Bio-Based Workshop and Documentary Night in Vienna: Exploring Innovative Waste Management Solutions
On February 29, 2024, our project partner alchemia-nova hosted a bio-based workshop in Vienna to tackle social and legal barriers while raising awareness about innovative waste management solutions. The public event aimed to attract diverse audiences and kicked off with a screening of the documentary HOLY SHIT! Can Poop Save the World?. This film provided insights into the problems of human wastewater streams and showcased global best practices and trails for utilizing human waste.
The event began with a presentation by Sarah Tariq Gilani (Project and Communication Manager, alchemia-nova) who introduced the DEEP PURPLE project. She detailed the demo sites, processes, and five bio-based products developed by the project.
The presentation was followed by the screening of the documentary Holy Shit! Can Poop Save the World?.
The DEEP PURPLE project explores innovative ways to convert biowaste into valuable bio-based products, perfectly aligning with the themes of the documentary. Holy Shit! Can Poop Save the World? delves into the significant potential of human waste as a resource, highlighting the environmental and economic benefits of reusing human excreta.
By screening this documentary, the DEEP PURPLE raised awareness about sustainable waste management practices. The film illustrates the transformation of human waste into useful products like fertilizers and biogas, mirroring DEEP PURPLE’s goals of creating a circular economy. Both initiatives emphasize the importance of overcoming societal taboos and legal barriers to leverage waste as a valuable resource, contributing to environmental sustainability and reducing dependence on fossil fuels.
After the screening, Rubén Abruña, the director, shared his inspiration behind creating this unique documentary. He spoke about his personal experiences with composting toilets and the realization of the untapped potential of human waste. His motivation stemmed from a desire to address environmental issues and to challenge societal perceptions around human excreta, aiming to foster a more sustainable and eco-friendly approach to waste management.
This was followed by a panel discussion featuring local industry experts and the director of the documentary. Moderated by Helen Dolinsek (Project Manager and Stakeholder Engagement Specialist, alchemia-nova) the panel included Rubén Abruña (Director of the documentary), Heinz Gattringer (Senior Developer at alchemia-nova), Veronika Reinberg (Wissenschaftliche Mitarbeiterin, ÖGUT ) and Nikolaos Bogianzidis (Founder and CEO of öKlo).
Key Takeaways from the Panel Discussion
Feasibility of Reusing Waste: The panel emphasized the potential of reusing nutrients and materials from waste products, including human excreta, to transition from a linear, fossil-based economy to a circular, bio-based economy. Utilizing waste can prevent ecosystem contamination and contribute to sustainability.
Social and Legal Barriers: Implementing waste reuse solutions faces significant social and legal challenges that need to be addressed to make progress.
Diverse Applications of Biowaste: The DEEP PURPLE project demonstrated various technologies for value creation from biowaste, including producing biogas, substrates, fertilizers, reclaimed water, and even cosmetics. The potential of liquid waste components like urine for applications such as algae cultivation was also highlighted.
Nutrient Management: Heinz from alchemia-nova stressed the importance of phosphorus management in addressing climate change. He warned about the rapid depletion of phosphorus and urged significant research and solutions for sustainable nutrient management.
Public Perception and Behavior: Nikolaos from öKlo discussed the importance of comfort and convenience in waste management practices and highlighted the need to reconsider traditional sanitation methods in light of water scarcity.
Technological and Environmental Impact: Heinz addressed concerns about contaminants in human faeces and the environmental impact of phosphorus mining. He emphasized the need to balance the benefits and drawbacks of current waste management practices.
Excluding Contaminants: Veronica from ÖGUT highlighted the necessity of excluding persistent compounds and heavy metals from wastewater to ensure safe recycling processes.
Local and Global Challenges: Participants shared personal experiences and examples of local and global challenges in wastewater management, emphasizing the need for improved infrastructure and practices.
Interactive Display and Social Acceptance Study
After the panel discussion, products derived from the DEEP PURPLE project were displayed at the venue. Attendees could engage with these tangible outcomes and participate in a social acceptance study. The event concluded with discussions on other potential solutions and barriers to implementing waste streams within value chains, especially human excreta.
The workshop highlighted the importance of recognizing waste as a valuable resource and the need for innovative solutions to manage it sustainably. Participants and experts shared a vision of transitioning to a circular economy, emphasizing the critical role of research, technological advancements, and public awareness in achieving this goal.
The bio-based workshop in Vienna successfully raised awareness about the potential of human waste utilization and addressed significant social and legal barriers. By showcasing innovative solutions and fostering discussions among experts and the public, the event contributed to the ongoing efforts to create a more sustainable and healthier world.
