When Cherryville residents decide to do something to benefit their community, good things happen.
Recently, members of The Cherryville Water Stewards, the Artisans Association and Farmers Market got together to create a sustainable solution to their bathrooms needs during markets and busy special events, by building a composting toilet.
“I am happy to report this is the kind of thing that makes us different, and I am glad to be part of such a diverse and vibrant community,” said Helen Kovacs, with the Cherryville Artisans Association and Cherryville Artisans’ Shop.
The toilet was built by volunteers, with all materials donated by local businesses.
“We want to thank everyone who was involved in making this project a reality, including the Regional District of the North Okanagan,” said Kovacs. “(RDNO director) Eugene Foisey was on hand to cut the ribbon and officially open our Eco Toilet.
“There is no electricity involved and a rain barrel is provided for hand-washing thus educating the public on how to experience a sustainable future.”
With a sawdust composting toilet there is no pit, no leaching of pollutants into the ground and waterways. The humanure is composted using heat, through which harmful pathogens will be destroyed, with the process taking up to a year.
“The result is rich soil for the gardens — this should be treated as a resource not a waste,” said Kovacs.
