All those old men who revel in telling tales of trudging through blizzards to school, and delivering newspapers for 10 cents an hour, ready your pacemaker: your grand-kids are being paid a quarter to poop.
Giving a new meaning to the phrase “dirty money,” Oberlin’s Environmental Studies Program will pay students 25 cents every time they pinch a loaf in a specific science-center bathroom, as explained on the school’s event calendar. As pointed out by Gawker, it’s most likely some sustainability scheme. But what I love is that the organizers don’t bother to explain why in the world they’re willing to pay for your poop. College kids are so cash-strapped (and, yes, so full of shit) that they’ll drop a deuce for two bits, no questions asked. The jury’s still out on what effect this boon will have on the Mexican food industry of Oberlin, Ohio, but by our math, Taco Bell’s $2 Cheesy Bean and Rice Burrito is now essentially free. — Gus Garcia-Roberts
This article appears in Nov 7-13, 2007.
You didn’t read the link you posted, did you?
“*Do you like cool toilets and reducing water consumption? Do you want
to learn more about the Living Machine?*
*Come support the Living Machine “Quarter Poops” Campaign…”
The Living Machine, as most Obies know, is a waste water treatment facility located in the environmental studies building (not the science center) that uses bacteria and plants rather than chemicals like most municipal facilities. The treated waste water is then recycled to flush the toilets and to irrigate the orchard and garden in the building’s landscape. The event is to raise awareness and to educate people about the building and low energy waste water treatment.
And for the record, we don’t have a Taco Bell in Oberlin. We have the locally owned and operated Agave Burrito Bar.
I am a parent who had the privilege of contributing to the poop campaign last year. While the idea seemed a little left of center, it was thought provoking and enlightening. [all while in a sitting position] Human waste does not just go away. Considering earth friendly ways to deal poop is well worth a quarter in educational costs. Go check out the waste management system in the Adam Joseph Lewis Center and while your there don’t forget to sit awhile & contemplate our environmental impact in the bathroom of your choice.