Sanitary facilities

  • The use of vegan organic soap in refillable bottles reduces the consumption of disposable packaging and protects the environment.

  • The use of recycled toilet paper and towels conserves resources and reduces waste.

  • Water-saving measures such as the water-saving flush button on toilets and taps that are firmly turned off reduce water consumption. Guest artists can be encouraged to use less water through a notice in the toilets at event venues.

  • Using cold water conserves valuable resources. There is no need to consume energy to heat water.

  • In many cases, water can be conserved by means of inserts in the tap or shower head, for example a ring that restricts the flow of water.

  • Composting toilets offer a resource-saving alternative to conventional sanitary systems – especially for open-air events or temporary venues. They reduce water consumption and allow nutrients to be recycled.

Good to know

Paper towels are more hygienic than cloth towels. But cloth or cotton towels are more environmentally friendly because they can be reused. The main environmental difference between hand dryers and towels is the efficiency of the technology, the power consumption and the frequency of use.

Not everyone is able or wants to wash their hands in cold water –sometimes due to personal needs or health reasons. Hot water should also be available in such cases.

Toilets must be accessible. This also includes the provision of gender-neutral toilets.

Further reading

Finizio: Zurück in den Kreislauf – Handbuch für die Sanität- und Nährstoffwende

a tip: tap e. V.: Wasserwissen

Umweltbundesamt: Wassernutzung privater Haushalte

Statistisches Bundesamt: Wassereinsatz in Produktionsbereichen und in privaten Haushalten

Good practice examples

PACT Zollverein recommends shaking hands twelve times before drying them – in which case a single paper towel is sufficient. Conserves resources and works reliably, according to the recommendation. The idea comes from a TED talk that can be found on YouTube.

PACT Zollverein Choreographisches Zentrum NRW (PACT Zollverein Choreographic Centre NRW): Sustainability