Turn Off the Faucet Commercial

[CPanther95]

I hope it doesn't come to that. Composting toilet sounds exactly like an outhouse. I guess someone has figured out how to move the outhouse inside.

That's what passes for modern American ingenuity -putting an outhouse inside the house. You get to save some water then make a choice of your house smelling like a sewer or wasting your heating and cooling by sucking conditioned air down your toilet to try and keep the smell at bay. One broken fan motor, or a power outage and you no longer have a choice, your whole house will smell like raw sewage.

 

[CPanther95]

Just saw this commercial. It's a Colgate commercial.

Probably some research they have that shows the initial burst of water directly on the toothbrush is more likely to knock the paste off the brush than swiping it under a constant stream.

 

[PaulaSB12]

People who have the compositing toilets have all mentioned they do not smell

http://minimotives.com/2014/02/13/how-my-composting-toilet-actually-works/
The pros: I like it way better than a flush toilet, honestly. There are NO smells at all (there is a fan that creates a constant vacuum of air going to the outside). It is warm when you use it (the unit I have has a small heater), no back splashing and no one can hear you peeing! All pros. I have the added benefit of knowing that I am not contributing to a waste system where drinkable water is treated, used to flush a toilet and then has to be treated again, there is quite the process to that and a lot of energy/chemicals which I get to bypass, naturally and safely. Like I said, I was very leery initially for the same reasons as many others but after six months I have had two issues and zero REAL issues, I will get to those in a moment. All of that being said, I have not yet had to empty the drawer (based on full time occupancy – 3-4 persons – that would happen after about one year, and about 4 times a year). Currently I am not even a quarter of the way to full but in spring I will do that drawer emptying deed, simply because it’s been enough time. I expect that it will be as painless as they say (pretty hands off and non-gross). Other than that, even as expensive as it is it is cheaper than installing a septic system and it is not as limiting to finding a location as having to hook up to sewer, it gives me more flexibility. So, those are my pros so far, now the cons…

The cons… 100% of people (I rounded up, there are those .001% that think differently) do assume it’s gross and disgusting and that I am a weirdo for choosing that option, that is the one drawback. I do have a brother who refuses to use it, my partner did too, for a little while, but he’s fine with it now.

 

[mjkacmom]

I think it's a good commercial. There are those viewing who live in areas that have droughts. Growing up here in the 80's, I remember all of the restrictions, including turning off the faucet while brushing, a habit I still have today. There really isn't a good reason to keep it running. I also tend to take quick showers.

I never want to relive the "if it's yellow let it mellow" days again!

 

[asta]

People who have the compositing toilets have all mentioned they do not smell

http://minimotives.com/2014/02/13/how-my-composting-toilet-actually-works/
The pros: I like it way better than a flush toilet, honestly. There are NO smells at all (there is a fan that creates a constant vacuum of air going to the outside). It is warm when you use it (the unit I have has a small heater), no back splashing and no one can hear you peeing! All pros. I have the added benefit of knowing that I am not contributing to a waste system where drinkable water is treated, used to flush a toilet and then has to be treated again, there is quite the process to that and a lot of energy/chemicals which I get to bypass, naturally and safely. Like I said, I was very leery initially for the same reasons as many others but after six months I have had two issues and zero REAL issues, I will get to those in a moment. All of that being said, I have not yet had to empty the drawer (based on full time occupancy – 3-4 persons – that would happen after about one year, and about 4 times a year). Currently I am not even a quarter of the way to full but in spring I will do that drawer emptying deed, simply because it’s been enough time. I expect that it will be as painless as they say (pretty hands off and non-gross). Other than that, even as expensive as it is it is cheaper than installing a septic system and it is not as limiting to finding a location as having to hook up to sewer, it gives me more flexibility. So, those are my pros so far, now the cons…

The cons… 100% of people (I rounded up, there are those .001% that think differently) do assume it’s gross and disgusting and that I am a weirdo for choosing that option, that is the one drawback. I do have a brother who refuses to use it, my partner did too, for a little while, but he’s fine with it now.

I don't criticize your choice but I would not want to deal with that. At the risk of being called arrogant again, the constant fan running to control odor would use more electricity than a standard toilet. In an effort to save water you end up using another resource. For some people using readily available water might be a better choice than using more electricity. I don't think there is anything wrong with either choice and we shouldn't condemn others for the choosing which resource works best for them.

