As many tiny homes are built off-grid, I wanted to share this excellent reference article.  It was written by Heather and originally published on The Greenest Dollar a few months back.  If you’ve never read Heather’s website, I encourage you to go take a look.

Many people have a lot of misconceptions when they hear the words “composting toilets”. Immediately they think “outhouse” or imagine a hole in the ground. Yucky, smelly, and a little drafty.

Well, the composting toilets of 100 years ago (the outhouse) and the composting toilets of today are completely different creatures.

Today’s composting toilets are sleek, efficient, and entirely odor-free. So hang on. We’re going to go take an in-depth look at our stinkier side, and learn how composting toilets can allow us to become more eco-friendly and completely “waste free”.

The Facts On Our Waste
According to the Environmental Protection Agency, septic tanks are a big cause of groundwater pollution. On average, a family of 4 puts 150 gallons of water into a septic tank each day.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, septic tanks are a big cause of groundwater pollution. On average, a family of 4 puts 150 gallons of water into a septic tank each day.

You’ve probably never really thought about it, but where does all that water go, anyway?

Well, septic tanks are designed to have a “leach field” or “drain field” around them. Here’s how it works:

Most septic tanks are 1,000 gallons or larger. Wastewater flows in the tank on one end, and is drained into the surrounding area through the other.

At the bottom is the sludge layer. I’ll let your imagination tell you what’s down there.

At the top is the scum layer (no I did NOT make up these terms, that’s really what it’s called).

In the middle of those two yucky layers is the wastewater that gets drained out. That is, the excess water is drained into the dirt below, and the solid “waste” is left behind to dissolve in the tank.

Think that excess water is 100% pure? Hardly. It’s loaded down with pollutants like bacteria, phosphates, and nitrates, all of which harm local watersheds. Yuck.

According to the “Humanure Handbook“, up to 1,460 billion gallons of this water is leached out of septic tanks each year in America.

That’s an awful lot of dirty water that’s going into our streams and rivers. Yikes.

Now, the soil is a natural filter. Out in the country, there’s plenty of open space for the land to naturally filter all these contaminates out. The problem comes in densely packed urban areas, such as subdivisions. If 30 homes in a neighborhood all have a septic tank, the soil can’t handle all the leach water. So, pollution occurs.

Benefits To Using A Composting Toilet
The cool, amazing thing about composting toilets is that they cut all of this mess out. There’s zero pollution, zero waste, and zero lost water.

Here’s the rundown:

Envirolet estimates that composting toilets reduce household water use by 60%

In fact, Sun-Mar composting toilets estimate that an average family of four flushes 70 gallons of water down the toilet every day, which is a whopping 25,000 gallons per year. They estimate that based on all the composting toilets they’ve sold in the past, their company alone is saving 6,103 gallons of water every minute.

They also keep you from “depending” on your septic tank or city wastewater treatment facility. Ever been in a natural disaster, when the city couldn’t process your water (and thus you couldn’t flush your toilet)? That dependence is completely eliminated with compost toilets.

You can also use the system to compost food scraps and lawn clippings. Try putting those things down your current toilet. Yeah right.

They’re truly environmentally friendly. Neat.

Now the only downside here is that if you live in an apartment, or you’re renting a home, installing a composting toilet isn’t going to be an option. But perhaps your landlord might be interested to hear just how much water these babies save per year. Those savings really add up, and these composting toilets pay for themselves in just a few years.

How Do Composting Toilets Work?
Composting toilets work by quickly dehydrating 90% of the liquid that’s in our waste, and then composting the remaining 10% solids that are left. We can then use those solids, called “humus”, as additive for lawns.

Think I’m kidding here? It’s no joke. You really can turn your poo into garden soil. Let’s continue onward for more detail…

Types of Composting Toilets
There are 2 broad “types” of composting toilets.

Batch systems, or self contained systems (like the picture up above, on right), are “all in one” units. The waste is composted in a tray at the bottom. See that pipe sticking up behind the toilet? That a ventilation pipe. A small wind turbine that’s at the top of that pipe, on your roof, is what keeps the unit completely odor-free.

These systems are designed for lighter use (two person households, or occasionally used vacation cottages). They’re completely waterless. And don’t worry; when you lift up the lid, you don’t see what’s composting in the tray. These toilets have a cover that separate your eyes, and your bum, from what’s being broken down below.

