World Toilet Day (belated)

Wednesday was World Toilet day. Celebrations around the world included Urgent Runs and Big Squats in order to raise awareness of the un-safe sanitation conditions faced by over 2 billion people today.

Right now I basically live in a water and sanitation paradise (and I am Thankful for it!). Even if my apartment did not have three sinks, a shower, a tub, a toilet and a dishwasher, there are over one thousand fountains around the city that continually spout drinkable water. 101 ZüriWCs (public toilets) are dotted across the city so there is almost always somewhere “to go” without having to sneak into a MickeyD’s. They are free and cleaned at least twice a day (you have to pay a frank to use the handicapped stalls, unless you have an eurokey, which helps keep these spaces cleaner for those who really need them.) The motto of the ZüriWCs is «Sauber und Sicher» or "clean and secure"-- something of which billions of people can barely dream. While I would not want to rely on fetching brunnenwasser or finding/waiting for a ZüriWC, these options are great conveniences when I am out and about. Going for a run? No need to bring a water bottle!

Clockwise from right: The WC and key/coin slot, one of the more modern water fountians (the one nearest to my house was built in 1804; and a map to locate all of the other toilet options in the area)

This is the style of toilet we have at my office—complete with instructions in two languages! It was one of the things that sold me on working here. When there is pressure on the seat a valve opens, so all the pee (or whatever is in the front portion) flows down a separate set of pipes to a tank in the basement where it is automatically treated: the unit produces concentrated liquid fertilizer and distilled water, which is recirculated and used to flush the toilets. Rainwater (and it rains a lot) is also used for flushing.

Celebrations in Zürich were organized by a few NGOs and a local composting toilet company.
The festivities included a display of toilets from around the world and through history, a sample of unique artisan toilet lids that are being auctioned on ebay to support a water charity (after being displayed in a gallery), and the conversion of one of Zurich's fountains into the Manneken Pis all in the well trafficked posh shopping area.

I checked it out after work with some colleagues.

The presence of a toilet being designed at the office was requested,

 but couldn't make it since it was being shown to potential investor.

(photo from facebook)

A "throne" in front of the local Hermès.

Some nice decoration!

The sign says 2.5 billion people have no WC.

How did/would you celebrate World Toilet Day?