Ideas worth spreading

Let's talk crap. Seriously.

1,832,216 views |

Rose George |

TED2013

• February 2013

It's 2013, yet 2.5 billion people in the world have no access to a basic sanitary toilet. And when there's no loo, where do you poo? In the street, probably near your water and food sources -- causing untold death and disease from contamination. Get ready for a blunt, funny, powerful talk from journalist Rose George about a once-unmentionable problem.

It's 2013, yet 2.5 billion people in the world have no access to a basic sanitary toilet. And when there's no loo, where do you poo? In the street, probably near your water and food sources -- causing untold death and disease from contamination. Get ready for a blunt, funny, powerful talk from journalist Rose George about a once-unmentionable problem.

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Join the movement to help improve the world's crap crisis.

About the speaker

Rose George

Curious journalist

See speaker profile

Rose George looks deeply into topics that are unseen but fundamental, whether that's sewers or latrines or massive container ships or pirate hostages or menstrual hygiene.

Rose George | Scientific American, November 19, 2012 | Article

Shame Villagers About Toilets, Save a Child's Life

Changing people’s behavior can be extremely difficult, even when they know that behavior is dangerous, such as pooping in the open and contaminating their environment. 'Community-Led Total Sanitation' is a fascinating methodology which — like advertising — uses people’s emotions (disgust, shame, pride) to change behavior.

Rose George | Yorkshire Post, February 21, 2012 | Article

Why We Must Have Relief from the Toilet Barbarians

It always baffles me that people will protest about the removal of waste disposal when it’s garbage collection, but not when public bathrooms are closed. And they are being closed down at a dismaying rate. Are public bathrooms a necessity and a mark of a civilized society, or just a convenience?

Rose George | The Guardian, February 3, 2012 | Article

Dirty Little Secret: The Loo that Saves Lives in Liberia

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf made history by becoming Africa’s first female president. But she is also historically significant for her willingness to talk about toilets and how good sanitation can benefit development, the economy and health. In 2011, I went to meet her.

water.org | February 11, 2013 | Watch

Matt Damon goes on strike!

Matt Damon is the only global celebrity to have understood that you can’t talk about providing clean water without talking about sanitation. He’s not afraid to get his hands dirty or talk dirty: good for him.

Learn more

This talk was presented at an official TED conference. TED's editors chose to feature it for you.

Join the movement to help improve the world's crap crisis.