VT Interstate 89 rest stop: water from the toilets

OK, the title of this entry is misleading, but only a little so. I'm driving through Vermont on my way to Museums and the Web in Montreal, and about an hour ago passed by the most amazing rest stop I've been to (near Sharon, VT). Beautiful scenic views from large windows (it must be a LEED certified building)...But what is so outstanding is the way they are reusing waste water from the toilets and sinks.

Water goes through a process with the help of living plants to filter the water. And it feeds a gorgeous greenhouse connected to the rest stop. It truly is restful and beautiful to walk into the greenhouse to break the monotony of a long drive.

As you walk out, there are three large coffee urns -- free coffee to all travelers. And, here's where I'm being a little misleading. The filtration system doesn't really feed the coffeepots, but I thought -- what if it did?  What if you could demonstrate to visitors the power of this living system by offering them free coffee brewed from the outflow from the toilets? Wow -- what a memorable experience that would be, balancing the desire to consume with tangible ecosystem considerations.

Nonetheless, the rest stop is extraordinary -- highly recommended to anyone interested in ways public buildings can demonstrate concepts of reuse and recycling.