Urbanization, the consequences of intensive industry and agriculture engender, whether in chronic or accidental ways, the pollution of natural water channels. About half of the rivers and streams of the earth are polluted. This chronic pollution stems from the use of industrial fertilizers and pesticides in agriculture, as well as from the output of industrial activity and mining endeavors. The infiltration of rain water deep into the soil, carries pollution towards underground water ways an eventually the ocean. Over time, underground water ways, theoretically less vulnerable than surface water, are nonetheless contaminated often for extended periods of time, because of the slow renewal of underground water. Furthermore, out of the 10 000 known species of fresh water fish which inhabit the rivers and ponds of the world, one species out of five (one of three in Europe) is in danger of extinction, for these reasons. http://www.ledeveloppementdurable.fr/
In Lebanon, sewage and household waste are dumped without prior treatment within close proximity to the sea, lakes, rivers and streams.
In areas that lack access to sewage networks, buildings built prior to the 90s, dump their wastewater directly into substandard septic pits.
Factories that produce comestible products and paraphernalia (namely the factories which produce dairy products, poultry meat and canned food, the abattoirs, the plastic, paper and hygienic towel industries, among others) in the south and the Bekaa dump their industrial output into the Qaraoun Lake and the Litani River.
Pesticides and fertilizers are the primary causes of elevated levels of azote and heavy metals in underground water reserves.
In areas that lack access to sewage networks, buildings built prior to the 90s, dump their wastewater directly into substandard septic pits.
Factories that produce comestible products and paraphernalia (namely the factories which produce dairy products, poultry meat and canned food, the abattoirs, the plastic, paper and hygienic towel industries, among others) in the south and the Bekaa dump their industrial output into the Qaraoun Lake and the Litani River.
Pesticides and fertilizers are the primary causes of elevated levels of azote and heavy metals in underground water reserves.
The LIFEHAUS constitutes a shield against manmade pollution. It avoids the pollution of the soil, of underground water currents, of rivers and ocean.
Water:
After having been filtered by both botanical cells and purification stations (for the versions equipped with conventional toilets), domestic wastewater eventually irrigates the gardens that surround the dwelling.
Food:
Organic trash will be stockpiled within compost cells, in order to transition into garden fertilizer.
In its attempt to achieve a maximum of self-sufficiency, the LIFEHAUS economizes the use of non-biodegradable material, especially since it allows its possessor to produce directly from nature, all which could be needed, while avoiding plastic packaging.
The strict minimum output of plastic, glass, and metal, must be collected and sent by the dweller to a separate entity that specializes in the recycling of such materials, or you can even do your own plastic recycling machine, you'll find plenty of videos on youtube that would help you to accomplish your purposes.
Dry toilets are encouraged in the project, for the following reasons:
Water:
After having been filtered by both botanical cells and purification stations (for the versions equipped with conventional toilets), domestic wastewater eventually irrigates the gardens that surround the dwelling.
Food:
Organic trash will be stockpiled within compost cells, in order to transition into garden fertilizer.
In its attempt to achieve a maximum of self-sufficiency, the LIFEHAUS economizes the use of non-biodegradable material, especially since it allows its possessor to produce directly from nature, all which could be needed, while avoiding plastic packaging.
The strict minimum output of plastic, glass, and metal, must be collected and sent by the dweller to a separate entity that specializes in the recycling of such materials, or you can even do your own plastic recycling machine, you'll find plenty of videos on youtube that would help you to accomplish your purposes.
Dry toilets are encouraged in the project, for the following reasons:
- No black water treatement, wastewater would be limited to grey water, which is easily recycled and is less polluting.
- Dry toilets permit the acquisition of natural fertilizer from the processing of human fecal matter.