Emily MacNintch of Honolulu is competing for a National Geographic Channel grant to install bio-toilets in economically deprived areas such as India and sub-Saharan Africa, to improve the quality of life in those regions.

"We want to bring bio-toilets to areas in need to improve health, provide energy and compost, and foster local businesses," she said, in her entry.

MacNintch is among 10 "Expedition Granted" finalists competing for a $50,000 prize that will fund the winning candidate’s project.

"The 10 selected finalists really embrace our vision of pushing boundaries and forging new paths with their thoughtful submissions," said Courteney Monroe, National Geographic Channel CEO. "We welcome the public votes to help narrow down our ultimate winner and 2014 Expedition Granted Explorer."

Winners will be announced Sept. 30.

Videos explaining the proposed projects, including MacNintch’s, are posted online.

http://expeditiongranted.nationalgeographic.com/project/poop-out-of-poverty/