Another perk to these system is that they require no winterization. If you live in a cold climate, then you don’t ever have to worry about your pipes freezing.

Batch systems may only have one tray for composting, or they may have several depending on which model you choose. And how often you have to empty these trays largely depends on how much you use the toilet, and how many people are in your household.

Continual process systems are designed for larger households (pic on right). These can handle more waste, and are perfect if you have a basement or your house is built above ground.

The picture on right is part of a waterless system by Envirolet. It can handle waste from up to 10 people per day, and only has to be emptied every six months or so.

Low Water Systems
Some companies, such as Envirolet, also make low water composting toilets. If you squirm at the thought of letting your waste just go down a hole, then you might want to consider these systems.

They work on the same design as the continual process systems in the sense that there is a large composting unit outside the home. But the difference is that your waste is “flushed” down with a mere pint of water. With the Envirolet system, you can install up to three low flush toilets on one line.

Can I Put Toilet Paper Down There?
As far as I can tell, you can put unbleached toilet paper into composting toilets. But, feminine hygiene products are a no-no.

How Much Do Composting Toilets Cost?
Composting toilets run anywhere from $500 to $2,000. Just like anything else, you’ve got your choices. Every brand and maker is different, and they’ve all got different bells and whistles.

Of course, you could try making your own for far less money. Many people do (see the Resources section below…)

Composting Toilet Resources
These vendors make good composting toilets:

• BioLet
  

• Envirolet
  

• Sun Mar

• Phoenix Composting Toilet Systems

• TreeHugger.com’s video, “Operating A Composting Toilet”

And here’s some resources if you want to try making your own…

• Build Your Own Humanure Toilet

Last Word…
I never, ever thought I would actually have “feelings” for a toilet, but I truly love these systems. You can bet I’m incorporating a waterless compost toilet into our micro home design, and I can’t wait to get one!

Innovative architects and designers continue to amaze us with what they are able to do with today’s tiny homes and tiny spaces. Take the Maff Apartment in The Hague, The Netherlands. The Maff Apartment is located on the top floor of a large mansion in the center of The Hague, and is within walking distance of government buildings, cinemas and restaurants.

This tiny space looks very much like something out of the mind of the set designer of the film Minority Report. This sleek, largely white space is full of cool curves and decidedly futuristic touches. Anyone skeptical about what how impressive a tiny space can be, need look no further than the Maff Apartment. There is ample light getting into the space through the numerous large skylights, which only serve to add to the feeling of space one gets while visiting the Maff Apartment.

The Maff Apartment sports many touches not usually found in hotels and short stay locations. For example, the apartment offers a private entrance with an intercom system, free wireless and high-speed Internet access, a DVD player with a 100 movies thrown in, as well as a dishwasher.

Having free Internet access and a DVD with 100 movies included is a nice touch. For anyone that has done a great deal of globetrotting, the idea of having all of these perks thrown in on top of the great look and feel of the Maff Apartment is a most welcomed plus.

But it’s the look of the Maff Apartment that makes it an easy sell. In fact, the Maff Apartment is worthy of study for anyone considering building a tiny home.

What was perhaps most surprising about the Maff Apartment is the cost to stay overnight. One night is currently running about 145 Euros, but that price drops to only 105 Euros for stays over two weeks or more. Considering what one is getting for the price, this is an exceptional bargain. There are some minor restrictions, such as no shoes and no pets, but considering the value for the dollar this seems to be minor consideration.

I think many people have seen the Dee Williams YouTube video of her driving her tiny house on wheels around Olympia, Washington.

Or possibly you have read the Yes! Magazine interview with her in their winter issue.

I recently came across this news story featuring her on MSNBC.com. What I particularly like about this interview is that provides examples of what different people’s motivations were for downsizing and also some financial information.

Plus, I love the small Portland home that is included in the story.

Many tiny home builders often consider a variety of materials that are not commonly used in today’s cookie cutter homes.  One material that you are likely to have never heard of is Papercrete.

Papercrete is a combination of what seems like some pretty unlikely elements.  Recycled paper, cement, water and sand are combined to create a material that is surprisingly strong and extremely cheap.  Most environmentalists like Papercrete because it uses recycled paper and sand. However, some also dislike the fact that the material also uses cement.  Many people feel that Papercrete, while an interesting concept, is just not a viable building material.

