Paris has taken its penchant for urban urinals to new ecological heights with the introduction of a dry and allegedly odorless version known as "urinoirs."
However, the bright-red eco-friendly but completely exposed receptacles disguised as flower-boxes and cropping up in some of Paris’ more glamorous quarters in a bid to reduce peeing on the streets, appear to have mainly provoked ribbing and ridicule and, among some local residents, even rage, The Guardian wrote.
“There’s no need to put something so immodest and ugly in such an historic spot,” said Paola Pellizzari, 68, owner of a Venetian art store. She feared the urinal, installed about 20 meters from a primary school, “incites exhibitionism.”
“It's a little weird… but if you need to go it's better than to going on the street," admitted Jonathan, a tourist from New York who examined the rectangular receptacle, which offers little or no privacy to those looking for roadside relief.
"It's a little bit in the open, some people might be uncomfortable," he said as several boats packed with tourists floated past along the Seine.
The “urinoir” is a box with an opening in the front and a floral display on top containing straw which reduces odor, eliminates the need for the urinal to be connected to the sewer and transforms into compost for use in parks and gardens.
Paris authorities have rolled out four of the urinals in spots where public peeing has been a problem, and a fifth is planned.
A local mayor, Ariel Weil, argues that the urinals are needed.
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"If we don't do anything, then men are just going to pee in the streets," he said.
"If it is really bothering people, we will find another location," he added.
