Swiss institutions announce unisex loos on World Toilet Day
The University and Federal Technology Institute Lausanne (EPFL) in the western Swiss city are to introduce non-gendered, eco-friendly toilets, EPFL said in an announcement marking the UN’s World Toilet Day.
This content was published on
2 minutes
RTS/jc
“This initiative is intended to respond to the needs of transgender and non-binary users, as expressed by members and supporters of the LGBTIQ+ community,” EPFL said in a press releaseExternal link on Friday. “These groups stressed that when transgender and non-binary persons use non-gender-neutral bathrooms, the risks they encounter include ‘scornful looks, questions, remarks, verbal abuse and physical violence’.”
EPFL said a major renovation of bathroom facilities on its campus also includes addressing environmental concerns. “By using lake water in the toilet tanks, the new bathrooms will cut potable water consumption by 70%. Urine will be processed and turned into fertilizer, helping to take the pressure off wastewater treatment plants, since removing nitrogen and pharmaceutical residue from urine is energy-intensive,” it explains.
At the University of Lausanne, work is also underway to create gender-neutral bathrooms, according to the statement. In addition, menstrual products are now made available free of charge at toilets on both the University and EPFL campuses.
Friday November 19 is World Toilet Day. The United NationsExternal link says that this basic sanitation system is “underfunded, poorly managed or neglected in many parts of the world, with devastating consequences for health, economics and the environment, particularly in the poorest and most marginalized communities. ” It is calling for investment in sanitation also so that women and girls can “play their full role in society, especially during menstruation”.
Protein in abdominal fat could help shape obesity treatment
This content was published on
The study analysed fat cells from different locations in the body, and found that those in the abdomen have unique properties.
North African asylum claims fall after rapid Swiss processing
This content was published on
The accelerated procedure, now out of its test phase, has resulted in a significant drop in applications from North African countries.
This content was published on
The artist's song "The Code" focuses on their journey as a nonbinary individual. It is one of the favourites to win this year's contest.
Swiss climate activists block vehicles near Gotthard tunnel
This content was published on
Around ten climate activists briefly blocked the A2 motorway near the northern entrance of the Gotthard tunnel on Thursday.
Watches belonging to Michael Schumacher up for auction
This content was published on
Schumacher's family is auctioning off eight rare watches from his collection in Geneva. The Christie's auction will take place on Monday.
Joya Marleen and Baschi named best solo acts at Swiss Music Awards
This content was published on
St. Gallen singer Joya Marleen and Baschi from Basel were named artists of the year at the Swiss Music Awards 2024 on Wednesday night.
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.
Read more
More
What happens when you flush the toilet at Europe’s highest railway station?
This content was published on
swissinfo.ch went behind the scenes at Jungfraujoch, to find out what it takes to keep over a million visitors hydrated, fed and breathing.
This content was published on
The survey, commissioned by a leading toilet paper manufacturer, suggests that women pay a visit to the toilet on average five times a day, while men rush to answer the call of nature only three times every 24 hours. The results of the study also indicate that though men may go to the lavatory less,…
You can find an overview of ongoing debates with our journalists here . Please join us!
If you want to start a conversation about a topic raised in this article or want to report factual errors, email us at english@swissinfo.ch.