Toilets and Global Warming
I saw this video clip on BBC yesterday about how toilets in Japan contribute to global warming *. 
Needless to say I was highly amused. Not by the Japanese toilet, but by the clueless reporter who was holding the remote control like a game console. Silly boy, the remote is mounted on the wall, you don’t hold it. And it runs on batteries…I have never had to replace mine in over three years! And did he consider the amount of trees the bidet and blow drying functions save. Or what about the fact that the sink is above the water closet, so the the water you use to wash your hands fills the water closet for the next flush?
Having lived in Japan for nearly five years now, I have to say that I appreciate the “oto hima” (sound princess) in public toilets that plays music when you sit down; or the sound of a waterfall in the train station toilets…it just helps things…what’s the word I am looking for?… flow. And that is before we get to the fact that Japan has an aging population. After decades of using squat toilets the older generation deserves a break. Speaking of warming, he didn’t mention that the heated toilet seat is most likely the only source of heat in that area of the house…how much energy is wasted at his home by actually having heating vents in his bathroom?
Let’s see what other things Mr. (so called) Investigative Reporter failed to uncover. The first shot in the video is of a combo washer and dryer. Not only does it save space, but saves energy. Seriously, look it up and check out the energy ratings on those things. Did he mention the hose they all come with that lets you use the water from your ofuro to wash your clothes? Did he point out the different flush options, thus controlling the amount of water you use when you flush? Or what that you can control the temperature of the seat and the amount of water you use for the bidet? Did he point out the bathroom friendly large screen TV hanging above the toilet? What? You don’t have a large screen water proof HDTV in your bathroom? OK, I can’t justify that one, but, if everyone is wearing solar powered underwear and shoes that capture energy, surely a few indulgences are warranted.
* I had hoped to embed this video for your viewing pleasure and ease, but the BBC, reputedly one of the world leaders in news coverage doesn’t like to share their video reports. Given how big of a turd this piece is, I can’t say I blame them. Now if only I could find that remote he took off the wall I could close the lid on this post.
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