Flushing the toilet is an automatic action we rarely question, yet it contributes to significant water waste.

Every flush uses 3 to 9 liters of clean drinking water, often just to dispose of a small amount of urine. With an average family making ten trips to the toilet a day, this amounts to 100 liters of water daily—over 36,000 liters annually. In some parts of the world, access to clean water is limited.

One simple habit can reduce this waste: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.” Urine is sterile and poses no health risk if the toilet is regularly cleaned.

To maintain hygiene, clean the toilet every two to three days, and consider adding essential oils to neutralize odors. This practice doesn’t require any special equipment—just a change in habit. You can also switch to dual-flush toilets or low-water models for more efficiency.

Be mindful of etiquette when sharing spaces, as not everyone shares the same approach. The benefits: saving water, reducing waste, and preserving a valuable resource.