Flushing the toilet is such a mindless habit that most of us never stop to think about the water it wastes. But every single flush uses between 3 to 9 liters of clean drinking water—just to wash away urine. In an average household, that adds up to a shocking 100 liters wasted daily, or over 36,000 liters each year. Meanwhile, millions of people around the world don’t have reliable access to clean water at all. This simple fact makes us reconsider: do we really need to flush every time we urinate?

Enter a smart, eco-friendly mantra: “If it’s yellow, let it mellow; if it’s brown, flush it down.” Urine is generally sterile and doesn’t pose a health risk if you clean the toilet regularly. Flushing less often doesn’t mean your bathroom gets gross—it just means adopting smarter habits that save water without compromising hygiene. You can keep any odors in check by adding a few drops of essential oils like lemon or lavender, and by cleaning the toilet bowl every few days.

Another great way to reduce water waste is by upgrading to dual-flush or low-flow toilets, which use much less water per flush. But if you share your bathroom with others, communication and etiquette are key—make sure everyone’s on the same page to keep things comfortable and clean for all.

Small changes in everyday routines add up to big savings. Choosing not to flush every time you pee is one simple, powerful way to conserve water, protect the environment, and show a little love to our planet. Why not start today?