Environment

Japan introduces 'toilet poems' to save on toilet paper

by Amy Judd | January 27, 2009 at 01:56 pm

470 views | 16 Recommendations | 9 comments

A Japanese group has introduced 'poems in the loo', with the intent to cut down on toilet paper being used in excess, to help cut down on global warming.

By posting a 'toilet poem' at eye level inside the cubicle, apparently it will cut toilet paper use by 20 percent.

"That paper will meet you only for a moment," reads one poem. "Fold the paper over and over and over again," says another. Or just: "Love the toilet."

Now the group is looking to have its posters displayed in 1,000 public toilets.

"We asked ourselves what we could do for the environment in the toilet?" said Ryusuke Nagahara of the Japan Toilet Labo. "The answer is to save toilet paper and save water."

The use of toilet paper in Japan has increased in recent years, mostly due to an increase in public toliets.

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eastvanray

at 14:42 on January 27th, 2009

I guess this means we will now be able to smell Japanese environmentalists from a distance!

Paschen

at 15:40 on January 27th, 2009

I have not heard of that one yet, however the all deluxe toilet with all automatic wash of the derriere and warming seat as well as warm water rinse, now that is a must here. There is a Toilet Fair soon in Chiba Shi, I should go and take some pictures.

eastvanray

at 16:37 on January 27th, 2009

That would be great. Can you shed some light for me on the high value placed on "premium toilets" by the Japanese people?

Paschen

at 05:29 on January 28th, 2009

I will try, It is a big deal here. and Modern Japanese Toilets are next to none in the World. I would not have believed it my self until I moved to Japan my self.

mudricky

at 16:41 on January 27th, 2009

Yes, you should.

chi-jin

at 18:19 on January 27th, 2009

Modern Japanese bathrooms are amazing: heated toilet seats, powerful deodorizer, built-in bidet with a fan to blow you dry, flushing noises to cover up any accidental noises you may share, and now entertainment!

chi-jin has contributed a photo to this story.

Laughing-Samurai (not verified)

at 01:01 on January 28th, 2009

the latest modern Japanese toilet requires no loo roll no soiling of the hands with all those nasty germs. Upon finishing you are washed, dried, spun dried and the bowl cleaned and all to the sound of soft music.

Marisa Olivia

at 06:41 on January 28th, 2009

This is amazing.

I'm also a fan of the little spray hoses that they use in Thailand. No TP, just a splash of water. Plus a small bucket of water to flush. Not too bad.

How much energy do these fancy toilets use? Do you have to pay for them?