While sanitation in the home might be something many of us take for granted, in this episode we dive deeper into how they work - the specifics of decentralized water systems, how they work, their benefits and their disadvantages. Host Sarah Stancombe is joined by expert Dr. Santiago Septien Stringel to discuss his journey toward waste management.

Dr. Santiago Septien Stringel obtained chemical engineering degrees both at Bachelor and Masters levels, with a specialization in wastewater treatment. He went on to pursue his professional career with a PhD on biomass gasification in 2011 and a post-doctorate, in the same domain, for two more years, in French research institutes. During this period, he acquired an expertise in thermochemical processes and biofuels. In 2014, he joined the WASH R&D Centre at the University of KwaZulu-Natal to supervise master research projects funded by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Water Research Commission. Currently, his focus is: leading research related to decentralized sanitation treatment systems, supporting and advising sanitation practitioners and supervising undergraduate and postgraduate students.

In this episode, Dr. Santiago Septien Stringel explains the differences between centralized and decentralized water systems, what kinds of regions use each one, and what it takes to maintain them. There can be disadvantages with decentralized systems, such as poor management, which can lead to harming the environment.

Together, Sarah and Dr. Santiago Septien Stringel explore innovations in the field. Dr. Santiago Septien Stringel suggests setting up a grey water system in the home to make the most of water usage, and reduce costs.

Waking up to a home that offers functionality and cleanliness seems like the norm for many of us, but for some, is a struggle too big to tackle. This week on Room by Room: The Home Organization Science Insights Podcast, host Sarah Stancombe consults researcher Dr. Stella C. Sabi on the relationship between substandard living conditions and food insecurity, and the small steps people can take to reorganize their home.

Dr. Stella C. Sabi obtained her doctorate in Food Security from the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa. She has presented her research findings at several local and international platforms including the first SA Higher Education Colloquium on Food Insecurity at Universities, The “9th Annual Teaching and Learning in Higher Education Conference”, and the “2016 New York City International Academic Conference on Education & Social Sciences”. With a background in Policy and Development Studies, Dr. Stella C. Sabi has authored scientific peer-reviewed journals and book chapters on food security, land policy, and HIV/AIDS-treatment policy advocacy.

In this episode, Dr. Stella C. Sabi stresses the misconception that those living in squalor are lazy. Often, people’s living conditions are reduced due to factors outside of their control, such as a mental or physical health condition. In reality, people are ashamed of their substandard living conditions and thus isolate themselves from society for fear of judgement.

Together, Sarah and Dr. Stella C. Sabi discuss how more well-off people can assist in helping those in squalor both with cleaning and with food security. When offering food, those living with food insecurity deserve a choice as you never know what food allergies or intolerances they may have. Ultimately, networking and community is the best way for those living in squalor to help themselves.

Waking up to a home that not only offers convenience, but also helps save the planet, seems to be growing more achievable, with advancements in smart home technology. So, this week on Room by Room: The Home Organization Science Insights Podcast, host Marie Stella consults built environment senior lecturer Dr. Hing-Wah Chau to find out how smart home technologies can help us go green.

With over 10 years of professional architectural experience in Hong Kong, Dr. Hing-Wah Chau currently serves as course chair in architectural design, as well as senior lecturer in built environment at Victoria University. Prior to his role at Victoria University, he spent eight years teaching architectural design at the University of Melbourne, too. His research interests lie in sustainable built environment, green architecture and infrastructure, and more.

In this episode, Dr. Hing-Wah Chau stresses the importance of practicing sustainability in the home, and highlights the key factors homeowners should consider when selecting smart home devices and systems.

Together, Marie and Dr. Hing-Wah Chau canvass some lesser-discussed ethical concerns of using smart home technology, such as the hidden amount of data and energy required to power smart homes. So, tune in to this episode to learn more about the environmental advantages and disadvantages of utilizing smart home technology!