ABEREUS - A Better Resource Use

0-waste #community – The #Aztecs already had a very sophisticated way to #recycle #human #waste and more. By the way, they also already had an urine-diverting dry #toilet as they use urine and feces for different things. #FFF #FastFact #FastFactFriday ABEREUS - A Better Resource Use

#Europe is facing substantial hurdles in maintaining its water supply. European water is under pressure despite extensive efforts since 2015, only 37% of surface waters, such as lakes and rivers, meet good condition standards. This stagnation is primarily due to persistent #pollution and the escalating impacts of #climateChange. Agricultural practices contribute significantly to water contamination, releasing harmful chemicals and microplastics into ecosystems. These pollutants compromise water quality, posing risks to both #environmental and human #health. The situation is further aggravated by climate change, which intensifies #droughts and water #scarcity. Increasingly frequent and severe droughts strain water resources, exacerbating the challenge of maintaining adequate supply for European water. The European Environment Agency (EEA) underscores the urgency of addressing these issues. Enhanced measures are vital to safeguarding water quality and ensuring a sustainable supply. This involves stricter regulations on pollutants and implementing innovative solutions to manage and mitigate climate impacts, especially given how European water is currently under pressure. Moreover, the EEA emphasizes the need for resilient water management systems to withstand future challenges. The agency advocates for comprehensive strategies that integrate environmental protection with sustainable water use practices. These strategies aim to secure water resources for future generations, promoting long-term resilience and security, even as European water remains under considerable pressure. The goal is not only to improve current conditions but also to prepare for future uncertainties. Sustainable water management is critical to supporting biodiversity, human health, and economic stability. It requires collaborative efforts across sectors and borders, recognizing water as a shared and precious resource that demands careful stewardship, especially in Europe where water is experiencing heightened pressure. If you want to learn more about sustainable water use, get connected and join us for a better resource use. #StoryTuesday

37% of #European surface #water meet good condition #standards. By the way, this report was done by the European Environmental Agency (EEA) in 2021. More #stress will be a rising problem for the water. #FFF #FastFact #FastFactFriday

Global Handwashing Day is today and the importance of hand hygiene remains evergreen. Let’s dive into the #world of clean hands and the #power of #handwashing and its #impact on our well-being. The Power of Handwashing: Protecting Lives and Health  Washing hands is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to shield ourselves and our loved ones from illness. It’s more than just a ritual; it’s a powerful act of #prevention. How Germs Spread: Hand washing is our defense against germs that are transmitted through contact with surfaces or #people. Key Times to Wash Hands: Crucial moments include before cooking, after changing diapers, and after using the #restroom – simple acts that make a big difference. Five Steps to Wash Your Hands the Right Way: Good hand washing is simple and effective. Wet, lather, scrub, rinse, and dry – these five steps can safeguard you and your community. Remember, a good 20-second scrub is about the time to sing “Happy Birthday” twice! When Soap and Water Aren’t Handy. Sometimes, access to #soap and #water may be limited – as can be the case in some of our great waterless toilets. In such cases, a hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol can be your trusty sidekick. But remember, it’s not a substitute for the real deal and keep the sanitizer away from #children. This Global Handwashing Day, commit to better hand hygiene! By prioritizing clean hands, we protect ourselves and our communities. Ready to make a change for a safer, healthier future? Get connected and join us for a better resource use. Clean hands aren’t just a choice; they’re a #global responsibility. #StoryTuesday

20 seconds is the minimum #time you should #wash your hands. By the way, October 15th is Global Handwashing Day. With proper #handwashing, respiratory and intestinal #diseases can be reduced by 25–50%. #FFF #FastFact #FastFactFriday

