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Ravens leaving Tower of London

It’s been around six months of COVID-19 restrictions. And we’re not alone in our restlessness. The resident ravens at the Tower of London are getting so bored that they’re actually fleeing their home. The birds aren’t just idle pets, either. According to legend, if six of the tower’s resident ravens leave the fortress, the monarchy and the tower will both fall.

The birds — seven in total — are reverentially known as the guardians of the tower, and live on the South Lawn. With the tower’s closure on March 20 due to the pandemic, the absence of tourists drove the ravens into a severe funk. Even though tourism has recently returned, it hasn’t been nearly as busy as usual. As a result of the lack of activity, and full garbage cans, the ravens have been venturing away from the tower looking for more reliable sources of sustenance.

Christopher Skaife, a raven master, told The Sun, “If the ravens were to leave, the tower would crumble to dust. The tower is only the tower when the people are here. The ravens have always been so important…because they’ve been surrounded by myths and legends. We really need people to come back to help the ravens. It’s been tough because the ravens only saw me or one warden walking by during the lockdown. They depend on tourists. Never in a raven’s history have we seen fewer people in the Tower of London. Even in World War II, there were still hundreds in and around.”

As long as tourism numbers are down the ravens will likely keep wandering from home. And for the sake of the monarchy, let’s just hope they return.

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Hangover cure found in Finland

Purported “hangover cures” usually turn out to be bogus, but this Finnish innovation might finally be the real deal. According to a new study by researchers from the University of Helsinki and the University of Eastern Finland, scientists may have found a cure for hangovers.

The study involved 19 men who spent a night in a hotel conference room drinking a 10 percent ABV concoction of cranberry juice and Koskenkorva, a Finnish grain alcohol. Each participant received a number of drinks based on their body weight, and then given either a placebo, a 600 mg dose of amino acid L-cysteine, or a 1,200 mg dose. The next morning, they were asked a series of questions about how they were feeling. The research found that the men who received the higher dose of L-cysteine experienced less severe headaches and nausea, while those who received the 600 mg dose suffered less from stress and anxiety. The amino acid also seemed to decrease participants’ desire to drink the next day.

The researchers concluded that “L-cysteine would reduce the need of drinking the next day with no or less hangover symptoms: nausea, headache, stress and anxiety. Altogether, these effects of L-cysteine are unique and seem to have a future in preventing or alleviating these harmful symptoms as well as reducing the risk of alcohol addiction.”

The study was funded by a Finnish cat food company called Catapult Cat, which also sells L-cysteine supplements for humans, and the results were published in the University of Oxford’s Alcohol and Alcoholism journal.

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Positive sustainability news

This is The Climate Win, the most positive sustainability news around the world every week.

The National Western Complex in Denver, Colorado, is best-known for hosting the National Western Stock Show & Rodeo, which takes place in January of each year. The complex is about to embark on a $1 billion overhaul, modernizing its facilities and adding new buildings to the complex — but with a unique twist: The sewer pipes transporting wastewater from the complex will be used to generate electricity. As a result, 2,600 metric tons of carbon dioxide will be kept out of the atmosphere each year. This week’s Climate Win looks at this practice with a hopeful eye on it becoming widespread in urban water grids across the world.

“The system is scheduled to be complete in 2022,” National Western Center CEO Brad Buchanan told Matador via email. “The sewer-heat recovery system will initially heat and cool seven buildings, with the ability to expand to other future buildings on the extensive 250-acre campus. At this point, we don’t expect it will serve buildings off-campus, but we’re open to the possibilities.”

Buchanan’s mention of the system’s possibility for being used to provide power to additional buildings beyond its original reach raises an interesting question: Could urban wastewater systems become important sources of heat energy in the future?

Now, it would be tough to go further on the topic without acknowledging the punned elephant in the room. Energy from wastewater is the most literal example of “dirty” clean energy. But if the concept grosses you out, think of a water grid as if it were a garden. Compost and natural fertilizer provide plants with the nutrients they need. The grid works the same way, but for urban areas.

A prime example of successful broadscale implementation is Vancouver, British Columbia, where the city has retrofitted four of its wastewater treatment facilities with the ability to generate energy on site. Methane produced during the wastewater process is used to heat and power the facilities themselves, similar to what’s happening at the National Western Complex in Denver but on a bigger scale.

