Patricia Arquette: Why I Started a Safe Sanitation Nonprofit, Plus How Beyonce & Ben Stiller Are Helping to Support It
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I started GiveLove after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti to help the families living in tent cities. After any disaster, providing clean water and sanitation is a huge challenge, that’s how I got started with compost toilets. Here I am thirteen years later still at it.
Why Toilets?
When people ask, why toilets? I explain that the benefits of using compost toilets extend far beyond improving sanitation. It’s a staggering statistic, but 3.5 billion people don’t have access to proper toilets and millions practice open defecation. Poor sanitation is the primary cause of water pollution worldwide, causing a vicious cycle of parasite infection, diarrheal disease, malnutrition, and child mortality. In the Global South, half of all illnesses are caused by this public health crisis. I found myself asking, what would I want to provide for my children?
Our projects have a holistic impact on the whole family, particularly women and girls, but also for families with elderly, frail, or disabled family members. Few people think about how hard life is for women and girls forced to travel further and further to collect water because of water scarcity and pollution. These burdens are felt by the poorest mothers, many who are single and struggling in extreme poverty with chronically sick kids.
There are other dangers too. Women and girls are vulnerable to sexual assault when venturing out to use public toilets. Girls also need clean toilets at school to take care of menstrual hygiene needs with dignity. We’ve worked with dozens of NGOs to provide clean private spaces for girls, encouraging regular school attendance. Educated girls are more likely to contribute to their family and society, leading to improved socio-economic conditions.
Men and boys also benefit in the slums where we work because our programs create jobs. The community-led aspect of our work brings people together to solve problems. In Uganda, we’ve trained young people to manage compost toilets for dozens of polio survivors and disabled people who are paralyzed, instilling a sense of resilience and pride.
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“Access to clean water and sanitation is a basic human right.”
Compost toilets address many of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. They have a positive environmental impact by turning wastes into a valuable resource. This is crucial in regions where soil degradation and climate change impact crop yields. Families can use compost to improve their gardens and farms, leading to better food security and nutrition. Schools with gardens provide healthier lunches. So GiveLove’s projects benefit families in many ways.
It is strange to be an actor and be a toilet ambassador, but frankly, it’s an area that few people want to work in. Access to clean water and sanitation is a basic human right and necessity for everyone.
Juggling both worlds can be hard, and I’m not always great with finding balance. At times I’ve felt that my family life is impacted by being so busy, but then my kids will tell me that the things I do in the world inspire them, so I guess it’s a tradeoff. When I visit our projects, I get so inspired and I’m grateful for being a part of this life changing work.
You can support Give Love’s programs and get involved by following and sharing our Global Giving Day fundraiser on eBay. A few of the amazing items we have are featured below. All proceeds support Give Love.
Patricia Arquette is a fourth generation actor. She received the Academy Award for her work in “Boyhood,” the critically acclaimed 12-year project from Richard Linklater, for which she also won the Golden Globe, BAFTA, SAG, New York Film Critics Circle, Los Angeles Film Critics, and Independent Spirit Awards for Best Supporting Actress in a Motion Picture. Read Patricia’s full bio.
GiveLove Celebrity eBay Charity Auction to Support GiveLove’s Global Programs
Beyoncé’s Microphone from the Renaissance World Tour 2023 with Vinyl and Program
If you’re a Beyoncé fan, this microphone may be for you. Queen Bey used this Sennhiser chrome microphone during her 56 shows in 39 cities on her 2023 Renaissance World Tour. The package also includes a new, sealed set that includes a photo booklet, collectable poster, and double vinyl along with a Renaissance World Tour 2023 program.
Bid Now (Bidding starts at $20,000)
A Night on the Town with Patricia Arquette as Alabama Worley from ‘True Romance’
Step into the story of “True Romance” during a night on the town with award-winning actor Patricia Arquette in character as the fearless Alabama Worley. You’ll hit LA’s legendary dive bars and the Safari Inn. Okie dokie, doggie daddy!
Bid Now (Bidding starts at $10,000.)
A Day with Ben Stiller on the Set of Apple TV’s ‘Severence’
Step on to the set of Apple TV’s Severance with comedian, actor, director, and producer Ben Stiller. You and a guest will get to meet Stiller and tour the set of the hit series.
Bid Now (Bidding starts at $5,000)
Ghostface ‘Scream’ mask signed by David Arquette (Officer Dewey)
“Scream” fans will appreciate this replica Ghostface mask, autographed by actor David Arquette, known for his iconic role as ‘Officer Dewey.’
Bid Now (Bidding starts at $500)
Visit the GiveLove auction on eBay to see more items from Jane Fonda, Rainn Wilson, Rosanna Arquette, and more.
About GiveLove
GiveLove is a skills training organization providing compost sanitation in six countries. We work with non-governmental organizations, schools, and community-based groups to provide compost toilets and safe sanitation in high-need and water scarce areas. Recent projects include the Standing Rock Compost Toilet project for Oceti Sakowin camp, schools in Kenya and Uganda, as well as a co-ed prison in Nakapiritpirit, Uganda in drought-prone Karamoja.
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