Table of ContentsIntroductionAccessibility of ToiletsImportance of Hygienic ToiletsInclusiveness of ToiletsEconomic Value of ToiletsConclusionIntroductionLike human evolution, toilets have evolved over the last century. From the motley collection of communal latrines, chamber pots and holes in the ground, to the flush toilets widely used today; the condition of our toilet systems has improved significantly. In this article, we will discuss how older toilets have improved in terms of accessibility, design and hygiene. In addition to technological advances that improve the condition of toilets, governments around the world have set aside more funds for clean toilets, recognizing their economic value and health benefits. Additionally, it is equally important that we discuss the issue of availability of toilets and sanitation, which often seem to be neglected in the past. However, this is slowly changing. The United Nations has recognized the importance of good sanitation. They also call for an end to open defecation, adequate and equitable sanitation and hygiene for all as one of its sustainable development goals. These shocking statistics only justify that we have ignored this topic for quite a long time (in exchange for other topics such as water conservation, which has been considered an even more pressing issue). Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay Toilet Accessibility The prevalence of toilets has increased their accessibility to the public in urban areas. Portable toilets improve people's comfort when temporary events are organized. Portable toilets work in the same way as a conventional toilet. For a conventional toilet, the siphon drew water out of the bowl and into the sewer pipe. Whereas for a portable table, the tank under the toilet seat and the holding tank contain chemicals that destroy waste. The pressure created by the pump flush system circulates the water. (2016) Portable toilets are usually flushed with waste combined with a blue chemical compound. But advances in technology have created a growing trend toward vacuum toilets, similar to those on airplanes, where when the toilet is flushed, liquid escapes the hatch and waste is vacuumed up. (2017) Toilets use very little water and contain no chemicals, meaning they are better for your health. The convenience of having less waste to dispose of makes it suitable for crisis situations. Conveniently located portable toilets provide convenience to the public during temporary events. Creative measures taken by Parisian authorities to discourage public urination have sparked public outrage. These conveniently located outdoor urinals provide men with a more convenient place to urinate, as is the case in the city. Men no longer need to look for conventional toilets to urinate. Undeniably, these open-air urinals are considered an ecological and innovative solution since no water is needed for the waste to be composted. The open urinal is made of a metal box filled with straw which is used to absorb the odor and which could be composted to fertilize plants. The boxes are designed with a large wedge that allows men to approach and urinate in the urinals. The Parisian authorities have set up these toiletsin an attempt to deter those who shamelessly urinated in public places, thereby causing a strong smell of urine. These government actions aim to improve the convenience for men to urinate and thus improve the image of their city. Perhaps the ease of access to these toilets sometimes makes us forget that toilets are still considered a luxury for a third of the world's population who do not have access to them.Importance of hygienic toiletsToilet hygiene directly affects our health . Poorly equipped toilets are the leading cause of death from diarrhea. Even today, seven out of ten people still do not have access to safe and hygienic toilets. (Wor) Developed countries have their 3 share of hygiene problems centered around toilets. An example is Singapore, where the state of public toilets in cafes can be extremely unpleasant. It is common to see urine on the floor and faulty faucets in these toilets. The general trend towards eating out means that society cannot afford to neglect hygiene in public spaces such as toilets. However, there are also cases in which circumstances limit people's choices. In refugee camps, men and women must share common toilets. These toilets are often unhygienic as they are usually just makeshift toilets with no one to clean and maintain them. Additionally, these toilets are located in crowded areas, which means that germs can be transmitted very easily, increasing the risk of spreading disease. In developing countries like India, toilets are in short supply. 70% of the population living in villages still defecates in the open despite devastating health problems. Only when there are hygienic toilets can we see a reduction in these preventable health problems. With the rapid expansion of technology, it is no wonder that toilets are improving dramatically with this technology. Advancements in toilet technology are giving rise to many eco-friendly toilets that help save water. An example would be waterless urinals. The storage space stores urine that flows through the urinal drain and retains the urine odor. The urine passes through an oil-based fluid, which acts as a sealant to prevent exposure of the odor and the urine is then accumulated in a waste depot. The oil layer prevents the odor from being exposed to the outside. This waterless toilet technology saves water and is considered more hygienic as no water is needed to flush waste down the drain. However, the downside is that waterless urinals are difficult to change and odors can be created when changing them. Another example of improved technology would be pedestal urinals for women in shopping malls. The 4 touchless urinals keep the toilets clean and improve overall hygiene. Washlets in Japan are another most important toilet model. (Brasor, et al., 2010) Wash basins in Japan are normally equipped with features such as seat heating and bidet functions. It also includes air drying and odor elimination mechanisms. Additionally, the development of dual flush toilets allows the user to choose between a half flush for liquid waste or a full flush for solid waste. This function saves water. The state of toilets around the world is very different, but it is undeniable that technology has played a vital role in improving toilets in termscleanliness and comfort. Additionally, technology has also helped ensure sustainability as less water is wasted through improved toilets such as waterless toilets. Undoubtedly, in the next century we will continue to see more of how technology would improve the usability of toilets. The Inclusiveness of Toilets Toilets are considered one of the most basic necessities and therefore should meet the needs of different groups of people. In recent years, there has been an increase in the number of disabled toilets and a decrease in the number of squat toilets, as countries look to upgrade their toilets. Take China for example, where users have to crouch down to take a look, which could prove difficult for the elderly or disabled. But all that is changing in China, as the government wants to renovate toilets in an attempt to boost their reputation and image. Chinese President Xi JinPing has invested 20 billion yuan to improve and increase the availability of toilets across the country. Other developed countries such as Singapore have also included regulations providing for at least one toilet accessible to people with disabilities. Disabled toilets have enough space to accommodate the wheelchair at the sides or in front of the toilet. These toilets for the disabled serve to better accommodate people with disabilities and thus contribute to a more inclusive society. Brisbane is another example of efforts to make toilets more accessible. Brisbane has just won the 2018 International Health Tourism Award for its accessible toilets. Facilities at Brisbane Airport include specialist equipment such as an adult changing table and toilets with removable ramps for people with severe disabilities. Plus, it even has indoor toilets for guide dogs traveling with people with disabilities. Additionally, according to research, there is generally a lack of public toilets designed for people with dementia. Guidelines have been implemented such as the use of automatic flushing systems and non-reflective surfaces to improve ease of use for these individuals. 5 However, the lack of comprehensive exit signs negates the positive aspect of a well-designed sanitation facility. This shows how much more needs to be done to increase toilet inclusiveness around the world. Restroom Aesthetics Restroom design and creativity, although often overlooked, serves as a method of attracting people. As the world begins to value innovation and practicality simultaneously, toilet creativity is also one of the most attractive aspects of toilets. In France, the new improvement to modern, self-cleaning toilets called Sanisettes can be found in parks and throughout the city. A coin is required to open the door and a sensor in the floor causes the door to close and lock. Once the user leaves, the door closes and the toilet is mechanically cleaned and disinfected by a cleaning device and a green light indicates that the toilet is ready for the next user. These toilets are both creative and practical as they are available throughout the city. In addition to this, San Francisco has considered the implementation of modern toilets with a sleek design. The design of the restrooms reflects San Francisco's position as a "tech city." The exterior is polished steel and features a curved hourglass design topped with plants and the gazebos can become..