By now you’ve probably heard about cow farts and the massive amounts of methane they squeeze into the atmosphere, but did you know cow urine also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions? As it turns out, urine can produce large amounts of nitrous oxide after spilling onto the ground, soaking into soils and mixing with manure. Ammonia in urine can also contribute directly to pollution and drive the creation of harmful algal blooms when it enters water systems. While reducing the amount of beef we eat and the number of cows roaming the Earth is much needed to lower the environmental impact cows have on the planet, a Dutch inventor has come up with a “cow toilet” to deal directly with the problem of cow urine. The toilet consists of a simple box placed behind the cow while it is at its feeding trough. After the animal finishes eating, a robotic arm stimulates a nerve near the udders that trigger a need to urinate in the cows. The toilet has already proven successful in small-scale tests, cutting the amount of ammonia produced by cows urinating onto pastures in half. Following the success of his early trials, the Dutchman now intends to continue developing his cow toilets and have them ready for the market by 2020.
A Dutch inventor has created a ‘cow toilet’ to reduce emissions from urine
More of Today's Solutions
Friendships across income lines boost social mobility, study shows
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM A new study has found that friendships bridging economic divides can meaningfully improve social mobility—and even boost future ...
Read MoreNew cat color unlocked: ’salty liquorice’ sheds light on feline genetics
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In a surprising turn for feline genetics, scientists have officially identified a new cat coat color that defies ...
Read More3 myths about self-help and personal growth we should all stop believing
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM When you hear the term "self-help," you may envision a stack of books with catchy, motivational titles. However, ...
Read MoreDo you have a toxic friend? A therapist’s advice on how to set boundaries
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Friendships can be a source of joy and comfort, but unfortunately, even the most intimate connections can become toxic. ...
Read More
