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World Toilet Day 2018
Nature calls when nature calls. Although you and I are lucky enough to have access to a toilet when it’s time to go, there are billions of people less fortunate than us that do not have this pleasantry. Did you know: 4.5 billion people on a day-to-day basis live without a standardized toilet? 892 million people of these people practice open defecation. As a result of this, 1.8 billion use drinking water that is contaminated with human feces. As time goes on, we are essentially turning our environment into an open sewer. Fortunately, there is possibility and hope for change. Nature has been begging for help; we have to listen and act accordingly.
November 19 is the nationwide celebration of World Toilet Day. You may be wondering, what is World Toilet Day? World Toilet Day (also referred to as National Toilet Day, or simply Toilet Day) is a day dedicated to educating the public about nature-based solutions to our sanitation needs. The goal of this international toilet day is to remind us to take action to ensure that people all around the world have a safe toilet by 2030. This is part of Sustainable Development Goal 6. Without proper acknowledgment of our current situation, there would be no inspired call to action to tackle the global sanitation crisis. Studies show that even in 2018, 62.5% of people around the world do not have access to safely managed sanitation. World Toilet Day seeks to inform and engage people to take action in achieving sanitation for all and put an end to open defecation.
Since its inception in 2012, National Toilet Day has garnered worldwide recognition in its effort to achieve worldwide sanitation. In the days leading up to the November 19, communities and organizations worldwide engage in sanitation themed “urgent runs” filled with activities and events. These organized events help raise awareness of the rampant global sanitation issues within their communities. As of 2018, more than 63 events have been held in 42 different countries. These programs can be found all over the world. Participating countries include Bangladesh, Cambodia, Canada, China, Kenya, Mongolia, Netherlands, Pakistan, Philippines, Vietnam, and the United States. Community groups, private companies, and universities have joined together in a conscious effort to change the world as it pertains to sanitation efforts. The recognition of World Toilet Day reached a new high in campaign and publication efforts in 2016, where millions of people reached out through social media, dedicated websites and other channels in support of the global event. The hashtag #WorldToiletDay even made the rounds on social media in 2017 by reaching a nearly 750 million people.
Simpleaf (also known as Simpleaf Brands), currently donates 1% of all of their revenue to Toilet Twinning, a water sanitation initiative charity, to support sanitation education and latrine-building initiatives. All donations are used to provide clean water, basic sanitation, and hygiene education to those in need. In collaboration with Toilet Twinning, Simpleaf Brands creates high-quality sustainable products for consumers to incorporate into their daily lifestyles. Simpleaf Brands recognizes that as the consumer, we have the ability to engage and raise cultural awareness through the products we are purchasing. The products we purchase are a direct, conscious reflection of our beliefs and morals. By committing to sustainable product companies such as Simpleaf, you are making a conscious effort to further the mission for those around the world who are in dire need of sanitation support. By funding their cause, you are aiding those in desperate poverty with access to a proper toilet, water and the information they greatly deserve to be healthy.
Proper sanitation and clean water access are vital to sustaining everyday life. Supporting environment-conscious efforts such as Toilet Twinning and brands such as Simpleaf is the first step in worldwide change. Everyone deserves to have a toilet when nature calls. Start by giving back today and shop our products.