# Usable Waste Brands reinvent human and animal waste for a multitude of purposes. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Nov 5, 2018 | Category: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/environmental-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/usable-waste ## Key Figures - Trend score: 3.6/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Usable Waste trend? **Usable Waste:** The reuse of human and animal waste has ecological implications in a variety of industries–including everything from construction to the food and beverage space. These innovations set a precedent for how waste can be used to transform systems rather than damaging them. ## The consumer insight behind the Usable Waste trend When it comes to environmental consciousness, consumers are increasingly understanding the risks and consequences of the current standard of living around the world. Thus individuals, communities and institutions are all pushing for innovative, systemic changes that impact the long term trajectory of climate change in a positive way. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Dec 9, 2016 to Oct 30, 2018 - Published: Nov 5, 2018 - Patterns: [Cyclicality](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/cyclicality), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Simplicity](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/simplicity), [Naturality](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/naturality), [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Usable Waste trend ### Waste-to-energy Conversion Converting waste, such as human and animal waste, into energy has ecological implications in various industries which can decrease waste and minimize environmental damage. ### Microbial Reactors The use of microbial reactors that rapidly break down waste and contaminants introduces a potential new method of producing food or building materials for consumption. ### Zero-waste Building Materials Creating building materials that are produced in an ecological environment by utilizing waste products like urine creates new opportunities to reduce waste in building and construction industries. ## What the Usable Waste trend means for industry ### For Energy Energy companies and waste management facilities could benefit immensely from these renewable sources of energy, allowing for alternative energy products powered by waste products. ### For Aerospace The potential for biofuel technology in the aerospace industry could lead to a cheaper and more environmentally friendly method of fueling aircraft and space travel. ### For Construction The architectural and construction industries could have access to a new type of building material made out of waste products that are much more sustainable than traditional materials. ## Workshop question Conceptualize how your brand could transform and repurpose a waste product. ## Trend signals for Usable Waste Trend score 3.6 out of 10, from popularity 58%, activity 42%, freshness 8%. - Popularity: 58% - Activity: 42% - Freshness: 8% ## Examples of the Usable Waste trend 4 featured examples from Dec 9, 2016 to Oct 30, 2018. - [Dog Poo-Powered Lights](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/gas-street-lamp): This Gas Street Lamp in Worcestershire, UK Runs On Canine Excrement (Category: Eco) Implication: The renewable energy industry can explore and capitalize on the potential of novel sources like dog poop to generate clean, sustainable, and cost-effective energy. - [Feces-Converted Fuel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/bio-oil): This Crude Bio Oil is Generated From Human Waste Found in Sewage Water (Category: Eco) Implication: The waste management industry can explore the implementation of hydrothermal liquifaction technology to convert sewage waste into valuable bio oil. - [Urine-Crafted Bricks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/biobricks): The Bio-Bricks are Made Ecologically and of Human Waste (Category: Eco) Implication: The construction industry can explore the use of urine-crafted bricks to create more sustainable and eco-friendly buildings. - [Waste-Transformed Space Food](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/food-for-astronauts): Scientists are Experimenting With Food for Astronauts Made From Feces (Category: Tech) Implication: The waste management industry can explore innovative methods like microbial reactors to efficiently process and convert waste into usable products. ## Recent trend clusters - [Assisted Choices](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/weight-loss-medication-support) (Lifestyle) - [Storyline Sips](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/themed-drink-menus) (Lifestyle) - [Bedtime Cocoon](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/sleep-sensory-blocking) (Lifestyle) - [Source Signatures](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/oak-finish-whiskey) (Lifestyle) ## Trending in Eco - [Jewel-Toned Fall Apparel](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/quince-silk) - [Compostable Coffee Pucks](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compostable-coffee-pucks) - [Intelligent Private Grids](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/ara-core-powers) - [Compact Electric Family MPVs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/compact-electric-family-mpvs) All articles: [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco)