How access to sanitation is a human right that improves quality of life | Francis de los Reyes

Episode 3 | Season 3

*CORRECTION

[0:26] Francis and his research team developed a pit latrine emptying device in 2011 and received a grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2019.

According to the United Nations, approximately 3.6 billion people do not have access to safe and effective toilets. 

American environmental engineer Francis de los Reyes is fascinated by toilets. In fact, he made a career out of it. His research team won grant from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation in 2019 to develop waterless toilets to not only improve sanitation but also quality of life in developing countries. 

In this episode, Francis shares how toilets have improved the quality for humanity and the work that he is doing in sanitation.

TIME STAMPS

[00:04] Introduction to Francis de los Reyes.

[0:43] How Francis became interested in sanitation as an environmental engineer.

[1:56] What is fecal sludge?

[2:22] How Francis became aware of the issue of a lack of access to sanitation facilities in various parts of the world.

[4:27] Water and sanitation as a Sustainable Development Goal.

[6:40] History of toilets.

[10:09] Why westernised forms of plumbing may not be suitable in all places.

[12:52] Benefits of toilets beyond sanitation.

[14.18] What living healthier today means to Francis.

[15:36] Advice for his 18-year-old self.

Music and sound effects: Storyblocks.

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