 

[CPanther95]

People who have the compositing toilets have all mentioned they do not smell

http://minimotives.com/2014/02/13/how-my-composting-toilet-actually-works/
The pros: I like it way better than a flush toilet, honestly. There are NO smells at all (there is a fan that creates a constant vacuum of air going to the outside). It is warm when you use it (the unit I have has a small heater), no back splashing and no one can hear you peeing! All pros. I have the added benefit of knowing that I am not contributing to a waste system where drinkable water is treated, used to flush a toilet and then has to be treated again, there is quite the process to that and a lot of energy/chemicals which I get to bypass, naturally and safely. Like I said, I was very leery initially for the same reasons as many others but after six months I have had two issues and zero REAL issues, I will get to those in a moment. All of that being said, I have not yet had to empty the drawer (based on full time occupancy – 3-4 persons – that would happen after about one year, and about 4 times a year). Currently I am not even a quarter of the way to full but in spring I will do that drawer emptying deed, simply because it’s been enough time. I expect that it will be as painless as they say (pretty hands off and non-gross). Other than that, even as expensive as it is it is cheaper than installing a septic system and it is not as limiting to finding a location as having to hook up to sewer, it gives me more flexibility. So, those are my pros so far, now the cons…

The cons… 100% of people (I rounded up, there are those .001% that think differently) do assume it’s gross and disgusting and that I am a weirdo for choosing that option, that is the one drawback. I do have a brother who refuses to use it, my partner did too, for a little while, but he’s fine with it now.

To accomplish that you need to suck your conditioned air out of the house. That's extremely wasteful and not "Green" at all.

Any power outage or failure of that fan sucking air out of your house and that raw sewage smell will permeate everything in your house.

 

[Hikergirl]

To accomplish that you need to suck your conditioned air out of the house. That's extremely wasteful and not "Green" at all.

Any power outage or failure of that fan sucking air out of your house and that raw sewage smell will permeate everything in your house.

I'm sure there is a back up batter option for those.

 

[TipsyTraveler]

Who knew water would be so controversial?

I did, that's why I bowed out after I saw the OP's response to my earlier post. S/he seemed more interested in defending an already decided position rather than asking a genuine question.

***

Why do people need a reason to not waste water? How about not be wasteful for the sake of not being wasteful? I don't come home from the grocery store with more food than I need, I don't burn hundred dollar bills even if it wouldn't affect my ability to pay the bills, and I don't go around my house turning on all the lights just because I can afford the electricity. I don't understand the mentality of using something in excess just because you can.

I've always been mindful about my water use but I was put to shame on my last trip. We spent a lot of time in remote areas where water had to be brought in by truck, so you were limited to 20 liters (about 5 US Gallons) for showering. You ever see a little 10 gallon countertop fish tank? Yeah, half that, for two people. Not only was it plenty of water for two adults to shower, including shampooing and conditioning my waist-length hair, but there was so much water left over we'd stand there with the bucket draining wondering if it would ever run out. We don't need to consume nearly as much as we think we do, and that applies to much more than water.

 

[Hikergirl]

I did, that's why I bowed out after I saw the OP's response to my earlier post. S/he seemed more interested in defending an already decided position rather than asking a genuine question.

***

Why do people need a reason to not waste water? How about not be wasteful for the sake of not being wasteful? I don't come home from the grocery store with more food than I need, I don't burn hundred dollar bills even if it wouldn't affect my ability to pay the bills, and I don't go around my house turning on all the lights just because I can afford the electricity. I don't understand the mentality of using something in excess just because you can.

I've always been mindful about my water use but I was put to shame on my last trip. We spent a lot of time in remote areas where water had to be brought in by truck, so you were limited to 20 liters (about 5 US Gallons) for showering. You ever see a little 10 gallon countertop fish tank? Yeah, half that, for two people. Not only was it plenty of water for two adults to shower, including shampooing and conditioning my waist-length hair, but there was so much water left over we'd stand there with the bucket draining wondering if it would ever run out. We don't need to consume nearly as much as we think we do, and that applies to much more than water.

I admit that I'm wasteful at times because its just not on my radar, that is why. I don't do it just because I can (cue evil laugh), I do it because I'm fortunate enough to never have needed to not be wasteful. Despite that I was raised to turn off the sink during brusing, turn off the lights, don't stand there with the fridge open, turn down the heat at night. But I'm not perfect.
Last night I was doing dishes, I had a few pots that needed to soak so I filled one up and walked away to set it out of my way and I left the water running. Did the same to the second pot. Maybe a gallon of water was wasted. I didn't give it much thought, I don't live in a drought area, and in the 40+ years I've been living I don't recall a single time our water use had to be restricted.
I do my part, I have low flow toilets, HE washer, LED lightbulbs, we recycle, but there are times where I let the water run, or leave the room with a light on. I've even had to throw food away I bought in excess. I'll take a long hot shower some days just because it feels good. I am fortunate to live in an area, and a time where I don't have to worry about these things, so I don't. I can't worry about everything thing that effects every other person on this earth. I'll do my part but I'm not perfect.

