# Self-Sufficient Toilets Caltech + Kohler Present Solar-Powered Potties By Jamie Danielle Munro | Published 2014-05-05 | Eco Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/caltech-kohler References: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/caltech-kohler-self-sufficient-mobile-restroom-container-05-05-2014/) & [gatesfoundation.org](http://www.gatesfoundation.org/) Caltech + [Kohler](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/formation-02) have worked together to build a toilet that can be used all over the world, without the need of an attached plumbing system. The design has a water treatment program powered by solar energy, meaning that the toilet can run in a self-sufficient manner. Having designs such as this in the slums of India for example would work wonders for avoiding outbreaks in diseases, which happens due to the defecating in public spaces without access to proper toilets. While being able to go to the bathroom in a private, well-managed space seems common to some, there are still plenty of people in the world who don't have access to this privilege, which Caltech + Kohler are hoping to change. Photo Credits: [designboom](http://www.designboom.com/design/caltech-kohler-self-sufficient-mobile-restroom-container-05-05-2014/), [gatesfoundation.org](http://www.gatesfoundation.org/) ## Trend Insights (Trend Hunter) - Score: 5.4/10 - Popularity: 62% | Activity: 91% | Freshness: 8% - Audience gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: Europe, Asia ## Categories [Trend Hunter](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends) > [Eco](https://www.trendhunter.com/eco) ## Key Themes ### Why This Trend Is Growing - **Self-sufficient Toilets:** This trend involves the development of toilets that can operate without an attached plumbing system, powered by solar energy. - **Water Treatment Programs:** The trend of incorporating water treatment programs in toilets can help prevent outbreaks of diseases and improve sanitation in areas with limited access to proper toilets. - **Improving Sanitation in Developing Countries:** The trend of providing self-sufficient toilets aims to address the issue of inadequate sanitation in slums and underserved communities, particularly in developing countries. ### Industries Being Reshaped - **Renewable Energy:** The renewable energy industry can benefit from the opportunity to develop solar-powered systems for self-sufficient toilets. - **Sanitation:** The sanitation industry can explore innovations in water treatment programs and self-sufficient toilet designs to enhance global access to improved sanitation. - **Urban Development:** The urban development industry can leverage self-sufficient toilet designs to improve sanitation infrastructure in slums and underserved urban areas. ## Related on Trend Hunter - [Water-Free Telescoping Toilet Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clesana-x1.md) - [Sustainable Sand-Filled Toilets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sandi-toilet.md) - [Compact Portable Toilets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/clesana-x1-camping-toilet.md) - [Brutalist Smart Toilets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/formation-02.md) - [Feature-Packed Smart Toilets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/neolet.md) - [Compact Portable Toilet Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/portable-toilets.md) - [Martian Toilet Prototypes](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/martian-toilet.md) - [Toilet Health Monitors](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/dekoda-camera.md) - [Smart Toilet Designs](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/smart-toilets.md)