Phlush Emergency Sanitation USA: Ensuring Hygiene

Toilet availability is a human
right and well-designed
sanitation systems restore
health to our cities, our
waters and our soils.

Through education and advocacy, PHLUSH helps local governments and citizen groups to provide equitable public restroom availability and to prepare for sanitation disasters with appropriate ecological toilet systems.

Why Public Hygiene?

PUBLIC TOILET ADVOCACY TOOLKIT

HUMAN DIGNITY

Our ability to respond to a universal biological need is a basic human right. Our houseless neighbors, those of us who have medical conditions, and those who are older, younger, pregnant, menstruating, or non-binary are especially in need of safe and adequate facilities to meet their sanitary needs.

Recreational and commuting cyclists need public toilets.

LIVABLE COMMUNITIES

Public toilets enable us to be physically active and enjoy new experiences when we’re away from home. Our mental well-being is enhanced when we’re out with families and friends and know there's a place "to go." Adequate facilities promote more time spent enjoying our public spaces.

Public parks and recreation spaces need public toilets.

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS

Our sewers run the risk of damage due to earthquakes, flooding, cyber-hacking, and other threats. Most emergency preparedness resources/kits don't plan for an alternative way of using the toilet when needed. Having this plan in place isn't just smart - it could save a life.

Margot Kleinman

September 6, 2024

Public Toilets Case Studies with Pratt Institute: Amsterdam, Netherlands

Research with MFA student Keliang Li Pee Curl, or public urinal for men, in Amsterdam On a recent trip to Amsterdam, when I asked a local shop owner where I could use the restroom, she told me there were plenty of places for men but…

Public Toilets Case Studies with Pratt Institute: Paris, France

Written with MFA student Tong Zhao Proposed public toilet, called a Sanisette, near Eiffel Tower in Paris With all the coffee and wine you’ll be drinking in Paris, it’s good to know there are plenty of free public restrooms. Cafes are everywhere in Paris: go…

Public Toilets Case Studies with Pratt Institute: Sydney, Australia

Written by MFA student Jean Juan with Margot Kleinman North Bondi Beach Restroom The City of Sydney, one of Australia's largest and fastest-growing local areas, has an estimated population of 5.2 million in 2024. (https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-cities/sydney-population). In the 2022/23 financial year, the city hosted 5.4 million…