"This is a cult classic which might strike those without an outhouse as disgusting. But the methods outlined within have the potential to change the ecological fate of the world." New Yorker Magazine, May 22, 2009
"Forced
to self-publish due to the 'taboo topic, the unthinkable
issue,' of this publication, Joseph Jenkins' Humanure
Handbook has now become
an international best-seller. It is presented with humorous
cartoons, facts and diagrams, and Jenkins makes a compelling
case for the composting of human excrement, in doing so
questioning the very nature of what we consider 'waste.'
With an unashamed tongue-in-cheek tone, Jenkins extols
the virtues of new toilet systems, and yet he fervently
believes in his argument, as do the thousands of converts
to the cause, who themselves offer tips and anecdotes.
The award-winning handbook stresses the importance of our
'symbiotic relationship with our planet,' and the fact
that the addition of human waste will, in fact, significantly
speed up the processes already at work in our composts.
Whether we are all ready to subscribe to his ideology yet
or not, Jenkins' enjoyable and witty publication is a no-nonsense
insight into the 'dreaded ingredient.' Organic
Life, January, 2006
"Despite
all the books on manure and how to use it, human manure
composting is not covered elsewhere, making THE HUMANURE
HANDBOOK: A GUIDE TO COMPOSTING HUMAN MANURE a fine
reference for any who would learn these basics. Now
in its 3rd edition, THE HUMANURE HANDBOOK covers all
the basics of human waste management, from septic systems
to commercial composting toilets, sewers, and more.
A history of various composting methods, science, and
problems is accompanied by a healthy dose of humor
plus a solid foundation of science into pathogens,
pros and cons of competing systems, and more. If you're
an avid composter, there's nothing like this on the
market." Midwest Book Review
"Finally
we have a comprehensive book on recycling human excrement
without chemicals, high technology or pollution.
Well written, practical, and thoroughly researched,
this self-published book is built on nearly twenty
years of experience by the author, who tells us about
every aspect of dealing with excrement on the home-scale
level." Whole
Earth Review
"The
handbook contains a lot of hard information taken
from the author's humanure composting experience." "Jenkins
provides a convincing case that human waste can and
should be a safe composting material." Mother
Earth News
"This
book answers every question anyone could have about
managing a compost toilet and compost pile." Waterworks
"This
is a fundamentally radical book." "...an
eco-Luddite anarchist's potty training manual." Earth
First! Journal
"...outrageous
humor and brilliant, diligent research." "This
is one book that could save the world!" Permaculture
Drylands Journal
"The
Humanure Handbook clearly explains, in a breezy,
amusing, and well-illustrated format, everything you need to know to bring the out-house in-house." Earth
Island Journal
"...almost
certain to become a classic in its field." "This
book should be required reading...and not only
for homesteaders." Countryside
Journal
"The
Humanure Handbook is the perfect self-published book,
filling a niche that a big publisher wouldn't touch
with a ten foot shovel." "[It] tells us
the who, what, where, when, and why of human poop..." Green
Living
"...a
good read for anyone who is ready to entertain the
possibility of more fully integrating him or herself
into the ecosystem." "Replete with bad jokes,
provocative queries, and practical suggestions." The
Natural Farmer
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a Compost Thermometer!