“Using waste as a resource is one of Metro Vancouver’s guiding principles, and we continue to research, evaluate and implement technologies to recover energy from wastewater,” said Richard Stewart, Chair of Metro Vancouver’s Liquid Waste Committee, to Matador. “Metro Vancouver’s liquid waste treatment facilities already meet nearly all of their heating and half of their electricity needs through energy recovery.”

And the city hopes to export some of the energy in the near future.

“Metro Vancouver soon plans to start selling recovered energy to outside users, in the form of renewable natural gas and as heat for a local district energy system,” Steward said. “Energy recovery supports climate action by cutting greenhouse gas emissions and reducing the demand for fossil fuels.”

But the most impressive of efforts is taking place across the Atlantic in Aarhus, Denmark. Here, the Marselisborg Wastewater Treatment Plant has been adapted to generate enough energy from wastewater to power 150 percent of what the plant itself uses — making it entirely self-powered. The remaining 50 percent is then used to pump the city’s water supply, making Aarhus the first city to generate its water treatment and sourcing needs from energy produced on-site.

More climate wins

JetBlue announced that all of its domestic flights are now carbon neutral, thanks to offset purchases for the fuel used on the flights. Not that this prevents any of the emissions from being spilled into the atmosphere, but the hope with offsets is that an equal amount of greenhouse gases will then be pulled out later.

Five major automobile manufacturers have circumvented the Trump administration’s relaxed fuel efficiency regulations and have signed a deal with California to adhere to stricter fuel efficiency standards. The New York Times reported that Ford, Honda, BMW, Volkswagen, and Volvo will increase their vehicles’ fuel economy to about 51 miles per gallon by 2026, a jump of 13 mpg from today’s standard of 38.

Migratory birds scored a win this week when a US District Judge ruled that oil and gas companies should be held accountable for accidental bird killings, not only intentional killings, under the Migratory Bird Treaty Act, according to a report in The Hill. In a nod to literature’s influence, the decision from US District Judge Valerie Caproni opened with a quote from To Kill A Mockingbird.

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‘Stranger Things’ drive-thru

From movie theaters to haunted houses, drive-thru experiences are all the rage these days. Now you can “Drive-Into” the town of Hawkins from Stranger Things with this new immersive experience. The “Drive-Into” experience allows you to travel back to 1985 and become a temporary resident of Hawkins for an hour. Located in Downtown Los Angeles, you will find yourself transported to the world of Stranger Things, where you’ll experience some iconic moments from the Netflix series — all from the safety of your car.

“The year is 1985,” the description reads, “and a world of bitchin’ tunes, mullets and monster hunts awaits. Hop into your car, drive to the Starcourt Mall and find yourself at the heart of the action. In a town built on secrets, you may be surprised to discover a more sinister truth than you had ever imagined. Expect real-life locations from the series and mind-blowing audio and visual effects. This adventure is Eleven out of 10! But beware, things can quickly turn upside down.”

Tickets start at $59 per car and go on sale August 26 at noon. To give yourself a better shot of securing a ticket for the immersive experience, you should probably join the waitlist. The drive-thru will take place in October 2020 and is open to anyone over age 12.

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MGM Vegas remote work package

Vegas hotels are not as full as they would like to be, so popular Sin City properties are getting creative with ways to bring in guests. MGM Resorts is experimenting with a hotel/co-working space hybrid model, launching a new “Viva Las Office” package to entice remote workers to come stay at MGM with discounted hotel rooms and luxury perks. The hotel hopes to market itself as a fun, safe, work-from-home getaway for remote workers.

Atif Rafiq, president of Commercial and Growth for MGM resorts, said in a statement, “We understand that working from home every day can become taxing and monotonous, and we are excited to offer a safe and curated experience here at Bellagio and ARIA that combines work and play. These packages are designed to offer the best of both worlds: a safe, spacious work setting while still allowing guests to enjoy the amenities and experiences Las Vegas is known for through a single offering.”

Packages include accommodation for as low as $133 per night, early check in, late check out, a $50 food and beverage credit, an “Executive Assistant” to help with your bookings, and $75 off the Hop-On fare with JSX private jet service from select cities. Higher-paying packages get even more perks, like private pool day passes and massages.

The promotion applies to midweek stays at the Bellagio and ARIA properties through the end of September.

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Lesser-known fall LGBTQ destinations

If your spidey senses aren’t tingling with the promise of pumpkin spice, gird your loins. It’s almost fall in the US, and after being locked up for nearly 300 years (okay, six months, but who’s counting?), queer folx are ready to run amock like the Sanderson sisters.

But much like summer, LGBTQ travel this coming season is still far from ordinary. New Orleans canceled Southern Decadence, Folsom Street Fair is going virtual, big crowds are a no-no, and face masks aren’t just kinky Halloween costumes anymore. The United States continues to have more coronavirus cases than any country in the world, and to stop the spread of COVID-19, pandemic rules still apply.

With Bacchanalian bashes off the table, your dreams of filling up on pumpkin spice and everything nice might seem deferred — but fear not. This fall is an opportunity to make the great outdoors queer again by exploring lesser-known LGBTQ destinations around the US. So strap on your cutest hiking boots and check out these 10 LGBTQ-friendly locales where physically distanced adventures aren’t only easy to find — they’re the main attraction.

1. Hudson, New York

Photo: KAZMAT/Shutterstock

The hip town of Hudson, a two-hour train ride from NYC, is like Brooklyn’s backyard: There’s a wealth of trendy restaurants, contemporary art galleries, and enough high-end antiquing to convince you it’s time to redecorate your entire home. Once an industrial heavyweight, the town fell into disrepair in the late 20th century only to be rehabbed in the past several decades with a group of business-owning gays leading the way. Today, Hudson is decidedly LGBTQ. On long weekends like Labor Day, you’ll find crowds of queer New Yorkers strolling along Warren Street, the main drag, while contemplating what it would be like to live outside the Big Apple.

The town itself is a feast for the eyes, with architectural bones dating back to the 18th, 19th, and early 20th centuries. Nearby museums like the Thomas Cole National Historic Site and Art Omi (an outdoor contemporary sculpture gallery a la Storm King) are only a stone’s throw away. Most impressive is Hudson’s natural surroundings: From the banks of the Hudson River to the peaks of the Catskills, Hudson turns kaleidoscopic every fall as the changing leaves take on brilliant new hues.

2. Boulder, Colorado

Photo: Elena Stepanova/Shutterstock

Boulder doesn’t have a queer nightlife scene like nearby Denver, but with 300 days of sun, a fall trip to this outdoor oasis should be spent soaking up vitamin D instead of sitting inside a gay bar. Still, this artsy-fartsy college town is an LGBTQ haven that celebrates the community every September at the Boulder Pridefest. Although many of this year’s celebrations have gone virtual, there are a few in-person hangs worth attending, like a drive-in film screening of Priscilla Queen of the Desert.

With 45,000 acres of preserved land and easy access to the Rocky Mountains, Boulder’s best is found on foot. Whether you take a short trek around the trails of Chautauqua Park, amble along the 5.5 mile Boulder Creek Path, or opt for something a little more strenuous (Diamond Lake is well worth the one-hour trip), Boulder is a no-brainer when it comes to physically distanced fun.

3. Bozeman, Montana

Photo: aceshot1/Shutterstock

Bozeman has a long history as a queer-friendly enclave, but this summer, the town got a whole lot gayer. City-sanctioned street crews recently painted the area’s first rainbow crosswalks to show solidarity with the LGBTQ community. Although the city is still a lacuna for queer-centric businesses like gay bars, folx frolicking around downtown will be pleasantly surprised by the abundance of brewpubs, coffee shops, and cultural offerings like the Smithsonian-affiliated Museum of the Rockies — all of which welcome queer clientele.

Still, nobody goes to Bozeman for indoor activities. Nestled between the Absaroka, Bridger, Gallatin, and Madison mountains, Bozeman is the ideal home base for hiking, biking, and climbing. It’s also a convenient 90-minute drive from Yellowstone National Park’s northern entrance, where you can explore a landscape replete with boiling geysers, travertine terraces, and deep-cut canyons. Head to Bozeman Hot Springs when fall’s plunging temperatures are too cold for the outdoors and soak in the naturally-heated chain of pools.

4. Asheville, North Carolina

Photo: Sean Pavone/Shutterstock

Asheville’s quirky population of artists, hippies, and those who love them are so progressive they’re post-queer — a welcome reprieve from the deep-red leanings of North Carolina. Although the city might not have the robust LGBTQ scene of somewhere like San Francisco, LGBTQ travelers will find themselves at home everywhere in this liberal bastion (a good thing since one of the city’s premier gay bars, O.Henry’s, is still closed due to COVID-19).

In fall, Asheville turns into a veritable outdoor gallery — and that’s not just referencing the exemplary street art and art deco architecture that’s on display year-round. With easy access to eight national and state parks, the city is a prime location to see fall foliage. A scenic drive along the Blue Ridge Parkway leads to an embarrassment of epic hikes boasting long-range vistas of multicolored mountains.

