It's Alive! The Living Machine at Findhorn Ecovillage & Recycling

Photo Courtesy of Flickr

Findhorn uses the Living Machine. The machine treats sewage water from the 300 residents living there. In addition to that, it serves as a brilliant example for many students and visitors to observe and study. Many can enjoy seeing the creative processes in action that make the Living Machine possible.

Findhorn currently uses the machine to undergo Phase I water treatment. They plan to install a Phase II treatment system in the near future to get off the "water grid" or mains they use now. This system will reuse the water for all purposes and distribute it accordingly. The final goal is to someday be completely self sufficient with their water resources.

As for recycling, Findhorn has a rather extensive system. They recycle paper, glass, batteries, metal and even have a clothing drive. They do not have plastic listed as being recycled, however the document may be a bit outdated. It is unclear what they do about non recyclable items, but I assume they are connected to the Findhorn's municipal trash service.