Restroom Features Conserve Water At Shelter

By Kelly Garrison
Features Editor

A nonprofit organization known for opening its doors to the less fortunate is taking steps to better the planet.

The Long Beach Rescue Mission now will save an estimated 440,000 gallons of water per year with the installation of 11 new, waterless urinals in its men’s Samaritan House and its Administration Center. President and Chief Executive Officer Jim Lewis said the new addition is an obvious step toward conserving water.

“Due to the number of guests utilizing the services of Long Beach Rescue Mission each year, we feel this first of many efforts will go a long way in doing our part to being a responsible and green organization,” he said in a press release.

The facilities will be installed today and will save water with the use of a disposable cartridge that connects to a drainpipe. Associated costs will be those of cleaning the urinals daily and replacing the filter cartridge about four times per year.

Lewis said the organization selected the Michigan-based Falcon Waterfree Technologies manufacturer because of its mission to promote water conservation. The company has earned awards from international organizations for its products, he said.

“We chose Falcon Waterfree Technologies due to their history and impact in water saving technologies,” Lewis said.

According to studies cited by the organization, the use of common flush urinals makes up about 20% of all water usage in buildings. Flush toilets consume about 1.5 gallons of water per individual use.

The Long Beach Rescue Mission has served needy men, women and children since its opening in 1972. The mission provides food, clothing, shelter and spiritual guidance to the homeless and less fortunate people of the community.

For more information, visit www.lbrm.org or www.falconwaterfree.com.