Posts by Phlush
Sewers are broken. Where will you go?
PHLUSH partner organization MDML (once known as Cloacina.org Project) created an informative and life-saving guide that shows you scientifically-proven methods for human-waste composting in an emergency. Don’t miss the opportunity to download it for free or purchase it for 10 bucks on their website. This illustrated guide presents a series of graduated responses you can do to keep…
Read MoreCome Meet Mr. Toilet in Portland, Oregon
PHLUSH will host World Toilet Organization Founder Jack Sim on Sunday, June 3 and Monday, June 4. Jack is an international media celebrity and inspiring advocate for human dignity. He put the spotlight on the 2.6 billion humans who lack toilets and helped get the UN to include sanitation in Millennium Development Goals. Jack was…
Read MoreJapanese History and the Oregon Megaquake of 1700
A mere quarter century ago, scientists doubted there was any earthquake risk posed by the Cascadia Subduction Zone, the meeting place of two tectonic plates 50 to 75 miles off the Oregon coast. In a few short years, however, Oregonians have become aware that a devastating megaquake is likely to occur in our lifetimes or…
Read MoreMeet Poonam Sharma, PHLUSH Volunteer
As an exclusively volunteer run organization, PHLUSH relies solely on the help of dedicated volunteers to conduct outreach, plan activities, and manage online communications. Volunteers are the backbone of the organization, and we want to acknowledge the efforts of friend and committed PHLUSH volunteer – Poonam Sharma. “As someone who has lived all over the…
Read MoreSanitation Solutions Emerge after Haitian Earthquake
Monika Roy with SOIL writes: Bonswa from Haiti. Monika here, working down in the Caribbean with SOIL (Sustainable Organic Integrated Livelihoods). SOIL is a U.S. NGO focused on EcoSan systems, incorporating hygiene education and developing sustainable business models through humanure compost sales. We started up north in Cap Haitien in 2006 building public EcoSan toilets…
Read MoreSobering realities for World Water Day
World Water Day is celebrated worldwide today, March 22 and here in Portland on Saturday. As advocates of sustainable sanitation we have trouble with the custom of using our drinking water to transport our human excreta, household graywater, industrial chemicals, and storm water runoff to the wastewater treatment plant. Portland’s Bull Run water is among…
Read MoreFree Emergency Preparedness Expo 2012 March 16 and 17.
After taking the PHLUSH emergency sanitation exhibit to Sunnysde Disaster Diner, we’re heading to the Emergency Preparedness Expo 2012 this Friday and Saturday. This large event features 35 displays and workshops with 50 speakers. It will take place at 12300 SE 312 Avenue in Boring from 1 to 7pm on Friday, March 16 and from 10am…
Read MoreHow about Walking for Water on March 24?
Portlanders will join folks from around the globe on Saturday, March 24 to commemorate World Water Day with a convivial morning of exercise on the waterfront and learning activities at OMSI. Portland’s Fourth Annual Walk for Water features a non-competitive 5k fun run as well as the simulation of a typical water-gathering experience for women…
Read MoreEmergency toilets on agenda at Sunnyside Disaster Dinner
Sunnyside Environmental School plays host to the First Annual Sunnyside Disaster Dinner on Saturday, Mach 10. This neighborhood event to promote community emergency preparedness takes place at the school at 3421 SE Salmon St. From 3 to 4:30pm the public is invited to visit free Information Booths and Activities. Jeff Holiman and the PHLUSH team will…
Read MoreTime for Portland Parks to take toilets seriously
The cost-cutting recommendations of Portland Parks and Recreation’s Budget Advisory Committee call for 189 toilet closures The proposal is for Parks to replace half the number of closed stalls with plastic portables while laying off the Parks Technicians who understand the social environment and perform many other duties besides cleaning restrooms and hauling away trash. (UPDATE: PP&R’s official…
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