Waterless urinals at men restroom

The future is always hard to predict. However, when it comes to water consumption and water demand, there is no need for a crystal ball. Much of it comes down to the numbers, most of which we have already.

Based on the numbers, Waterless Co., a leading manufacturer of no-water urinals and other restroom products, predicts up to 40 percent of the world will experience water scarcity by next year. By 2025, Waterless Co. thinks two-thirds of all people will be living in areas where the demand for water will exceed the supply, either temporarily or permanently.

In 10 years, the global middle class is expected by some figures to grow to nearly 5 billion people, which would put water in even greater demand.

"While these numbers do look grim, they don't tell the complete picture," says Klaus Reichardt, CEO, and founder of Waterless Co. "New technologies are available that can bolster water supplies and reduce water consumption. For instance, China is developing desalination projects that are pumping millions of gallons into their water supplies. Plus, technologies are now available that can reduce water consumption and use it more efficiently in restrooms, agriculture, and industry."

Of course, some companies like Waterless Co. are selling waterless urinals as a way for society to become more sustainable, but there are other practices carried out by the janitorial industry that are beneficial to the planet. Chemical solutions that can be diluted with water on-site ultimately reduce the amount of plastic needed for the initial packaging of the solution. Hand dryers are becoming more efficient and more paper products are now made from recyclable materials.

By implementing a green cleaning systems, facilities can reduce the impact they have on the environment.

Sustainability is vital in distribution, too. That’s why jan/san distributors such as Iowa-Des Moines Supply have put such a significant focus on their waste diversion and recycling practices.