 

[asta]

I admit that I'm wasteful at times because its just not on my radar, that is why. I don't do it just because I can (cue evil laugh), I do it because I'm fortunate enough to never have needed to not be wasteful. Despite that I was raised to turn off the sink during brusing, turn off the lights, don't stand there with the fridge open, turn down the heat at night. But I'm not perfect.
Last night I was doing dishes, I had a few pots that needed to soak so I filled one up and walked away to set it out of my way and I left the water running. Did the same to the second pot. Maybe a gallon of water was wasted. I didn't give it much thought, I don't live in a drought area, and in the 40+ years I've been living I don't recall a single time our water use had to be restricted.
I do my part, I have low flow toilets, HE washer, LED lightbulbs, we recycle, but there are times where I let the water run, or leave the room with a light on. I've even had to throw food away I bought in excess. I'll take a long hot shower some days just because it feels good. I am fortunate to live in an area, and a time where I don't have to worry about these things, so I don't. I can't worry about everything thing that effects every other person on this earth. I'll do my part but I'm not perfect.

That is the point of my original post for which I have been called names. How in the world do posters see glee and arrogance for using a resource that is not restricted. We don't waste water or resources deliberately but arbitrary restrictions don't make sense. Without even changing our behavior our Nest home reports always show that we are at least in the top half of all nesters in our area. Does anyone remember when Americans were told to stop using Christmas lights in order to save electricity? That did not last. My point: why aim commercials at people to save water when that saved water is not otherwise used or diverted to those in need.

 

[Liberty Belle]

Whatever you are missing, I am, too. Just like when I was a child and my mother told me to eat all my peas because 'there are starving children in China'. Well give my peas to them, then!! One has virtually nothing to do with the other.

While I definitely do not advocate forcing food on a child, I think the point is that you should be thankful for the food you're given since so many do not have enough.

 

[bcla]

That is the point of my original post for which I have been called names. How in the world do posters see glee and arrogance for using a resource that is not restricted. We don't waste water or resources deliberately but arbitrary restrictions don't make sense. Without even changing our behavior our Nest home reports always show that we are at least in the top half of all nesters in our area. Does anyone remember when Americans were told to stop using Christmas lights in order to save electricity? That did not last. My point: why aim commercials at people to save water when that saved water is not otherwise used or diverted to those in need.

You seem to believe that the message is specifically targeted towards people in your situation. While the message may be off that water used here is water that's not available somewhere else around the globe, saving water is not is message that isn't without merit. It will be a good message for someone, even if the distribution of that message is somewhat random. In any case, resources are used everywhere to treat, transport, and dispose of water.

Saving water is a good thing. Why not just leave it at that?

 

[maxiesmom]

That is the point of my original post for which I have been called names. How in the world do posters see glee and arrogance for using a resource that is not restricted. We don't waste water or resources deliberately but arbitrary restrictions don't make sense. Without even changing our behavior our Nest home reports always show that we are at least in the top half of all nesters in our area. Does anyone remember when Americans were told to stop using Christmas lights in order to save electricity? That did not last. My point: why aim commercials at people to save water when that saved water is not otherwise used or diverted to those in need.

The difference is between using a resource and wasting one.

 

[CPanther95]

The difference is between using a resource and wasting one.

No, the difference is between who is defining "using" and "wasting". People like to assume that the amount they use is necessary, any more is wasteful.

Unless someone is living completely off the grid in nature with no vehicle, utilities, etc. - then they are making a personal judgment about how much destruction of the environment is an acceptable amount to live comfortably, or at least the minimum amount they are willing to tolerate. Once you cross that line to a consumer of resources, you lose all moral authority to try and dictate what is an acceptable amount for others to consume. It's just a matter of personal value.

 

[bcla]

No, the difference is between who is defining "using" and "wasting". People like to assume that the amount they use is necessary, any more is wasteful.

Unless someone is living completely off the grid in nature with no vehicle, utilities, etc. - then they are making a personal judgment about how much destruction of the environment is an acceptable amount to live comfortably, or at least the minimum amount they are willing to tolerate. Once you cross that line to a consumer of resources, you lose all moral authority to try and dictate what is an acceptable amount for others to consume. It's just a matter of personal value.

There's no particular utility to leave the water running while brushing one's teeth. It's simply allowing clean water to enter the drain. I don't think it should be controversial to note that it's senseless or a waste.

I guess we can argue about things such as letting the water run while soaping in the shower. My wife does that since she doesn't like being cold. We actually have a shut off valve that I've used to create a light spray to keep me warm, but my wife prefers the comfort of a full spray. However, that gives her some utility that letting water run while brushing teeth simply doesn't achieve.

Everything is about degree. It's not as if someone who eats meat loses any moral authority to complain about the treatment of animals.

