Archive Home Page Just when I thought I had made a clean escape... :)
>>wrath of Joe Uhrig........be afraid - be VERY afraid.<<
Aw come on folks, my cat thinks I'm the nicest guy around :)
>>Joe's, uh, area of expertise<<
Probably just wishful thinking on my part :)
But to take this converstation back to basics. One of the things I observed when I was travelling is that most people in the world don't use double ply perfumed extra absorbent ultra soft new and improved color coordinated toilet paper which seems to be somewhat of a western obsession along with our penchant for thrones. Of course in the poorer countries this is an economic necessity (they also burn cow paddies for fuel) and I certaintly wouldn't want to dirty everyone's hands by suggesting that we do the same, however in Thailand I found an innovative solution to this most delicate problem that not only saves trees and sewage systems but also is somewhat more effective (and perhaps even more refreshing). They use a spritzer just like the one that we use in the kitchen. Yep a one time investment solves all those itchy scratchy catalog woes and look ma no hands :)
Other than the obvious marketing forces that would frown on such an un-patriotic solution, I've often wondered whether there is some compelling psychological reason that we are locked into this mode of, ahem, ritual cleansing. The Nepalise call the the unfortunate but inevitable colorful displays of toilet paper hanging from bushes along the treking routes "western prayer flags".
Now I used to work for a very fine company that makes toilet paper along with various other assorted quicker picker uppers and somehow the issue of job displacement would need to be addressed (perhaps a market in deluxe spritzers or an increased emphasis on enviornmental endeavors would quickly provide new jobs). The making process is actually pretty interesting and high tech as the wet pulp is sprayed on to enormous "yankee dryers" and then rolled into gigantic 12 foot high parent rolls. The parent rolls await further processing in a warehouse which when you see it gives the impression that you've stumbled upon the Jolly Green Giant's secret stash :)
Eventually they are processed into smaller rolls and the perfume is put on the cardboard core where it works it's way by osmosis into the entire roll to give you that "it's so fresh sensation" when finally opened in the privacy of your own home, not to mention that ever so satisfying tearing away of the plastic wrapper (I use the thumb technique myself).
Though I digress. I'm afraid this isn't my area of expertise either, and of course spritsers may not be everyones cup of tea, but there have to be thousands of these kinds of very simple ideas that can be implemented on an individual or collective level that in total would greatly enhance the environment and even improve our quality of life.
Anyways. That's my contribution to these sensative issues :)