Theresa Zelazny

paul wheaton wrote:

kelda wrote:
I'm not sure if bad bacteria would accumulate with 'aging' urine, but I seem to remember an interesting factoid about dying leather white with aged urine and the ammonia it turns into. I don't think much bacteria could survive in ammonia?

I think that's from one of those clan of the cave bear books.  Good books!  Lots of little interesting tidbits to learn along with an interesting story!

I know that wool can be lightened with ammonia, though its high PH can be harsh on the fibers if exposed too long. Wool and leather are both protein so it could work. Wool used to be cleaned with fermented urine. Ammonia strips oil from the fibers.

Urine converts to ammonia through bacterial action. It is a good medium to fertilize soil because it feeds the biome in the soil, just dilute it 1:10 with water. I'm in favor of peeing into biochar. Any thoughts on that anyone? A caution though, antibiotics, birthcontrol estrogens and some other medicine residues can be excreted through urine and don't break down easily. I would sequester that urine.

Corey Schmidt wrote:One of the things i learned in my over 1.5 years in India was how to wash my butt with water. its fun and easy, its much cleaner than TP and results in greater comfort throughout the day, more environment friendly, etc.
just take a cup of water in your right hand, and pour it down your crack and with your left hand wipe it all clean as you continue to pour. Here in Alaska, we like to use warm water for this, especially in the winter. you can then dry with a dedicated rag or just a couple of pieces of precious tp. and always wash hands with soap after. i find that about 1/2 pint of water is a sufficient amount to acheive squeaky cleanliness. Enjoy!

This would be no problem for guys surely considering your anatomy. Some of us gals are more prone to vaginal and bladder infections given our anatomy. This method seems like you're cleaning in the wrong direction. I'm in favor of big soft leaves though they may be only seasonal. How about understory plants for toilet "paper"?

Can rocket mass stove technology be applied to firing ceramics? Has anyone tried this, if so how?