Sometimes (usually?) Eco trends go just a tad bit further than what we’d expect. Japan’s Environmental Agency is encouraging everyone to put the toilet seat down in the name of saving the planet. No, it’s not a conspiracy from female delegates to finally get men to put the seat down, but a real campaign being promoted to save co2. Businesses are encouraged to post a sign (below) asking toilet users to be earth conscious, and they’re actually popping up around Tokyo.
According to the sign, by closing the toilet seat after use it’s possible to save 18kg. of co2 and ￥1100 ($10) per year! Of course, this isn’t because co2 and cash are evaporating out of the toilet itself, but it all has to do with the ultimate in toilet luxury: The heated toilet seat, perfected by the geniuses at TOTO and enjoyed by one and all.
The seats maintain a certain temperature, so closing the lid will allow them to use less electricity, especially during winter months. Of course, it would be out of the question to not have the seats in the first place (no, really, they’re amazing), but it seems every little thing matters. This isn’t even mentioning that Japan uses tremendous nuclear power, but that would be nitpicking.
Coming up: Government campaign encouraging everyone to wash their clothes for ten minutes instead of fifteen, and another one to “Shut the door! We aren’t paying to heat the neighborhood!”.
Thanks to Mayumi for the tip.
Michael is the Editor of JapanTrends.com and Director of the 
