photo credit: American Standard
Today is World Toilet Day. While this may sound a bit funny to you, a toilet can do more than you think. It can actually save lives. It can Flush for Good, if you will.
I’ve noted in past posts that we take for granted our easy access to clean water and sanitation. While 70% of the earth’s surface is covered with water, less than 1% of it is available for human use. Clean water for drinking and bathing is a very limited resource that we need to protect. One simple way to conserve water is to use efficient toilets, faucets and showerheads that actually save water. Products with an EPA-approved WaterSense-certified seal have been shown to use at least 20% less water than standard models.
Having an efficient, water saving toilet in their homes is an easy enough solution for most of my readers. But what about the fact that half the people in the world lack a safe way to go to the bathroom?
Flush for Good is addressing both of these problems. Headed by American Standard, and in conjunction with the Champion Toilet line, the Flush for Good campaign is designed to increase awareness of the global water sanitation crisis and to stimulate action that protects the health of all people through well-engineered plumbing solutions.
Watch this video to see how American Standard is “flushing for good.”
For every Champion toilet sold in the U.S. and Canada in 2013, American Standard will donate one SaTo unit. These sanitary toilet pans will be distributed throughout Bangladesh by international development organizations BRAC USA and WaterAid. (As I mentioned in my disclosure, 20 of these units will be donated when I hit the publish button to this post!)
Can’t afford to purchase a new Champion toilet right now? No problem! Enter my giveaway* below and you could win a $200 gift cards to Lowe’s and use the money towards a new, efficient toilet!
More ways to contribute and act:
- Like the Flush for Good Facebook page (American Standard will donate one SaTo unit for every 100 Likes or Shares)
- Take one (or all!) of the pledges on the Flush for Good website, including:
- Turn off the water while brushing your teeth
- Turn off the water when you shave
- Take shorter showers
- Only run the washing machine when it’s full
- Water your lawn only when needed
- Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap
- Only flush once!
- Donate directly to BRAC USA
- Donate directly to WaterAid
- Buy a Champion toilet
- Share this post and spread the word!
How will you celebrate #WorldToiletDay?
*While American Standard has provided promotional support in the form of prizes, American Standard is not sponsoring or administering the giveaway on this blog.
I wear clothes more than once, take short showers, and don’t flush every time. It has always driven my mom crazy. The funniest thing is she thinks you should only use a towel once. hmmm…aren’t you clean when you dry off? I’d love to win…if for no other reason to tel me mom about it 😉
Ha! Your mom could learn a lot from the Flush for Good website. 🙂 My mom also throws towels into the hamper way too quickly. Drives me nuts!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Reframing Philanthropy + Gearing Up for World Toilet Day
I am celebrating by posting about World TOilet Day, saying thank you to my toilet, and be thankful that I always have access to toilets and clean water! And I could really use that gift card – we are actually in need of a more efficient toilet!
Alexa recently posted..World Toilet Day: #ThankYouToilet
The efficient toilets make a big difference. We have an old one that came with out house. We moved it to a bathroom we don’t use as much so that we don’t waste water and bought more a efficient one in the bathroom we do use.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Flush for Good: Celebrating World Toilet Day with Awareness and a Giveaway!
GREAT giveaway. I will probably celebrate World Toilet Day with Des. More practice walking.
And I’ll be editing photos and reading blogs and having dinner with in-laws!
And of course, being really thankful for our two awesome toilets in this house.
Tamara recently posted..Look Ma, No Hands!
That sounds like a great way to spend World Toilet Day. One of these days, Des may learn how to pee in the toilet. I’m still waiting for this to happen with my boys. 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Giving Trees for a Change
I only saw this on Alexa’s page before and be honest never knew this day even existed before that, but will say that after reading her post and yours now I see how this could be a real problem if we didn’t have toilets. Seriously, totally take this one for granted daily, but just so happy that we live where we have toilets and indoor plumbing, too!
Janine Huldie recently posted..The PINcentive Blog Hop (Week 11) & GIVEAWAY!
We’re lucky, aren’t we? So many people around the world don’t have the simple luxury of a toilet. So sad.
anotherjennifer recently posted..My Author’s Q&A on Crazy Meets Exhaustion
Well… I am going to be grateful I HAVE toilets to use today. Like right now…. 😉
We try very hard to be incredibly careful with our water supply. Is it gross to say, sometimes I don’t flush but maybe on the third go around, if it’s only my pee? Is that TMI? lol
Well- hey, it saves water people! And I DRINK a lot of it- so I pee A LOT!
Chris Carter recently posted..Sunshine After The Storm
Your comments always crack me up, Chris. Great job saving water! It’s the little things that add up to big change, right?