There are a few developments that might be of interest where the future of the material is concerned.  Econovate is a company that sees all the millions of tons of paper waste as a real building opportunity.  They point to some interesting facts; such as that fifty percent of all paper waste in the UK is actually sent to China for recycling.  This process, of course, creates CO2 due to the transport of the paper waste.  Econovate feels that if there was a way of dealing with all this paper waste around the world that a major reduction in pollution could occur.  Their concept for how to deal with the issue is a pretty brilliant one. The Econovate plan could address both pollution and the global housing shortage.

Papercrete Wall Panels and Papercrete Blocks are two of the ideas that Econovate is currently excited about.  Their concept is to actually create wall panel sections and building blocks using Papercrete.  The hope is that this very environmentally friendly project would be ready by 2011.  The research and development is currently being done in conjunction with the University of Cambridge, and has numerous “heavy weights” helping with the funding.

What is most exciting about Papercrete is that some bright people decided not to give up on this potentially exciting material.  Papercrete is cheap, comparatively eco-friendly, and could help reduce CO2 emissions considerably.  If Econovate and the University of Cambridge are successful, tiny homebuilders might have a very cheap new building material very soon.

Usually I try to publish Coming Unmoored’s heavy-content articles during the work week because that is when the site has its highest traffic days and I like the message of the small home movement to reach as many people as possible.  However, this is such a wonderful, in-depth interview that I wanted to ensure people had plenty of time to watch and digest the whole thing without feeling the stress of possibly being caught at the office using their computer for “non-work uses”.

Shay Salomon is one of the founders of the Small House Society and she has written my hands-down favorite book on small homes: Little House on a Small Planet.   Below is an interview she did with Peak Moment as part of a book tour for her book.  It should be noted that this was filmed prior to the bottom falling out of the housing market.

Shay does a fantastic job of explaining the appeal of smaller homes and why there is a growing interest in them.  I recommend setting aside a half hour to sit down and watch the video.

For additional information on Shay Salomon and her book, you can visit her website.

Each Friday Coming Unmoored runs a weekly roundup of tiny homes featured on the web and recent news stories that may be of interest to small home enthusiasts.  (Please note: if you would like to submit a link to the weekly roundup, please email it to: Stephanie.Reiley@gmail.com)

Enjoy and have a wonderful weekend!

Tiny Houses Featured in the Past Week:

• Swamp Hut
• Friggebods (Swedish Cottages)
• Sunset Modern Cottages
• Canadian Bunkies
• Schwimmhausboot
• Mobile Office
• Two-Story Camping Car
• Showcase of Tiny Homes For Sale
• Tyson’s Tiny Home Tour
• Living Small in Sacramento
• Concrete Pod
• Sunset Modern Cottages
• Farm Buildings into Tiny Houses
• Tiny House Off Grid
• Logical Homes
• Nine Tiny Feet
• Tiny Free House (Update)
• Tumbleweed Fencl and Coast-to-Coast Tour
• Modular Dwelling System
• Mugi Kara Le

Recent News Stories and Essays on Tiny Homes and the Small Home Movement:

• Small Living Journal Issue 3
• Tiny House Living Issue 3
• Living Off Grid and Sustainably in a Yurt
  (PR Web)
• To Do This Summer: Build a Tiny House (BoingBoing)
• Capsule Hotels (J-List Side Blog)
• Apartment Therapy’s Small Cool Home Contest

If you are looking for an easy to construct and very inexpensive small home, you will want to take a look at the U-Dome from World Shelters.  World Shelters specializes in producing low-cost temporary housing for humanitarian needs.  But tiny homes, such as the U-Dome, might be what some tiny home enthusiasts need as well.

The futuristic dome shape is UV resistant, fire retardant, uses shingled construction and is easy to assemble.  This 200 square foot tiny hoise is one of the cheapest options available at merely $2,500.

There are some limitations to the design, but for price tag this can only be expected.  The U-Dome is made from white semi-translucent panels, which will last three to five years before UV-degradation begin to damage the material.  This will eventually lead to cracks and other damage.  World Shelters is fairly certain that if the material is painted it might last for up to ten years.  So, the U-Dome isn’t designed to be truly permanent, but at $2,500 dollars each that isn’t too much of an issue.

