasible solution after all.  It *could* save the cost of purchasing and installing a septic system; upwards of $10,000. It would also eliminate the cost of the plumbing involved in recycling grey water from the sinks and showers to go in the toilets, and then out to the septic system.  

I say *could* save money, because, each compost toilet costs around $1600-$5000; depending on the features.  The fancier you go, the less money you save.  So it comes down to a personal thing. 

This thought isn't complete without a pro's and con's list. 

Pro's of a Compost Toilet

• Possibly cheaper than a septic system - initial costs are less.
• Less complicated install (stack vent and overflow drain) 
• Cheaper install costs (stack vent and overflow drain)  Even if you pick the central system. 
• It produces compost dirt for the flower garden
• Less wasted water, better for the environment, lower bills if you have to pay for water.
• Grey Water recycling system is not needed on waterless models
• IF you didn't install a stack or drain, you could technically place the thing anywhere you want.
• You'll never need a plumber.  Waterless models won't need a plunger either! 
• You can still use toilet paper, in fact, it's needed as part of the compost! 
• In the case of Envirolet, it is made in North America.
• Up to 5 year warranty on parts and lifetime on the body.
• Plenty of choices in style and even colour. Lots of price points and vendors.

Con's of a Compost Toilet

• Bulking material is required and eventual emptying, once every few months.
• Composting must be tracked - it has to be emptied eventually - which takes 30 or more days.
• It's appearance can be ugly.
• It definitely will take some adjustment to get used to. 
• Sorry ladies, can't put in personal items in some models.  Best not to at all.
• Install may still be needed.
• In winter, the pile can't get cold, especially via the stack.  Heater required.
• Local building codes may demand a septic system anyway.
• If you decide you hate it, it will be impossible or expensive to go back.
• Home layout may determine what models you can have.  So you may not get a choice.
• Not as easy to purchase as a normal toilet.  Research, special order, up to $300 shipping. 
• Expensive to replace compared to a flush toilet.