India has a major urban sanitation problem. More than 41 million people in urban India practice open defecation and 71.5 percent of the rural population does not have adequate access to sanitation facilities. On top of that, there are also people who resist using toilets because some see it as the status quo. To encourage more people to use latrines, two villages in the Barmer district have built an array of new lavatories and rewarding families who use them regularly with $37 each month. The idea is that by providing a monetary reward, the villages can deter people from open defecation, which poses many health and safety threats.
In India, people are getting paid to use the toilet
More of Today's Solutions
4 tips for everyday eco-friendly living
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the face of climate change, many people question the importance of individual actions in ensuring a sustainable ...
Read MoreCambodia honors the rat who cleared more landmines than anyone
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM Decades after the conflicts that planted them, landmines remain one of the most persistent threats to civilian life ...
Read MoreSay goodbye to swampy feet: 6 effective ways to keep your feet dry this summer
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL STAFF Do you suffer from sweaty feet? Don't fear, you're not alone. Sweaty feet are a typical problem, particularly ...
Read MoreHelping young people of color navigate the music industry with Carnegie Hall&...
BY THE OPTIMIST DAILY EDITORIAL TEAM In the iconic setting of Carnegie Hall, a remarkable initiative is taking shape, one that seeks to bridge ...
Read More
