A Field Study for Sustainable Community Empowerment through Appropriate Technology of Water Purification and the Concept of Feces Standard Money in Hatphain Village, Lao PDR

Abstract

The application of appropriate technologies in a developing country is an opportunity to introduce green technology which may lead people to imagine a better life. This point is at the intersection of appropriate technology and sustainable development. This research focuses on Hatphain village where there is no clean water, sewage system, or power lines. Two environmental technologies (an unpowered water purification system, Ongdalsaem and an eco-toilet system, BeeVi toilet) were introduced, based on the concepts of the environmental self- sustainable village and feces Standard Money (fSM). We found that the Ongdalsaem was effective in reducing the concentration of nitrogen and lead in the water in Hatphain. The BeeVi water-free toilet was installed, allowing urine and feces to be separated and used as compost. We strived to spread ideas of sustainability using new eco-circulation experiences and encouraging learning about environmental technology through practical and playing facilities that residents managed themselves.