Impact of Colonialism and Historical Resistance
Since the 16th century, colonialism in the Americas brought exploitation and dispossession. Millions of Africans were kidnapped, enslaved and forced to work in inhuman conditions. In the face of this violence, forms of resistance emerged, such as the Palenques, where maroons preserved their cultures and generated autonomy in hostile territories. At the same time, indigenous peoples faced genocide, loss of land and the imposition of foreign structures.
Throughout the centuries, Afro-descendants and indigenous peoples have led struggles for territorial sovereignty. Movements such as the Community Councils in the Colombian Pacific have protected their territories from extractivism, achieving milestones such as Law 70 of 1993. These victories reflect a constant quest to defend the connection to the land and community autonomy.
Dry toilets as sustainable resistance
The water toilet, designed in the 16th century by Sir John Harington, transformed excreta management and became a symbol of modernity when it became popular in Europe during the 19th century. In Colombia, its implementation came in the 20th century. However, this system, which relies on high consumption of potable water and costly infrastructure, has accentuated dependence on extractivist models and contributed significantly to environmental degradation.
In contrast, dry toilets are a simple and efficient technology that rescues ancestral practices such as the Amazonian terra preta. By transforming excreta into resources for agriculture, these solutions not only reduce pollution, but also strengthen food and cultural sovereignty.
International Cases Validate their Effectiveness
In Vietnam, double-vault latrines have been fertilizing soils for centuries (Esrey et al., 1998). In Bolivia, more than 4,000 dry toilets have been installed in rural communities, integrating ancestral knowledge with modern technologies (IDB, 2022).
Adopting dry toilets is an opportunity to challenge imposed paradigms, promote regenerative practices and recover our autonomy from practices.
Towards a Systemic Transformation
The dry toilet is the first step towards a profound change in our communities. Its implementation can inspire other actions such as regenerative agriculture, local food consumption and reduction of overconsumption. It also strengthens resilience in the face of climate and economic shocks, especially in rural contexts.
Inspired by the struggles of our ancestral communities, we can build a sustainable and just future. History shows that resilience is possible. Now it is our turn to act. Will you join the transformation?
Have you Considered Implementing Modern Dry Toilets?
In rural contexts: The conditions are often ideal for adopting this sustainable solution, taking advantage of the proximity to agricultural activities and large spaces.
In urban contexts: We currently manage waste from pets such as dogs and cats. The next step is to establish special collection systems, in coordination with utility companies, to apply the principles of dry sanitation in a safe and efficient manner. It is also essential to design spaces for communal collection in urban communities.
In urban areas with water scarcity: Dry toilets are a practical response. For example, in Ipiales (Nariño), limited access to water and recurrent sanitation problems highlight the need to adopt sustainable alternatives. Excessive use of groundwater for sanitation exacerbates these situations, and dry sanitation offers a viable and environmentally friendly solution.
References
- Banco Interamericano de Desarrollo (BID). (2022). Baños ecológicos secos en Bolivia. Recuperado de: https://blogs.iadb.org/agua/es/banos-ecologico-secos-bolivia/
- Esrey, S., et al. (1998). Ecological Sanitation. Sida, Stockholm.