5. Umpqua National Forest, Oregon

Photo: Kris Wiktor/Shutterstock

Oregon has a higher percentage of LGTBQ residents than any other state in the country, and though Portland is the crowning jewel of queer life, there’s plenty of kindred communities found around the state. This fall, try a romantic trip to Umpqua National Forest. Here, nearly one million protected acres of Oregon wilderness unfold in verdant woodlands punctuated by mountain lakes, raging rivers, and natural thermal pools too idyllic to pass up.

Umpqua’s Last Resort, a gay-owned campground where visitors can rent cabins, go glamping, or hook up an RV, is a fuss-free way to experience the Pacific Northwest. Book now for an October excursion — most sites are filled through September, though the occasional last-minute cancellation does pop up on their Facebook page.

6. Salt Lake City, Utah

Photo: Abbie Warnock-Matthews/Shutterstock

Mormons might give Utah’s capital a bad rap, but let’s get one thing straight — Salt Lake City isn’t. From out-and-proud city council leaders to the surprising number of queer-owned establishments (try gay-owned Laziz for food and the Sun Trapp for drinks), SLC is so gay it wouldn’t be surprising to see the angel Moroni toss rainbow-colored glitter from his perch atop the city’s Mormon Temple.

But this fall, a trip to SLC isn’t about galavanting around town — it’s about frolicking in the nearby mountains. The Wasatch Range, home to ski resort towns like Park City, lead to some of the most exhilarating hiking in the western United States. Here, golden willows, crimson maples, and emerald pines that line cobalt waters make treks to sites like Lake Blanche and Lake Mary particularly rewarding.

7. Lost River, West Virginia

Photo: TempleNick/Shutterstock

Most Washington, DC, weekenders head east to find sanctuary on the beaches of homo-friendly Rehoboth, but those who prefer queer mountain adventures go west to Lost River. This small-scale Provincetown near the Potomac, two hours outside the nation’s capital, became a getaway for LGBTQ urbanites when the gay-owned and operated Guesthouse Lost River opened in the 1980s. Today, businesses like the Lost River Trading Post — an artisan-packed general store owned by gay couple Donald Hitchcock and Paul Yandura — continue to wave the rainbow flag proudly despite the state’s social conservatism.

To steer clear of politics outside this bucolic blue bubble, rent a cabin to escape the madding crowd. Lost River State Park, which covers 3,934 acres, offers secluded lodging within the forests outside of town.

8. Blue Ridge, Georgia

Photo: f11photo/Shutterstock

Nestled in the Chattahoochee National Forest, Blue Ridge is a quiet refuge for queer Atlantans looking to escape urban life in the Big Peach. This quaint mountain village in the Appalachian foothills went from down-and-out logging town to must-see destination in recent years — a transformation precipitated in part by a growing number of LGBTQ residents investing in the area.

Main Street’s tasty eats and boutique treats, a handful of which are gay-owned, can be easily explored in half a day, leaving plenty of time to ogle the natural surroundings. Lake Blue Ridge Reservoir is a launchpad for kayaking and swimming, the Ocoee River is prime for rafting and fly-fishing, and no trip is complete without a hike to Amicalola Falls. It’s the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast — a must-see stop for vacationing size queens.

9. Anchorage, Alaska

Photo: Tomasz Wozniak/Shutterstock

The capital of queer in America’s final frontier is undoubtedly Anchorage — the ideal escape for bears and those who love them. (Seriously — the state contains 98 percent of the US brown bear population and over half of the grizzly bears in North America.) Those looking to mingle with furry friends of the human variety should head to Mad Myrna‘s — a multi-room gay bar with themed nights and drag performances.

When in Anchorage, sidling up to the bar should always come second to exploring Alaska’s wilderness. The glacial landscape surrounding the state’s largest city is immense. Spend an entire trip hiking to see panoramic views atop peaks like Flattop Mountain, whale watching on boat tours that leave from the southern town of Seward, or searching for the prehistoric-sized mammals that reign supreme in this untamed territory. Whatever you end up doing outdoors, always bring a buddy. It’s much easier to handle a wild bear when there’s group action involved.

