The urine of thousands of women participating in the London Marathon this Sunday will be repurposed and transformed into fertilizer for wheat. Over 1,000 liters will be gathered from PEEQUAL’s women’s urinals, which are 2.7 times quicker to use than other portable toilets and help reduce wait times.
The collaboration between PEEQUAL and NPK Recovery, a Bristol-based startup, aims to recycle urine and minimize the carbon footprint of the event. Wheat was selected as the target crop due to its high demand for nitrogen found in urine, with the fertilizer potentially aiding in the production of around 195 loaves of bread.
Runner Susan Farrell expressed her enthusiasm for the initiative, stating, «It’s fantastic to think that the collective efforts of thousands of women are contributing to a worthy cause. I previously used PEEQUAL’s innovative urinals at Glastonbury, and their design ensures privacy while significantly reducing restroom queues. It felt like a cheat code compared to the long lines we used to endure.»
Amber Probyn, co-founder of PEEQUAL, shared her pride in diverting 1,000 liters of urine from sewage to a more beneficial purpose, emphasizing the importance of sustainability. NPK Recovery utilizes bacteria to extract natural nutrients from urine, creating a liquid fertilizer that supports environmental commitments.
Hannah Vandenbergh, the founder of NPK Recovery, stated, «Urine doesn’t have to be considered waste, and we are thrilled to contribute to the sustainability efforts of the iconic TCS London Marathon. Our goal is to assist event organizers in recycling urine and reducing their carbon footprint.»
Kate Chapman, head of sustainability at London Marathon Events, highlighted the event’s environmental strategy to repurpose all generated waste, including composting, reusing, and upcycling. She expressed delight in the positive utilization of urine from PEEQUAL urinals, avoiding wastage and contributing to a more sustainable approach.
To learn more about the London Marathon and other related topics, visit the following links:
– Sky News political editor running London marathon
– London Marathon: Four mistakes to avoid, according to experts
The commitment to environmental responsibility at the London Marathon is evident in the innovative utilization of urine as fertilizer, showcasing a dedication to sustainability and resourcefulness.
SOURCE