Friday, July 16, 2010

You Better Take Squatty Potty 101

If you don't know what I'm talking about, or have never used one, or have never successfully used one, check this out. It will help you out. You might need it. Squatty potties are moving west.  Check out this article my dad just sent me.


Shopping Center Bosses Bow to Muslim Activist and Install New ‘Asian Toilets’… (Daily Mail)

For centuries, the great British loo has been a matter of envy to the rest of the world. Thanks to the efforts of pioneers like the legendary Thomas Crapper, we have long since led the world in comfort and hygiene. Now, however, that could be about to change. For most of us, the squat toilet is nothing more than a staple of horror stories about old-fashioned French service stations or the exploits of adventurous backpackers in far-flung parts of India. But this basic form of plumbing, also known as a Turkish toilet or Nile pan, could be coming to a shopping centre near you – and all in the name of cultural sensitivity.

From next week, shoppers in Rochdale who push open the cubicle door expecting the reassuring sight of a modern, clean lavatory could instead be faced with little more than a hole in the ground.
Bosses of the Greater Manchester town’s Exchange mall have installed two as part of an upgrade costing several thousand pounds after attending a cultural awareness course run by a local Muslim community activist.

A familiar sight in parts of the Middle East, and still sometimes seen in France and Italy, the toilets require users to squat above them, rather than sitting. With one in ten of Rochdale’s population of Pakistani or Bangladeshi origin, centre managers say they have been told some members of the local Asian community prefer them for cultural reasons.

If you look up this article and review the comments, you'd think the world is coming to an end. I, on the other hand, think it's a great idea. Having grown up in Bangladesh, I can say with credibility that there are perks to this.

5 Reasons For Squatty Potty Usage (according to me)

  1. You don't have to sit on it. Seriously, we already step in it when people miss. Who hasn't sat on a wet toilet seat in a public bathroom? And no, four squares of TP do not help. You'll never need these.
  2. It's way easier to clean. The toilet and yourself. I think its silly that we take paper, smear, and then treat rashes. Wouldn't you rather give yourself a mini-wash? Refreshing.
  3. It's way green. We're all about going green right? Say goodbye to plumbing issues.
  4. Better for you. I have to admit that my knees don't like the squatting much, but a chiropractor just told me that sitting is terrible for your back. This article said this: "Why do we in the Western World suffer so many cases of colon cancer, constipation, diverticulitis, IBS, prostate/uterine disorders and other diseases that other countries do not? The answer may well be in whether you use a squat toilet or not."
  5. Kid friendly. Though you may think this is debatable, I think a hole is way better for kids. My mom used to stand us up on the porcelain thrones. Way less fun.
To make a fair argument, I must express the negatives I see. First, I already mentioned, it kills the knees. But with the added exercise, maybe I wouldn't such bad knee problems. Second, it's way easier to loss your chapstick. You really have to hold on to your stuff and your clothes. Third, I'm left handed.

Squatty Potties, welcome to the west.




Designate a place outside the camp where you can go to relieve yourself... 
as part of your equipment have something to dig with, 
and when you (want to) relieve yourself, 
dig a hole (in the ground)... and cover up your excrement.
(Deuteronomy 23:12-13)

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4 comments:

  1. well this has been enlightening, ruthie! thanks. ;) i'm a habitual hoverer in public loos, but it never occurred to me to squat. interesting, the connection between all of the bowel ailments and the 'elimination position'... in all the pregnancy books, they suggest putting your feet on a stool to relieve constipation (and subsequent hemorroids)... they should suggest squatting instead! ;)

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  2. after using squatty potties in africa I felt soooo dirty using oublic restrooms here in the states. I definitely prefer them. And the preggo boks I read recommended them as well! Funny...

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  3. We’re leaving for India with a group of teens. Thanks so much for your blog post. I’ll bring it to their attention.

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  4. Rachel, thanks for your insight! :D

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