Case Studies
Earth Toilet Project II
Japan
The Earth Toilet Project participated in the “NAKATSUGAWA - THE SOLAR BUDOKAN” for the second consecutive year. The festival was held on September 28 - 29, 2019 in Nakatsugawa City, Gifu Prefecture, Japan, with approximately 30,000 visitors packing the venue in two days.
This year, the Earth Toilet not only was in charge of the toilets odors and cleaning, it also took on several new initiatives.
This year, the Earth Toilet not only was in charge of the toilets odors and cleaning, it also took on several new initiatives.
EARTH TOILET PROJECT
Based on the achievements of last year, the Earth Toilet Project was given the title “GREEN ROCKES” by the event organizers!GREEN ROCKES (Japanese only):
“A project to increase the number of people who love the Earth and Music, the “GREEN ROCKER”, with the aim of continuing managing a festival that does not produce environmental burden”.
Objectives and challenges
Odor Measurement
Somehow, we feel that there is no “bad odor”, but is it really measured? In order to introduce the Earth Toilet Project to other festivals, we felt that data collection was essential, so we set up some test areas to measure odors.
Somehow, we feel that there is no “bad odor”, but is it really measured? In order to introduce the Earth Toilet Project to other festivals, we felt that data collection was essential, so we set up some test areas to measure odors.
Exhibition Booth
“Let’s spread more toilets in a fancy and cheerful way!” We installed an Instaboard in front of the toilet. For those posting with the tag #Earth Toilet, a natural air refresher was gifted.
“Let’s spread more toilets in a fancy and cheerful way!” We installed an Instaboard in front of the toilet. For those posting with the tag #Earth Toilet, a natural air refresher was gifted.
A workshop to multiply the number of effective microorganisms (EM), used also in the Earth Toilet, was also held at the event. Let’s change your toilet into an Earth Toilet!
Original Spray Bottles in the Toilets
NAKATSUGAWA - THE SOLAR BUDOKAN & Earth Toilet original spray bottle was installed in all toilets. The contents were EM fermented liquid in 50-fold dilution; a safe air refresher that does not cause any troubles to the skin or even if it is inhaled.
NAKATSUGAWA - THE SOLAR BUDOKAN & Earth Toilet original spray bottle was installed in all toilets. The contents were EM fermented liquid in 50-fold dilution; a safe air refresher that does not cause any troubles to the skin or even if it is inhaled.
Collaboration with “Happy Toilet Project”
Speaking of toilets, toilet paper is the protagonist! This time, thanks to the collaboration of Masako Matsuda, a girl who draws illustrations on the paper wrapped around toilet paper, the “Happy Toilet Paper Project #HTP” has succeeded and toilet papers were given for free.
Speaking of toilets, toilet paper is the protagonist! This time, thanks to the collaboration of Masako Matsuda, a girl who draws illustrations on the paper wrapped around toilet paper, the “Happy Toilet Paper Project #HTP” has succeeded and toilet papers were given for free.
HTP (Happy Toilet Project) drawn by a 4 years old child who participated in this festival for the fourth time. His drawings transmit “Love” and “Earth”.
By sending cute wrapped toilet papers to everyone, the HTP has also the will of use it as an emergency kit for disaster prevention.
By sending cute wrapped toilet papers to everyone, the HTP has also the will of use it as an emergency kit for disaster prevention.
Broadcast Live with Disaster Prevention Event held in Meito, Nagoya
On Sunday 29th, a Disaster Prevention Event was held in Meito-ku, Nagoya City. Earth Toilet Project was connected by MESSENGER to introduce the Earth Toilet’s activities through monitors. The local fire corps and the city officials were keen interested. Stench from temporary toilets causes stress in case of disasters and Earth Toilets can help to reduce stench and therefore, stress.
We Were also Interviewed
Results
92.8% Rated Good!Wet tissues were distributed at the handwashing area to avoid long lines and enjoy the festival. We conducted a survey on whether the Earth Toilet was “GOOD” or “BAD” collecting the used wet tissues in recycle bins.
Based on the survey of 421 people, 391 voted for “GOOD” and only 30 for “BAD”. So, 92.8% rated “Earth Toilet as GOOD!”. Last year's “GOOD” rating was 88%.
Users’ Voice
・“I am from Hokkaido and often go to RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL. I have been in various festivals including other Asian countries, but the toilets here are the most beautiful!!”
・“Earth Toilet! It doesn't really smell!”
・(After the air refresher withdrawal) “The spray has already withdrawn? That’s why it smells now. Thank you for the clean toilet! “
・“This year's toilet was amazing. There is no more beautiful toilet than this! Japan's top toilet!”
・“The smell was really suppressed and the toilet was clean. Please spread the Earth Toilet more.”
And many more.
・“I am from Hokkaido and often go to RISING SUN ROCK FESTIVAL. I have been in various festivals including other Asian countries, but the toilets here are the most beautiful!!”
・“Earth Toilet! It doesn't really smell!”
・(After the air refresher withdrawal) “The spray has already withdrawn? That’s why it smells now. Thank you for the clean toilet! “
・“This year's toilet was amazing. There is no more beautiful toilet than this! Japan's top toilet!”
・“The smell was really suppressed and the toilet was clean. Please spread the Earth Toilet more.”
And many more.
Volunteers’ Voice
“I wasn't uncomfortable at all and it was a lot of fun to clean the toilets. If I can participate next year, I would like to clean the toilets! There is no volunteering work that lets you have so much fun! A great opportunity to be concerned about environmental issues! Thank you very much."
“I wasn't uncomfortable at all and it was a lot of fun to clean the toilets. If I can participate next year, I would like to clean the toilets! There is no volunteering work that lets you have so much fun! A great opportunity to be concerned about environmental issues! Thank you very much."
Executive Committee Chairman
NAKATSUGAWA - THE SOLAR BUDOKAN Executive Committee Chairman said, “Thank you for the beautiful toilets. It will be a pleasure having you next year too!”
NAKATSUGAWA - THE SOLAR BUDOKAN Executive Committee Chairman said, “Thank you for the beautiful toilets. It will be a pleasure having you next year too!”
EM Seikatsu Logo Posted as a Supporting Company
Along with famous companies, the logo mark of EM Seikatsu was posted as a supporting company!
Along with famous companies, the logo mark of EM Seikatsu was posted as a supporting company!
Other Friends
Last year event was mainly conducted by members who were deeply involved with EM Seikatsu. But this year the number of friends increased and also supporters from Osaka and Nara joined us.
Last year event was mainly conducted by members who were deeply involved with EM Seikatsu. But this year the number of friends increased and also supporters from Osaka and Nara joined us.
Some came by friends’ reference and others because they just thought it was interesting.
After the Second Year
We participated as the Earth Toilet Project at NAKATSUGAWA-THE SOLAR BUDOKAN, for the second consecutive year. We learnt many things from challenging ourselves with new initiatives.We had many meetings that marked the starting point of this event. Even late at night, it was so fun that we couldn't stop.
We had some ideas that could not be launched this year.
We had many things that should be improved next year.
Personally, what I was most happy about this year was that our activities resonated with teenagers who joined us (Volunteers’ Voice).
Some people say that young generations are waiting for instructions and I feel that they are undervalued. But it is always the same. Those adults who are saying this, should have been told the same when they were young.
Instead of claiming the difference between generations, why don’t we, adults, show that “It’s a fun world!” “Let's do it together!”.
If all adults enjoy themselves and show that they are moving for the community and Earth, this action will surely lead to the future.
Let's have fun, good adults!
