Pee Town: Paris Puts its Urine to Work

07/01/22 • 8 min

As the city of Paris evolved into modernity, the removal of human waste was key to that transition. Today, repurposing waste products plays a significant role in realizing a greener Paris. And urine is key to it.
Podcast by Roger Mummert
www.theparisproject.net

This podcast was created by Roger Mummert for www.theparisproject.net.

This podcast was created by Roger Mummert for www.theparisproject.net.

Previous Episode

La Ville Verte: The Greening of Paris (intro)

Paris is undergoing what may be the most comprehensive transformation since the Haussmann renovation in the 19th century. This time, 2 million Parisians, and not just an emperor and his agent, have a hand in determining how life in Paris can be enhanced and enjoyed in a sustainable green city.
Podcast by Roger Mummert
www.theparisproject.net

This podcast was created by Roger Mummert for www.theparisproject.net.

Next Episode

De-Greening the Champ-de-Mars

The Champ-de-Mars by the Eiffel Tower, which was created for military drills, is today a battleground for city planners vs. tree advocates. In a city that, for centuries, was built with boulevards and vistas that project la gloire de France for visitors, Parisians ask: Is our city to be looked at--or lived in?

This podcast was created by Roger Mummert for www.theparisproject.net.

Paris: "A City of Ideas" - Pee Town: Paris Puts its Urine to Work

Transcript

Pee-Town: Paris Puts its Urine to Work

I first encountered a pissoir as a student visiting Paris in 1976. There stood a tall column encircled by a decorative metal fence and with a top like the Tin Man’s hat. A trickle of water flowed out and emptied into a street drain. As I stood and marveled at this curiosity, a man emerged from within and zipped up his fly.

I wasted no time in using it. I was giddy with relief and freedom at my first public urinatio