10. The Berkshires, Massachusetts

Photo: Michael Steven Burns/Shutterstock

The Berkshires’ pastoral scenery is the backdrop for arts institutions like Jacob’s Pillow and Tanglewood in the summertime, but as the weather turns cold, the landscape becomes the star. By October, it’s peak leaf-peeping season, and travelers come in droves to snap photos of the area’s arboreal show. Urbanites from New York and Boston will find hipster-worthy havens in towns like Lenox and Great Barrington. To get down with the queer locals, head to Dream Away Lodge — an eccentric performance and dining space hidden in the town of Becket’s rolling hills.

The Berkshires might take second place to Provincetown when it comes to the state’s top LGBTQ destinations, but for the uncertain season that lies ahead, trading in the men for the mountains is probably what the doctor ordered.

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Pennsylvania fall road trip plan

If you picture the opening credits to The Office when you think of Pennsylvania, that’s okay, but that jumpy soundtrack in your head is about to get turned into a song celebrating what the state does best: autumn.

The first thing to know about Pennsylvania — central and eastern PA, in particular — is that it’s the easiest region to access from anywhere in the northeastern United States. It’s a quick commute southwest from New York or Boston, northeast from Baltimore and Washington, DC, and if you’re in Jersey, you’re nearly there already. Even Portland, Maine, is less than a day’s drive.

Outside of Philadelphia’s regularly scheduled rush hour, there’s not really any hustle or bustle about this part of the country — an hour from Philly, in Lancaster County, you’re still more likely to pass an Amish-owned horse-pulled buggy on the road than you are a Tesla or tour bus. Combine this tidbit with stunning fall foliage, great trail access, and a collection of quirky population centers that fall somewhere between big town and small city, and what you have is the best place to take a weekend road trip this fall. Here’s how to make it happen.

Cruise fall foliage, sans-traffic.

Photo: Zack Frank/Shutterstock

A fall road trip without leaf-peeping is as wasted as cheesesteak without Whiz or American. If you’re coming from New York or New England, make Big Pocono State Park your first stop in Pennsylvania. From the summit of Camelback Mountain, you can see as far as New Jersey across fields of oranges and golds. Then, cruise Route 6 as far as your desire for fall colors takes you — the entire highway is surrounded by foliage and views of Upper Hill.

Hiking through Allegheny National Forest is a popular activity among leaf-peeping outdoor types, and if you’re coming from the south, a hike on the trails of Little Buffalo State Park near Harrisburg is equally stunning.

Pay your respects at Gettysburg National Military Park Museum.

Photo: Jeffrey M. Frank/Shutterstock

One well-known classic should be part of your road trip through south-central Pennsylvania: Gettysburg, the Civil War’s most notoriously bloody battle. A number of exhibits and guided tours of the battlefield are available, and as the website suggests, Gettysburg is one of the best places to walk in the footsteps of Lincoln. The park’s most unique feature is the Gettysburg Cyclorama, a 360-degree painting of the battlefield on the third day of the conflict, originally displayed in the 1880s.

Visit Pumpkinland.

Photo: Linvilla Orchards/Facebook

The harvest must go on, after all, and Linvilla Orchards’ Pumpkinland is one fall tradition that’s still going forward in 2020. Bonus: It’s only a half-hour drive from central Philly.

If you’re traveling with children — or the rare adult who refuses to believe that all pumpkins aren’t created equal — the experience here is as informative as it is delicious and engaging. The patch celebrates the farming history of the region right down to the scarecrows and offers socially distant hayrides, fishing, cornfield mazes, and other fall-themed activities while educating visitors on the many uses of the most epic of decorative gourds. It’s open from mid-September through early November.

Hit the best mountain biking trails between Vermont and North Carolina.

Photo: Chukov/Shutterstock

Fall is the best time of year for mountain biking, and Pennsylvania is riddled with mountain-bike trail systems despite not having a peak above 3,300 feet. Ascending from the town of State College, the State College Gap Loop leads into a winding system of trails just outside town that includes the 26-mile Cooper’s Gap. Closer to Philly, the Wissahickon Valley trails in Fairmount Park, known by local shredders as the Wiss, are some of the state’s best singletrack and are a quick drive north of the city center. Near Lancaster, hop onto the trails at Landis Woods Park or head for the interconnected system of trails just outside the nearby town of Gorman.

Nerd out on beer in Lancaster.

Photo: The Fridge/Facebook

Whether or not you bike or hike near Lancaster, plan to spend a night here. Nearly every town in the US has craft beer these days, but very few are as good a place to actually drink beer as Lancaster, a small city about an hour and a half west of Philly. The Fridge, a beer and pizza shop just off the city’s Northwest Corridor Linear Park, was started by a couple of local brew-preneurs who have made the concept of the “bar crawl” all but obsolete.

