As a proud, platinum level member of the Frequent Pee-er Club, I was thrilled to see, and use, the formerly dreaded porta-potties at the recent NFL Draft Job Fair on Liberty Memorial Grounds. (Promise: nothing more on the Draft . . . in any form.)
I wondered why, amid all the hoopla and statistics, all the scenic shots of the event, all the commentary, you heard NOTHING about the porta-potties, clearly a hugely important aspect of the three-day extravaganza. WHAT an info gap! So I’ve decided to wander away from food/travel/fun to the small world of porta-potties. Maybe think of this blog falling under our experiences label of our website, thecutestcoupleever.com.
Alas, not shown in their full glory but just before take-down after the Draft.
Porta-potties were first developed during WWII when ship builders in Long Beach, New Jersey, realized how much time was being wasted as employees trekked back to the docks to, you know. An ex-Navy guy was awarded a patent in the 1960s for a rigid plastic box that replaced the old, very dark, very heavy and very smelly previous versions.
The definition of portable toilets extends to simple commodes or chamber pots, first going back to 6th century BC where ancient clay pots for the here- and the after-life were apparently used. Today, the fanciest ones I’ve seen have been the multiple stalls in a “luxury” trailer with running water, full size mirrors and almost all the amenities you think should be in nice bathroom. Almost. Check these out at the Plaza Art Fair.
However, the blue or orange box with its typical chemical toilet is the one most of us are forced to use. Chemical toilets, usually made of polyurethane, save water and there is even a company in Vermont that repurposes the waste from them into fertilizer. But they, too, are still not pleasant unless you hold your breath and like sticky floors.
The NFL Draft toilets, my friends were different. I don’t know about the water usage, but they were attached to a “portable” septic system. While there were no handwashing sinks in there (hand sanitizer station in the middle area along with lighting), there was real water. It flushed the suckers. Amazing!
You can even tell if one is in use. Boy howdie!
I like the dappled sunlight effect,
don’t you?
Such progress, such improvements make the outdoor life so much better.
And BTW, research shows the first porta-potty in the line is usually the least used – people figure it’s always occupied. So whatever the type you're moving to, choose the first one first. Yes, trying to be useful in this blog. Thanks unnecessary.
The septic system on the left was behind the decorative wall fence so it’s hard to see and who knows how it works? Miracle of technology . . . O bless you!
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