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: November Campfire
So much great information in this post. I plan on taking a shorter shower and encouraging my kids to do so as well. I am happy to say that my forgetful family members are already helping the cause by forgetting to flush the toilet. 🙂 I hope I win because we are in need of a new toilet in my bathroom and I’d love to get an efficient one.
AnnMarie recently posted..One of My Rainbows
After writing this post last night, I found myself more conscious about the length of my shower this morning. Funny how I also have forgetful family members too. Good luck!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Join Scary Mommy Nation to Help Support Families in Need This Thanksgiving
I would love to have more efficient toilets…it’s been on my list forever!! I take quick showers, wear my clothes more than once whenever I can and try to be as careful as possible with how much water I use!
Michelle recently posted..Creating Custom Cards with Cardstore.com
That’s great, Michelle! And the efficient toilets make a big difference. You don’t realize how much water and energy you waste until you have an efficient one.
anotherjennifer recently posted..How Will You React When You’re Concerned for Your Safety?
“If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.” Our motto drives some people in my family crazy, and it’s hard to explain why we shouldn’t do that in public, but that’s what we do at our house!!
Rabia @TheLiebers recently posted..Ten on Tuesday: My Favorite Thanksgiving Foods
A classic motto. I can see the confusion about public bathrooms. They’ll catch on!
anotherjennifer recently posted..How Will You React When You’re Concerned for Your Safety?
We desperately need a new toilet for our master bathroom, so I am definitely entering this, but more importantly thank you for bringing attention to this cause.-Ashley
thedoseofreality recently posted..We Have A “Cat”astrophe On Our Hands
My pleasure, Ashley! Good luck with the contest!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Finding Solace with Roxie
Okay, I’m not joking. I can’t poop. I have MAJOR constipation issues so when I do go I practically throw a party. I drank a TON of coffee this morning and literally just got off the toilet, sat down and read this post so I think World Toilet Day honored me.
Julie @Momspective recently posted..The Panthers, The Playoffs and The Tuesday Coffee Chat
You are hilarious. I think World Toilet Day did honor you. Don’t forget to say thank you to your loo! 🙂
anotherjennifer recently posted..Get Minted and Support Indie Design
Thank you for mentioning this cause!
We could probably use a new toilet. The one in the bedroom is acting funny and won’t flush right.
Amber recently posted..Hey, It’s Okay Tuesday
My pleasure, Amber!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Artist Interpretation
Happy World Toilet Day!!! This is an awesome giveaway!! And as the saying goes…
If it’s yellow, let it mellow.
If it’s brown, flush it down!!
Gross, but conserves water!!
Stephanie @ CrayonMarks&TigerStripes recently posted..{Experiencing Peace} Love Always Wins
Happy Toilet Day to you! Seems like a popular saying today. 🙂
I will take a shorter shower.
I need to work on this too. I was overly conscious of my time in the shower today!
I had no idea it’s world toilet day, lol.
But, it’s interesting. And yes…sanitiation and access to fresh water is so important.
When I was in the Philippines once, I learned about this first-hand…
Cyndi recently posted..A Poem: Greed and Sticky Ticky Tacky
I can imagine, Cyndi. I’ve learned so much about the need for sanitation and access to clean water these past few months. It’s amazing how many children die because they don’t have access to a toilet.
Thanks for posting this. I feel like I have a good handle on worldly issues but realize there’s always more that can be done! 😉 Nice work, Jennifer!
There’s always more that can be done. Thanks, Amanda!
This is such a great giveaway and a great cause. I would totally get a new American Standard with the gc, I think we have an original 1984 beauty in the kids bathroom – it’s got to go!
Stephanie recently posted..Asparagus Mushroom Quinoa
Those “beauties” are something else, aren’t they? At least we have them, right?
anotherjennifer recently posted..Flush for Good: Celebrating World Toilet Day with Awareness and a Giveaway!
I would take shorter showers.
Sounds like a good plan, Jessie!
love this give away! I could really use a new toilet down stairs!
Sounds like many people need new toilets. Good luck!
I Will Conserve Water By Taking A Shorter Shower!
Sounds like a theme going on in this comment thread. Shorter showers for everyone!
I shared this with my middle school daughter and explained the “why” behind a funny sounding holiday. I got to spend time this summer helping people in a 3rd world country where sanitation is a big health issue.
I love that you talked with your daughter about the day, Kristen. I’m sure you could tell her some first hand stories of why sanitation is so important.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Feeding Our Kids 7 Day a Week
I think I just celebrated by watching Julie from “I Like Beer and Babies” talk about potty training: http://www.ulive.com/video/potty-training-boot-camp
Sounds like a great way to celebrate! She’s hilarious.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Wordless Wednesday: Good Day Maine Appearance
I love – just love – how you are dedicated to this cause. It seems to simple to us westerners – to have a toilet – but it’s like or death for some. Thank you for raising this awareness.
