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In an effort to tackle slippery toilet floors and urine splashes around urinals, three polytechnic students have created a protective shield model to enhance public restroom hygiene and comfort. The initiative stems from the Youth for Environmental Sustainability Leaders Programme, launched by NEA in 2023. The programme aims to nurture young leaders passionate about environmental sustainability. One of the programme’s youth leaders, 19-year-old Xie Aowei from SP, took part in the second edition of the initiative. Since June last year, he and two classmates have been working on a toilet hygiene improvement project called “Beyond the Flush”, aimed at enhancing sanitation in public toilets. Between January and March this year, the team developed a SHIELD prototype—a urinal shield that helps contain splashes during use. They installed the model in the busiest canteen restroom on campus in May. After just one week, they observed a noticeable reduction in slippery floor conditions. “If given the opportunity,” Xie said, “we hope to collaborate with various stakeholders in the future and expand this initiative to toilets in childcare centres and other venues, contributing to better environmental hygiene.”

[Lianhe Zaobao]