Survey Says: Men's Bad Bathroom Habits are Good for the Environment
by Eric Leech, New York, NY 
on 01.10.09
Photo Credit: Dark_mephi
We know that some men have bad bathroom habits (women too). But it has come to our attention that a few of these social no-no's, might actually be good for the environment, at least to some degree. Our question is, at what point is this lack of etiquette going too far? Let's look at a few survey results to see if we can find out...
Toilet talk is a hush subject most of the time, but none-the-less a rather important one. While both men and women have their strengths and faults when it comes to bathroom etiquette, every few years a new batch of research comes up reminding men of how bad their bathroom habits really are. We are not necessarily talking about taking overly long showers, or brushing their teeth with the water faucet turned on, but rather forgoing the shower and teeth brushing all-together.
Today, we are going to look at a few of the research findings that have been put together over the years pertaining to men's hygiene. While some of their findings may not have been the most socially acceptable, we thought it was interesting to consider the idea of where such a line should be drawn between social acceptability and environmental conservation. Which of these habits could be construed as being environmentally responsible, and which ones are just plain gross?
1. Morning Shower
14% of British men leave their home for work every morning without showering. Thankfully only 5% left without cleaning their teeth.2. Toothbrush in the Toilet
Yes, a staggering number of British men (5%, while some claim the number is as high as 14%) will re-use their toothbrush after it has taken an involuntary plunge into the toilet. Perhaps they realize that some of their disgruntled wives may have borrowed it for a toilet seat cleaning a time or two, so they figure what the heck, one more dip into the porcelain thrown can't hurt. But we'd consider this the ultimate in re-use.3. Washing Hands
This is a big pet peeve for the Department of health, but up to 66% of men do not wash their hands after visiting the restroom.4. Toilet Flush
It has been found that somewhere around 40% of men do not flush the toilet after visiting the restroom either. Even when it is “required”, as researchers so eloquently put it. This is of course a big debate. Should we let the yellow mellow in between visits (perhaps only in our own personal household), or should everything get flushed down all the time for sanitation sake?Are men gross, or are they ecological geniuses? You make the call...
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I actually think 2 showers a day is overkill, one after I get home from work is enough. How much do you sweat after remaining inactive at night? Also it dries out my skin if I keep washing off all of my natural oils which is far from attractive.
At this time of year, skipping the odd bath when not smelly reduces CO2 emissions without adding to BO emissions.
But never skip handwashing. I'm appalled by the number of men that don't wash hands after going to the loo, even in hospital!
Rgds
Damon
Personally, I prefer the man scent. I almost refuse to use deodorant or antiperspirant, they are horrible for the environment and the chemical balance of the human body anyways. I mean i cant smell it so what the hell right? Ive had 2 showers in a day but i was hung over. I agree with the drying out of the skin. Id rather be pungent then itchy. Ive never brushed my teeth, I mean with a a floundered toothbrush. of course finally I don't talk to the guy next to me in a public urinal. That's just rude.
Tree HuGGER RoCKS!!!!!
As a male that had to regularly clean a womans bathroom , Woman are much worse when it comes to cleanlyness in the bathroom.
Personally, I never feel fully awake until I have had a shower. My hair is like Flock of Seagulls and only a washing will tame it. Often I don't take a bath in the evening even after working out since I don't sweat that much or stink - at least to myself.
Personally, I never feel fully awake until I have had a shower. My hair is like Flock of Seagulls and only a washing will tame it. Often I don't take a bath in the evening even after working out since I don't sweat that much or stink - at least to myself.
I'd say that it's about time we started using those vacuum toilets used on space shuttles. I don't think they use water at all... just recycle the requisite parts after sanitizing them in a hundred different eco friendly ways.
yes us men are ecological geniuses and always have been!
It's easy to overdo hygiene. One shower a day isn't too bad, but two is ridiculous. Does it make sense that removing oils and altering skin microbiota would be good for you? However, public health trumps environmentalism (Well, it's actually well incorporated into it) so hand washing and oral hygiene are a must. Considering the costs of illness and dental problems, these practices are essential for environmentalism.
For everything else: the smell test is the best.
One shower per day? You guys are nuts! Most people can easily shower every other day (unless you happen to be someone who does a lot of manual labor or exercise). Cut your water use in half by actually taking less effort.
I almost never shover in the morning and still don't smell like a yeti. So I think one shower a day shoud be enough unless you have to do a lot of manual labour or exercise. I usully have my shower after the gym - no point having one prior, right. And I get home nice and fresh and wake up in the morning nice and fresh. Of course it is very individual, we can't dictate other peoples habits, some people actaully need two showers a day, just like some people have to shave twice a day.
And of course, it's really lame to use environment as an excuse for poor personal hygiene. Usually such a person will consume less water and energy (less laundry etc) but generate a lot more waste (junk-food packaging, disposable paper plates and cups from ordering take-out, buying new clothes instead of washing dirty ones, never bothering to recycle etc)
You men are gross! Wash your hands!
Throwing away a toothbrush is not much of problem. The decision becomes more difficult if it is your electric razor or your wrist watch!
Folks need to remember to let down the lid. Women always worry about the seat being down. It's the lid that prevents accidents.