Today’s Solutions: July 09, 2025

After a toilet-design competition, the San Francisco Department of Public Works has awarded SmithGroup the number one place for their innovative toilet design that recycles rainwater into this fully-functioning public restroom. The design is not only environmentally friendly for its efficient rainwater harvesting, but it also has a green roof allowing for aesthetic and functionality while bringing a bit of nature into the big city.

The rainwater harvesting system is durable and requires little maintenance as the collected water washes the premises, waters the vegetation, and flushes toilets. Additionally, it makes sure not to impede on the potable water supply by using strictly rainwater.

The Optimist Daily celebrates innovation where ever it pops up, even in multifaceted toilet design! Not only is this one self-sufficient and water-wise, but it helps cool the hub of urban heat that is San Francisco while providing public restrooms for the bustling city.

Solutions News Source Print this article
More of Today's Solutions

A tragedy in the heart of Texas: how to help flood victims 

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the span of just a few hours, torrential rains turned the Guadalupe River into a raging torrent, ...

Read More

How to cope with collective grief when tragedy strikes close to home

BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM The heartbreaking flash floods that recently swept through Texas have left devastation in their wake. As the death ...

Read More

Mental health: Learn the difference between ‘loneliness’ and ‘being alone’

For the past few years, we’ve been told that loneliness is a public health crisis, as damaging as smoking 15 cigarettes each day. The messaging is that ...

Read More

Craving a bedtime snack? These 9 foods promote deeper sleep

Warm milk is a class pre-bedtime sleep aid, but it turns out there are lots of sleep-inducing foods to choose from for a late-night ...

Read More