Toilet availability is a human right!

Here are seven ways you can protect it.

1. Celebrate World Toilet Day on November 19, 2009.
   
2. Talk about human rights and basic needs. Public Hygiene Lets Us Stay Human. The need is so fundamental, so axiomatic, that we don’t even discuss it.   But by not talking about it we are losing our toilet rights.  We’re tax payers, customers and fare-paying riders but are frequently denied use of a toilet in public places, businesses and urban transit systems.  As it’s time to Start the Conversation, we analyze our society’s silence on restroom issues and offer some talking points.
3. Contact your Congressional representative regarding the Federal Public Restroom Requirements Initiative. This initiative of the American Restroom Association calls on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) to take action. Today the U.S. Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides the regulations that ensure that employees “will not suffer the adverse health effects that can result if toilets are not available.”   It is DHHS, however, that has the mandate to protect the health of all Americans, not just employees. DHHS needs to spell out the public health requirements related to toilet facilities.  This will not require new legislation, only that an existing mandate be met. This short slide show is a concise presentation of the issues.  Ask your Congressperson and  Senators to take action on this.
4. Advocate with PHLUSH for increased public restroom availability in Portland. Subscribe to PHLUSH Action Alerts. Comment on our blog or submit a guest posting.  Volunteer at PHLUSH events.  Please contact us or join us at our monthly meeting.   Use restrooms paid for with your tax dollars and send suggestions to make them better. Tell us about neighborhood parks, business districts or transit centers where toilets are most needed.    If public urination is a problem in your area, use tact, respect, civility and humor to let it be known that this behavior is unacceptable.
5. Speak out when you’re denied access to a toilet. Taking about the issue is the right thing to do. You may be able to wait to find a facility where you’re welcome but some people cannot.  If public restrooms in your community are open late or close early or are shut down entirely, get the facts and work to get them open.   Fitness is a health priority and restrooms meet the needs of pedestrians, joggers, dog walkers and others who use open space to get exercise. And remember that most of us are restroom challenged at one time or another in their lives. The American Restroom Association defines “restroom challenged” as people who need to use a toilet a) at least every hour or b) urgently and without warning.  This includes both people with medical issues and normal conditions, such as youth, age and pregnancy.  Let’s work together to make restrooms available to all who need them, when they need them.
6. Help Portland Rescue Mission continue to serve the public with restrooms 24/7. Attractive welcoming restrooms in the lobby of the Portland Rescue Mission at 111 W Burnside are open around the clock, serving nearly 400 people a day.  PHLUSH applauds this privately owned and operated restroom facility that meets the needs of all people with dignity and respect. Donations to the Mission help ensure the continued success of this model facility.
7. Act locally, Think globally. Join the campaign of the World Toilet Organization campaign to bring toilets to the 40% of the world’s people who do not have them.  Sponsor a household or school toilet.  Fund an educational program that can mobilize the commitment of a new generation. See what your small donation can do.