Here, choose from more than 400 — you read that right — different types of beer. “Basically, if I can’t find you a beer that you like in our cooler, you probably just don’t like beer,” says co-owner James Futty of the selection. “What separates The Fridge from other beer bars is that it’s not a bar and it’s not a restaurant — it’s a craft beer and artisan pizza cafe, without TVs. We want folks to interact with one another.” Grab a few bottles to go, or hang out while eating some pizza.

While in town, also check out the Lancaster Central Market, the country’s oldest continually running farmers market. And if you want to take a peek back in time, head into rural Lancaster County toward Quarryville. Hike the Theodore A. Parker III Natural Area to see what the eastern hill country looked like hundreds of years ago, and if you happen to pass by any of Lancaster County’s 33,000 Amish on the country roads, be sure to tip your hat.

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Global temperature visualization

Climate change has become one of those controversies that shouldn’t be controversial at all. If you don’t believe the countless scientific studies confirming the dramatic increase in global temperature, just look at the polar ice caps melting at unprecedented rates. Even if you’re a staunch believer in climate change, however, the phenomenon can be difficult to actually visualize since the process has taken place rather subtly over thousands of years.

This chart posted on Reddit by user bgregory98 is a startling visualization of how the global temperature has changed from year 0 to 2019. The chart uses data from a 2019 Nature Geoscience study to present the fluctuations of global temperature over the past 2,000 years.

[OC] Two thousand years of global temperatures in twenty seconds from r/dataisbeautiful

As you can see, the global temperature has periods of rising and falling. Between 1300 and 1850 we entered a period known as the Little Ice Age, during which global temperatures dropped. Starting in the 19th century, however, temperatures began a steady climb and then rose in a dramatic way throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.

Visualizing global warming — seeing the global temperatures rise before your eyes — is a shocking revelation. If nothing else, it drives home the urgency of the issue and serves as a helpful wake-up call for all of us.

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Private island in Venice for rent

Budget travel might seem like a thing of the past in the COVID-19 era, but you really just have to know where to look. This private island in Venice, for example, probably costs you less to rent than the Ryanair flight you’d take to get there. The 50-acre island of Valle Falconera sits just a short boat ride away from Venice, next to Cavallino-Treporti, and it’s available to rent on Airbnb for around $100 per night. That’s right — a private island. In Venice. 50 acres. For $100.

Photo: Airbnb

Your rental would consist of a pink farmhouse with seven bedrooms, nine beds, and three bathrooms. The island has plenty to see with beehives, fish farms, and beautiful flora and fauna, including flamingos. The house sleeps up to 16 people and is priced accordingly. It starts at $102 per night for one or two guests, but a group of 16 will cost $685 per night. Still, if you split the cost evenly, you’re only paying about $43 each.

Photo: Airbnb

Photo: Airbnb

The property is owned by sisters Martina and Anna Sarzetto, who inherited the island from their grandfather and have now opened it up to visitors. While it’s not exactly a prime location for easily exploring Venice on foot — you’d need to get a boat from Cavallino — you’d probably be perfectly happy spending your entire stay on the island.

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The post You can rent this 50-acre private island in Venice for $100 a night appeared first on Matador Network.

Open-air urinals in Amsterdam

On top of fighting the COVID-19 pandemic, the Netherlands is also battling a wild urination issue. To combat the worrying trend of increased public urination, the Amsterdam council has enlisted GreenPee to install eight hemp-filled urinals in the Dutch capital.

All you have to do is approach the GreenPee planter and urinate into the openings on the side that have an internal tank filled with hemp fibers. Once full, the tank is emptied, and the mix of hemp and urine can be repurposed as organic fertilizer for the city’s green spaces. They also serve as micro ecosystems for insects.

Photo: greenpee.nl /Instagram

The city first installed the urinal planters back in 2018 on a trial basis. GreenPee inventor Richard de Vries told Dezeen, “Independent evaluation showed that there was 50 percent decrease in wild peeing after installing the GreenPees. So Amsterdam wanted to expand the project and place more GreenPees in the central district of the city.”

Once Amsterdam’s lockdown ended, pubs opened and tourism returned, and the city saw an increase in public urination. Units have also been installed in Vlaardingen and Beekbergen, as well as in two cities in Belgium. Similar terminals, called “Uritrottoirs,” were installed in Paris in 2018 to combat the very same issue.

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