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If it's Yellow, Let it Mellow. If it's Brown, Flush it Down.

By
Real Estate Agent with Realty Executives BRIO

The first time I heard this saying was when I lived down in Mexico for some time.  I have carried it with me since then.  I don't see the need to flush the toilet every time I go to the bathroom, unless of course, it's brown.  I think this is an easy way to save water.  You should try it.  A few tips though:

  • Don't go to the bathroom too many times without flushing.  You will clog the toilet with all of the toilet paper you're using.  That is, of course, if you're female.  I suggest going 3-4 times before flushing.
  • Try to warn your guests about your potty habits before they enter the bathroom or else try to flush before they enter.  It can seem like you have lazy habits rather then a mission to conserve water.  Believe me on this one...I have been embarrassed a few times.
  • Consider buying a dual flush toilet that allows you to choose how much flow is needed to flush.
  • Put the toilet seat down each time you go so you don't have the visual each time you enter the bathroom.

This is just another way to live consciously for the good of our planet. 

For more green living tips, go to Live Green NW 

Comments(15)

Richard Barbee
Realty Executives Assoc - Knoxville, TN

I think there are more sanitary ways to save water.

You didn't mention peeing outside, peeing in a bottle, pooping in a bucket, blowing your nose in your hand, wiping with one sheet of tissue, etc.

I think environmentalists will have us wiping ourselves with our hands and peeing in the sink before long.

Oct 22, 2008 09:38 AM
Ashley Berg
Realty Executives BRIO - Seattle, WA
Seattlenulls Green Real Estate Agent

Richard:

 Are you one-of-those-fine-folks who feels your actions are invincible to the planet?  Think again mister for you are exactly the kind of person I am blogging for.  Keep reading my posts.  Your mind might expand.

Oct 22, 2008 10:17 AM
-- Casey Brischle
Columbia Bank - Spokane, WA
Spokane Home Loan Mortgage Professional

Rich - Starting off your AR experience needlessly mocking and talking down to fellow raineers is no way to start your experience.  Much like Ashley I hope your mind opens so you can take in all the valuable information that AR and it's members have to offer.

Oct 22, 2008 10:32 AM
Steve Dawson
J. Rockcliff Realtors (#01723588) - Walnut Creek, CA

Yeah, I have tried that before, but it is kind of gross.  I guess it is selfish to think that way.

Oct 22, 2008 10:57 AM
Kelly Willey
Long and Foster BEL AIR MARYLAND - Bel Air, MD
Short Sale Agent - Harford County Maryland Real Estate

My grandma used to say "two pees to the flush". She was green ahead of her time...lol


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Oct 22, 2008 12:29 PM
Betina Foreman
WJK Realty - Austin, TX
Realtor, C.N.E., with WJK REALTY

I love the dual flush toilets, why didn't someone think of it before now?!? Sometimes my husband will even go #1 in the backyard only. I think we should all do whatever we can to conserve the resources that we have. They won't last forever. Thanks for the post!!

B

Oct 22, 2008 01:46 PM
Mary Strang
Viroqua, WI

Far out man... History does repeat itself, but if we would have listen in the mid 70's we would be so much further ahead with the environment issues we have today. 

Oct 22, 2008 01:55 PM
Kristin Hunteman
True Title Company - Clayton, MO
Escrow Closing Officer

Thanks for the tip.  My youngest is great at this because she is freaked out by the toilet flushing.

Oct 22, 2008 02:22 PM
Mike Hogan
The Hogan Group at Keller Williams Realty - Mechanicsville, VA
MBA

I loved that movie by the way!!!!

Oct 22, 2008 10:54 PM
Ashley Berg
Realty Executives BRIO - Seattle, WA
Seattlenulls Green Real Estate Agent

Casey:  Thanks for having my back.

Kelly:  Thats a new saying I'll have to remember.

Andrea:  Caroma is a great toilet.

Kristen:  I wish my daughter was afraid of flushing...I think she has flushed a thing or two of ours.

Mike:  Movie?

Oct 24, 2008 08:12 AM
Brenda Carus
Century 21 Zwygart Real Estate - Monroe, WI

A dual flush toilet is on our wish list.  Until then, more than one use to the flush is an easy way to start.  Even kids can learn and remember the flushing mantras.  We have taught our kids two sets of bathroom rules, one for our house and homes of our enviro friends and one for general public. 

Oct 24, 2008 09:11 AM
Kurt Duffeck
ANEW Real Estate Crew at Keller Williams Realty - Austin, TX
Anew Real Estate Crew - Start Right. Start ANEW.

Right On!

Or, why not just pee outside in the back yard or something? My dogs do it all the time!

 

Oct 24, 2008 10:46 AM
Lindsey Hasford
Edina Realty - Elk River, MN
Bringing you home...

We practice this way of conserving - especially at night. Our toilets don't flush much between 8pm and 8am simply cuz it rouses the sleeping kids....

Oct 24, 2008 01:05 PM
Gloria and Jason Belmonte
Prudential Fox&Roach The Belmonte Group - Rising Sun, MD
www.cecilcountyhomesearch.com

SOmething to be conscience of, I read that germs from the toilet can contaminate your tootbrushes on the sink or counter. Don't know if it is true, but I put the lid down just to be safe.. GO GREEN!

Oct 25, 2008 01:50 AM
ama hender
Lone Tree, CO

Oh my... I heard somewhere that urin contaminates the soil and ground water, since we all consume medicine. Now where do we go?? 

Nov 09, 2008 12:48 PM