Imagine transforming your leftovers into #energy that powers #homes! In #SouthKorea, this isn’t #science fiction—it’s a daily practice. The country recycles an impressive 98% of its #food #waste, turning scraps into #compost, livestock feed, and even #greenenergy. But it wasn’t always this way. Just 20 years ago, 98% of South Korea’s food waste ended up in landfills, emitting harmful #greenhouse gases. Fast forward to today, and the #country has one of the most efficient food waste #recycling systems in the #world. How did they do it? By making food waste separation a way of life. #Residents are required to separate their waste, and those who don’t face fines. The waste is then processed in #facilities like the Daejeon Bioenergy Center, which powers thousands of homes. This #model is unique, but it’s also a reminder of what’s possible when a nation commits to #sustainable practices. While not every country can replicate this #system, the core lesson is universal: We can all do better with what we have. Whether through composting, smarter shopping, or just putting less on our plates, small changes can lead to big impacts. If you believe in using #resources more wisely, get connected and join us for a better resource use. #FFF #FastFactFriday #FastFact

98% of #food #waste are recycled in #SouthKorea. By the way, that’s almost 15,000 tons per day which either create #biogas, serve as food for #animals or will be used as #fertilizer. #FFF #FastFactFriday #FastFact

Today we’re introducing another one of our newest #toilets: the #Goldgrube in #Mützenich. Nestled right by the #German-#Belgian border in the picturesque town of #Monschau, this modern waterless toilet offers a unique and humorous touch, being located at the “Der Schmuggler” (english: The smuggler) parking spot—perfectly matching the name “Goldgrube”, which translates to “Gold Pit.” The #toilet is built in a charming “Lärche” wood style and is #wheelchair accessible. Inside, you’ll find a clean and comfortable toilet seat, a urinal, a garbage can, and even a mirror. We’ve also included disinfectant and hooks to hang your clothes—small details that add up to a great user experience. And of course, the toilet is completely #odorfree. Monschau itself is a gem worth visiting, with its cobblestone streets and historical buildings. The nearby #Vennbahn bike path offers a unique cross-border experience: you’re biking on Belgian territory and if you step to either side of the path, you’re in Germany. Plus, several scenic hiking trails start right from the parking spot, some of which are wheelchair accessible. Everyone’s invited to explore the High-Fens region. It’s all about ease and accessibility in this beautiful region, and our “Goldgrube” is ready to be part of your adventure. So, whether you’re hiking, biking, or simply exploring Monschau, you can count on finding comfort along the way with our thoughtfully designed toilet. If you enjoy discovering well-designed amenities, get connected and join us for a better resource use. #StoryTuesday

75 of our #toilet units are all over #Germany and more are coming! By the way, this one is almost in #Belgium. It is right at the border in #Monschau. #FFF #FastFact #FastFactFriday

It’s ABEREUS Story Tuesday, and today we’re diving into a topic that’s quite relevant given the festivities of #Oktoberfest in #Munich. Ever wondered why a night of #beer or #alcohol consumption often turns into multiple trips to the #bathroom? Let’s explore the #science behind it and some tips to manage it!  Alcohol, in all its bubbly glory, has a fascinating impact on our urination frequency. It’s not just about the quantity consumed; it’s about how it affects our body’s intricate #systems. Firstly, alcohol is a liquid, and our kidneys are pretty smart. They monitor the balance of particles to fluid in our #bloodstream. When there’s more fluid than particles, your kidneys signal your body to release more urine. Guess what? Alcohol tips the scales in favor of more fluid, resulting in more trips to the #restroom.  But that’s not all! Alcohol also inhibits the release of a hormone called vasopressin, which normally helps your kidneys conserve #water. Less vasopressin means more water released, leading to dehydration, headaches, and even nausea later on. Now, here’s something intriguing: not all #alcoholic beverages affect your bladder equally. Studies show that higher-alcohol drinks tend to have a more pronounced diuretic effect. So, if you’re sipping on cocktails with hard #liquor, expect more bathroom breaks than if you’re enjoying a #beer. But there’s more to the story. Your body can adapt to the presence of alcohol over time, which means frequent drinkers might not experience the same diuretic effects as occasional ones. But don’t take that as a reason to overindulge! So, here’s the takeaway, folks: Alcohol does indeed make you pee more by messing with your body’s hormones. To keep those bathroom trips in #check during your evening out, limit your alcohol intake to one to two drinks, opt for beverages with lower alcohol content, and, most importantly, listen to your body’s signals. If you’d like to learn more about a good night out, get connected and join us for a better resource use. Cheers to informed drinking and responsible fun! #StoryTueday ABEREUS - A Better Resource Use