At SOIL we're all about the small details. By focusing first on quality, we are able to avoid the pitfalls that were all too common in the post-earthquake surge of development organizations (such as the construction of internally displaced persons camps that had inadequate and non-user-friendly....
More than 4 billion people around the world lack access to safe sanitation - about half of the world's population. So while SOIL is particularly focused on Haiti, we recognize that sanitation is global issue. Our Guide to Ecological Sanitation, first published in 2011, has been accessed by people in....
By Alexis K. Barnes in Vice June 3, 2014 Joe Jenkins has been saving his shit for 37 years. The 61-year-old thinks that to do otherwise—to flush the toilet after you’ve finished defecating into it—is a waste of perfectly good drinking water and valuable turds. Instead, you should do your business in....
I am Andrew Coco, a Sustainable Development Intern with SOIL this summer. I studied Environmental Studies concentrating in Sustainability at the University of Vermont and have been friends with SOIL for the past four years. My official title is Konsiltan Agrikilti (Agricultural Consultant) and I am....
What is SOIL’s ecological footprint? We know that turning wastes into compost adds much-needed topsoil to Haiti’s eroding hillsides, and that it keeps the nutrients (not to mention the pathogens) from poop out of fresh water, but does it have ecological benefits in terms of reducing climate change....
There's no escaping the fact that Cité Soleil has a reputation. Poor. Dirty. Violent. Googling the name turns up headlines like "The Most Dangerous Place on Earth" relating stories of horrifying gang violence during the 2004 coup that deposed President Aristide. The residents of Cité Soleil know all....
TedX Traverse City is an annual event that brings together "the most innovative and inspiring minds... innovators who have passion, curiosity, creativity and adaptability to change the world with revolutionary ideas." Sasha and SOIL were honored to be a part of this wonderful event on May 13, 2014....
[lead] SOIL Letters is a blog series featuring some of the beautiful letters we've received over the years in support of the work we're doing in Haiti.[/lead] A few months ago, Tim Myers, the Co-Founder of the Haiti School Project, reached out to SOIL for help. Tim and HSP work with Foyer Divin....
A few weeks ago, I wrote about SOIL's progress in developing a working model for a sustainable sanitation business in Haiti. As I mentioned, we've had some really exciting successes, but also some serious challenges - like our cover material. If you've ever used a composting toilet, you know the....
World Cup fever has hit Haiti, and futbol is the subject of conversation everywhere you go. SOIL decided on a recent Friday afternoon to get it in on the fun! It was a match to remember: the SOIL staff against the local champions from the town of Dubout. The field was ready and the teams were chosen....