Ilene recently posted..Upside Down
I’ve learned a lot about the need for clean water and sanitation over the past year. It really is something that is so simple. Addressing the problem helps save lives while also helping to eliminate poverty since families spend so much time trying to get water when they could be working and kids could be going to school.
Just like the Fockers – “If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.” Totally agree with that sentiment. We are also teaching our 3 year old we can’t run the water forever in the bath tub, and we generally take short showers- gotta be quick with little terror on the loose!
I think moms with little ones are probably the most efficient water for that very reason! I teach my kids to not leave the water running while brushing teeth. They do pretty good.
I will donate bottle water to our local ECHO organization. I also will save my flushes until it’s absolutely necessary. I did love the response about reading a post on potty training-hilarious!
C. Lee Reed recently posted..Mother of all Meltdowns Q&A with the authors
I think potty training is relevant. 🙂 Lots of flush saving going on in the comment thread!
This is awesome. We are actually eco-friendly toilet shopping so this is timely. Thank you.
bonnie kenaz-mara (ChiIL Mama) recently posted..WIN 4 Free Tickets to Beat Kitchen’s Concerts for Kids Weekly #giveaway
That’s awesome. Good luck!
I just bought a low flush water saving toilet to celebrate a toilet day
Nice! Great way to celebrate World Toilet Day.
We just moved into a new house and are in the process of changing the showerheads and lightbulbs to more conservative usage ones. I will celebrate by continuing.
Sounds like a great idea. We’ve been doing the same in our old house. I think it makes a big difference!
What an inspirational post! We have efficient toilets at home!
Thank you for your nice comment on my blog! Let’s keep in touch! <3
Diana
http://www.ManhattanImageandStyle.com
New Post/Outfit Idea: Breaking Rules
Manhattan Image and Style recently posted..[My Outfit] .Breaking Rules.
I love the efficient toilets. They make a huge difference!
Well, I missed it! However, we are conscious of our water use, and already do the following.
Turn off the water while brushing my teeth
Take shorter showers (and fewer~ daily isn’t always necessary…)
Only run the washing machine when it’s full
Water your lawn only when needed (not at all this summer… eek!)
Keep a pitcher of water in the refrigerator instead of running the tap (always!)
Only flush once!
Thanks for the giveaway opportunity!
Lis recently posted..Wordless Wednesday ~ In honor of the New England Oireachtas (Regional Irish Step Dance Competition)
That’s great, Lis. I’m a stickler for the washing machine one even though I have an efficient washer that only uses as much water as necessary. I just hate running things if it’s not needed!
“If it’s yellow let it mellow it it’s brown flush it down”.
Seems to be a popular saying in the comment thread! Great motto. 🙂
I will do what I can to conserve my water usage.. shorter showers, etc…
Great plan, Steve! Good luck with the contest.
I actually do most of the things on the pledge list already. I will continue to look for ways to save water
That’s great, Mary Beth. I was pleased to see that I am doing a lot of the things already too. It’s easy, isn’t it?
It IS easy! Many of these things save time and money, too. I hope it’s just a matter of making enough people aware to make a real difference.
I celebrated by following the age old adage: If its yellow let it mellow, if its brown flush it down….
It’s a good adage to follow!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Feeding Our Kids 7 Day a Week
I did not know there was such a day! I will celebrate by being especially grateful that I live in a country with modern plumbing
Something we can be grateful for every day!
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Feeding Our Kids 7 Day a Week
take shorter showers
Good luck!
I just read a book about life in China where they went into incredible detail about the bathroom situation in rural China. Oh my gosh, I can’t believe people could stand to live like that. I literally can’t get it out of my mind. In our country, we would probably arrest someone if they treated a PET like that, let alone a human. Makes me very grateful for the luxuries we have.
Adrian recently posted..Smart Money: My Secret Weapon for Finance
So true, Adrian. I’ve heard some crazy stories. Hard to believe it’s real sometimes. I am very grateful for the simple luxury of a toilet.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Celebrate #GivingTuesday on December 3rd + Rally for WaterAid to #doubleit
Oh I didnt know there was a World Toilet Day! Something we take for granted thats for sure. Something so basic to us, it not available to some. I will celebrate by stopping and thinking about ways to conserve water in my home. Taking shorter showers, using the washing machine and dishwasher only when full loads are ready, and turning off water while brushing my teeth.
Excellent plan, Laura. We do the same thing. It’s easy to forget at first, but I find we’re all in the habit now.
anotherjennifer recently posted..Philanthropy Friday: Feeding Our Kids 7 Day a Week
I will turn the water off while I’m brushing my teeth.
Awesome. I have to admit. I’m not great with this one.
I will celebrate World Toilet Day by cleaning my toilet!
Ha! Swing on over and clean mine when you are done. 🙂