**A Need For Public Restroom Facilities**

The need for public restroom facilities is something that burdens municipal governments not only in having to find space but also in the extensive cost often associated with such facilities. In addition, aging infrastructure is increasing the need even further. There really is no way to get around it. A city must provide public restroom facilities for its residents and visitors alike. Local businesses cannot be relied upon to provide restroom facilities and many often limit the use of their restrooms to just patrons.

The Portland Loo

The Portland Loo, fabricated in Portland, Oregon, is an ingenious solution to this ever-growing problem. This fully-assembled, fully-sustainable, solar-powered restroom facility far surpasses the Port-o-Let option of the past. The maintenance on this unit is minimal to say the least. Covered in an anti-graffiti clear coat and equipped with a fully stocked janitorial closet, these are far easier to maintain than traditional public restroom sites. In addition, efficiency is maximized by having a hand-washing station mounted on the outside of the unit. The restroom is available 24/7, meeting any city’s public restroom needs at any time. They can be easily removed during an emergency, such as a flooding, which is yet another advantage over traditional public restrooms.

Safety In Public Restrooms

Safety is also another major issue related to public restrooms that is addressed very effectively by the Portland Loo. The top and bottom of each unit is made of louvers allowing air flow (which we all can agree is extremely important in a public restroom) as well as keeping potential illegal activities to a minimum. The unit is lit solely by solar power, thus reducing energy costs significantly. Furthermore, these units are designed to withstand almost all weather conditions, as any exposed plumbing is wrapped in heat wire.

The Simple Solution To A Global Problem

Simply put, the Portland Loo is an extremely innovative yet simple solution to a global problem by providing safe, sustainable, energy efficient, and low maintenance public restrooms which are expandable in almost any urban setting. The popularity of these facilities has grown tremendously. In fact, Cincinnati, Ohio recently installed a Portland Loo in their newly designed riverfront Smale Park. Certainly these units will become more widespread and likely just as well-known as the Port-o-Let.