 

[CPanther95]

There's no particular utility to leave the water running while brushing one's teeth. It's simply allowing clean water to enter the drain. I don't think it should be controversial to note that it's senseless or a waste.

I guess we can argue about things such as letting the water run while soaping in the shower. My wife does that since she doesn't like being cold. We actually have a shut off valve that I've used to create a light spray to keep me warm, but my wife prefers the comfort of a full spray. However, that gives her some utility that letting water run while brushing teeth simply doesn't achieve.

Everything is about degree. It's not as if someone who eats meat loses any moral authority to complain about the treatment of animals.

I get utility out of letting the water run. When I spit, it gets washed immediately down the drain. I don't have to use my hand to direct water around the bowl to wash off all the used paste foam that was spit out at the end of the session - getting my hands wet and drying out my skin just before bed. I also like to re-wet the brush occasionally and it saves me from having to repeatedly turn on and off the faucet. Sometimes if I have a sensitive tooth, I'll use warm water to brush and it takes some amount of fidgeting to get the temperature just right. I don't want to have to go through that process multiple times.

Plus I like the sound of running water, it's soothing - and I'm willing to pay for every drop I use.

People that eat meat can still complain about the treatment of animals - but they've lost the moral authority to make judgments about the larger number of animals that must die to feed someone that happens to have a larger appetite.

 

[bcla]

I get utility out of letting the water run. When I spit, it gets washed immediately down the drain. I don't have to use my hand to direct water around the bowl to wash off all the used paste foam that was spit out at the end of the session - getting my hands wet and drying out my skin just before bed. I also like to re-wet the brush occasionally and it saves me from having to repeatedly turn on and off the faucet. Sometimes if I have a sensitive tooth, I'll use warm water to brush and it takes some amount of fidgeting to get the temperature just right. I don't want to have to go through that process multiple times.

Really? I do it the way I was taught years ago. Have a cup ready and pour water into the cup. Use water from the cup to wet the toothpaste. If you need it again, the water is there in the cup. When it's done, rinse the toothbrush with the water in the cup and then use it for a mouth rinse. Anything left over is used to clear out the sink. If there' isn't enough water, then pour more into the cup. I can do this with maybe six ounces. Maybe 12 on a bad day.

Personally I don't see how letting the water run keeps a sink clear. Our bathroom faucet spout is right over the drain. Pouring water out of a cup allows me to actually reach areas where I spit.

 

[QueenIsabella]

Really? I do it the way I was taught years ago. Have a cup ready and pour water into the cup. Use water from the cup to wet the toothpaste. If you need it again, the water is there in the cup. When it's done, rinse the toothbrush with the water in the cup and then use it for a mouth rinse. Anything left over is used to clear out the sink. If there' isn't enough water, then pour more into the cup. I can do this with maybe six ounces. Maybe 12 on a bad day.

Personally I don't see how letting the water run keeps a sink clear. Our bathroom faucet spout is right over the drain. Pouring water out of a cup allows me to actually reach areas where I spit.

You are free to use this method, and if it works for you, that's great. You are NOT free to lecture or criticize someone else who has a different method that works for them. I have a method, it works for me, I pay my water bill in full and on time, I'm not interested in trying yours. That doesn't make you wrong, I'm just using my own method.

 

[bcla]

You are free to use this method, and if it works for you, that's great. You are NOT free to lecture or criticize someone else who has a different method that works for them. I have a method, it works for me, I pay my water bill in full and on time, I'm not interested in trying yours. That doesn't make you wrong, I'm just using my own method.

I don't think I'm lecturing. Criticizing maybe, but that's what message boards are about.

However, there were specific things mentioned, and using a cup is an immensely practical means to reduce the amount of running water needed to do all sorts of things. It helps achieve all the things mentioned, including wetting the toothpaste, cleaning the sink, rinsing the mouth, and even getting the temperature just right.

 

[CPanther95]

Really? I do it the way I was taught years ago. Have a cup ready and pour water into the cup. Use water from the cup to wet the toothpaste. If you need it again, the water is there in the cup. When it's done, rinse the toothbrush with the water in the cup and then use it for a mouth rinse. Anything left over is used to clear out the sink. If there' isn't enough water, then pour more into the cup. I can do this with maybe six ounces. Maybe 12 on a bad day.

Personally I don't see how letting the water run keeps a sink clear. Our bathroom faucet spout is right over the drain. Pouring water out of a cup allows me to actually reach areas where I spit.

Too much hassle. Now I have 2 cups every day that were covered with spit water that I have to get downstairs to the kitchen to be washed and ready to go for the next day.

Dirtying a couple cups and having to wash them and carry them up and down the stairs every day versus a few minutes of running water is a no-brainer choice for me.

...plus, I'd use more water washing and rinsing those cups than I'd use brushing my teeth anyway. (Yes, I leave the water running when washing dishes also.)