”Return to the soil” circular sensors
SANKEN, Osaka University
Story
Piss Soap is an extremely simple material with a broad social and conceptual entanglement. On the one hand, it is a deviant and regenerative soap made out human activity wastes, namely used cooking oil, human urine and wood ashes. On another hand, it is a local and communal effort to tackle climate change, and subvert the narrative of climate transition and circular economy, embracing care, community and local solutions. Piss Soap invites for a new way to radically connect with our material legacy on the planet while taking a humorous and unique perspective on how can we, as citizen, tackle some of our discarding issues with a bit of creativity and “gut-feeling”. Piss Soap started in 2017 in Amsterdam and has since then been transforming waste in the city into usable soaps.
The project engaged both the public and local inhabitants through interactive workshops and collection events, creating a platform for discovery, collaboration, and participation. These events allowed people to learn about the initiative, contribute their ideas, and directly engage with its goals. By fostering this inclusive environment, the project gained valuable input from diverse communities, shaping its design and execution in meaningful ways. As a result, it built strong local support and momentum, which helped it gain visibility beyond its initial scope. The project's success in one area attracted interest from other regions, leading to its adoption in various cities across Europe.