IDEAS FOR GOODJapan is famous for its large number of earthquakes each year. The country’s land area covers only 0.25% of the Earth, but faces more than 20% of earthquakes magnitude 6.0 or more. Yet, issues related to toilet facilities tend not to be a priority when disasters such as earthquakes occur, contrary to their importance. Electricity, water, gas and sewage are usually restored first whenever a disaster strikes.
Despite the fact that toilets are a necessity immediately after a disaster, public lavatories are inaccessible within damaged areas. Many people began to worry due to the lack of immediate access to temporary facilities. In fact, there was a survey for municipalities on how long each took before temporary toilets reached evacuation centers during the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. Only 34% of municipalities answered within three days while 49% stated that it took well over eight days.
Kawahara Technical Research Co., Ltd began a new development project in order to solve this particular issue. This would allow anyone to easily construct a hygienic, temporary toilet made almost completely out of paper.
Enter the Hobo Kami Toilet, a paper-made toilet
This DIY toilet is made almost entirely of paper and includes a resin made waste bucket. The Hobo Kami Toilet is also light and easy to dispose. Although can only last about two weeks after the initial set-up, the device will be able to last for more than a month for dire circumstances. The size is also large enough for 350〜400 uses.
In addition, the Hobo Kami Toilet guarantees privacy between the sexes by becoming a private western-style lavatory. It was also made in mind for those who unhealthily hold it in because they are uncomfortable with the mobile toilets or tent-type toilets used in disasters. In addition, the western-style lavatory is easy to use for the elderly and anyone with injury.
The opinions of victims and supporters from actual disaster sites contributed to the development of the Hobo Kami Toilet. Many other considerations went into the design of the equipment, including being able to install the device outdoors hygienically. By the way, there are several types for use in different circumstances. Please refer to this brochure that classifies a variety of over 10 toilets.
[Reference Site] Preserved temporary toilet / “Hobo Kami Toire” prototype completed as of (September 1)[Reference Site] Lavatories from the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami -Hear from those from actual sites-
This article was originally published on IDEAS FOR GOOD
Translated by Maurice Skinner
