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Toronto Zoo to Harness the Power of Poo

There are certain cities in the world that are having a bit of a problem with poop. As we pointed out last week, for example, the glimmering emirate that is Dubai lacks a viable drainage system for sewage, resulting in polluted beaches and illegally-dumped ponds of poo surrounding the city. Nasty! One would think that such a wealthy and technologically-savvy place could afford the world's most sophisticated sewer system, but if they haven't built it yet, maybe a better solution to their problems can be found at the Toronto Zoo. Zoo officials recently announced plans to build a $13 million plant that turns animal poo into clean, green, pollution-free energy that would power not only the zoo, but the surrounding community as well. The poo-to-power process is known as anaerobic digestion, and it converts animal and food waste into biogas with the use of some very helpful bacteria. With more than 5,000 poo-producing animals providing a constant flow (sorry) of fuel, officials are optimistic that the zoo can meet its goal of becoming an energy independent, carbon-neutral destination in just a few years, hopefully providing a example for other cities who are struggling to deal with environmental and energy problems. Naturally, we have to wonder if some poop is better than others for power. Is grass-fed elephant poop preferable to Dorito-fed human poop? Can they actually use teeny tiny poops from frogs, turtles, and snakes? In any case, it sounds like both the people and the animals up in Toronto are on to something.

[Photo: AP]

Related Stories:
· Toronto Zoo [official site]
· Toronto Zoo Wants to Turn Poo Into Energy [CBC News]
· Zoo's Poo Aids Push to Become Carbon Neutral [thestar.com]
· Why We're Never Swimming at a Dubai Beach Again [Jaunted]