The bathroom and showing facility is a separate attachment called the Shower Dome, and they recommend a Zodi brand shower unit that produces one gallon per minute.  One gallon per minute could seem like roughing it to many, but you would definitely save on the water bill.

Other considerations are mostly environmental as well.  In terms of being able to handle the environment in other ways  it turns out that the U-Dome is insulated, can handle winds up to 65 mph and is designed in such a way that it is difficult for snow to accumulate.

The U-Dome may seem a bit to bare bones for some, but the price is amazing and the U-Dome could very well make a great cabin.  The concept has merit and the price point definitely grabs one’s attention.  If you are looking for a very inexpensive housing option, then it’s going to be tough to beat the U-Dome.

I’ve written previously and Twittered on the Schweimmhausboot design, an elegant, modern houseboat design.  They just finished construction on their first one.  I wanted to share a few photos of their lovely design.

More information on the Schwimmhausboot can be found on their website.

Just wanted to post a quick note to wish everyone a happy Earth Day.  Personally, I have mixed feelings about the concept.  I fully support the idea of promoting living more sustainably on the planet.  I just worry about the group of Americans who feel good about themselves for forgoing the use of plastic shopping bags for one day a year.  That’s in no way going to cut it, gang.

But before I really start hopping up and down on my soapbox, I’d just like to say I’ll be celebrating Earth Day by sitting home this evening and methodically pulling nails from a huge pile of boards my contractors left so they can be reused inside my house.

In the past, my solution was largely to throw money at the problem.  I’d hire outside help and not pay very close attention to how they got things done.  I’m making an effort to be both a lot more mindful and frugal these days.

One of the things I would like to do in the upcoming weeks on Coming Unmoored is spend more time discussing downsizing one’s finances along with one’s home.  The following is a guest post by Trisha Wagner to help get you started…

Spring is a time of rebirth and growth. It is also traditionally the time of year when people throw open the windows and tackle their spring cleaning. This year, after months of bleak financial news, make sure you include your finances on your spring cleaning to-do list. For people who have suffered the loss of employment or watched their savings dwindle this is a great opportunity to regroup and make adjustments to ensure your finances are in order.

Here are a few items that should be on your financial to-do list:

Take Inventory
When the economy takes a turn for the worse it is a common reaction to deny the reality of your financial situation. Unfortunately you cannot wish the financial crisis away, instead you must take action by taking inventory of your finances. This may include learning how your income and expense needs have changed. Re-visit your budget to learn where you can make adjustments by cutting costs and reducing expenses. This may require examining your lifestyle and eliminating money spent on things you want versus things you need.

Live Below Your Means
People who wish to get their financial house in order must learn the importance of living below your means. To put it simply in order
to find true financial security you must spend less money than you make. This has become a foreign concept in our society as more and more people use borrowed money to live beyond their means.

Ditch Your Debt
There is no better time than the present to develop a plan to eliminate your debt. High interest credit card debt will rob you of money that would have been better spent in other areas. Address your high interest debt by picking a strategy that will work for your situation. The snowball method is a popular way of paying off debt. In short you tackle one account at a time and apply as much money as you can afford (see cutting costs and living below your means) while paying the minimum payment on other accounts. Once you pay off the first account you then apply the same amount of money you were paying to your next account and continue this process until all accounts have been paid. This method requires a bit of sacrifice and discipline on your part but getting rid of that high interest debt is worth the effort.

Examine Your Priorities and Goals
It is very easy to become overwhelmed by trying to do too many things at once. This commonly occurs when people decide to take a hard look at their financial situation. If you try to take on too much at one time you may find yourself spinning in many directions without really going anywhere. In an ideal world it would be possible to eliminate debt, build your savings and increase your income all at the same time. In reality most of us have only so much money to work with. For this reason it is important to take a serious look at where you are and where you want to be in the future. By setting short and long term goals and developing a strategy to achieve these goals you are more likely to be successful in your endeavors.

Trisha Wagner is a freelance writer for DepositAccounts.com where you can compare rates of deposit accounts from dozens of banks in one place.  Trisha writes regularly on the topics of personal finance and savings accounts.