Life is everchanging. It seems to become more chaotic the older we get and the more industrialized we as a society become. So, going into stores or malls isn’t as feasible as it once was. Consequently, online shopping has become more common, and in many cases, is the new normal.
Although online shopping is much more convenient, there are some downsides including the possibility of not getting exactly what you thought you were buying. Additionally, more intense downsides exist, such as safety concerns. To combat some of these concerns and ensure safety, Pembroke, Ontario, a small city in Canada, is using a handshake symbol as a new solution to ensure safety. Their idea, while unconventional, could prove to ensure the safety of thousands of shoppers. If proven successful, Pembroke may transform the way people undertake online shopping.
Handshake Symbols Represent Safety
A handshake symbol is showing up in parking spaces all over the city. Pembroke’s police department, Pembroke OPP, gave a statement regarding the new handshake symbol parking spots. “The purpose of Project Safe Trade is to create a ‘community safety zone’ at an OPP detachment parking lot to facilitate online property transactions,” the OPP said in the news release. “Creating a ‘community safety zone’ is about moving online transactions away from secluded parking lots, personal residences or other areas and bringing them to a public place.”
Parameters of the Project
Amazingly, the handshake symbol spots, called “safe trade spots,” will be available 24 hours a day and will not require appointments. The way these spots work is simple. If you’ve purchased something online but have to pick it up, or pay, in person, the handshake symbol spots become a neutral meeting point. It’s important to note these spots will not be monitored 24 hours a day. This means there will be no police intervention, such as mediation or witnessing a transaction. In contrast, they will have available officers on the scene if a call or complaint is made to the city regarding a criminal matter. The area will be well-lit and conveniently located just off the highway.
Holiday Shopping
With the holidays upon us, things become even more hectic, and people often stop looking into all the transaction details. The handshake symbol spots have been developed in tandem with the holidays. Steph Neufeld, the safety unit’s captain, says, “The local launch of Project Safe Trade comes at an ideal time with the busy holiday season upon us. Online property transactions are ever-increasing and the UOV OPP is proud to be launching a community safety initiative aimed at decreasing offences related to online marketplace transactions,” He continues in the statement, “Collaborative approaches like Project Safe Trade can help to reduce harm and victimization in our communities.”
Going Beyond the Handshake Symbol
The handshake symbol parking lots are a great start, but there is more the city has incorporated into the project. In particular, one Canadian resident and professional. Carmi Levy, a technology analyst, offers helpful hints. While seemingly obvious, they can be forgotten during an overwhelming time like the holidays.
Levy said, “Do your due diligence on the person that claims to be selling it. Look into their background, see what other things they’ve sold, look for information on how other buyers have dealt with them in the past.” Also suggesting people, “Insist on seeing the actual device that you’re buying before you hand over any money. Insist that they power it on. Insist that you make sure it works before you pay for it.” This is a great way to avoid being scammed and wasting your hard-earned money on something that just isn’t worth it.
Other Safety Suggestions
Other recommendations include going with someone you know and trust when engaging in online transactions. Save all interactions between buyer and seller, this includes voicemails, emails, or text messages. Additionally, shopping apps like ‘OfferUp’ and ‘LetGo’ tell you they won’t reach out for personal information. They suggest you use caution when doling out personal information with limited or only necessary information.
Furthermore, they suggest that you have those conversations strictly in the app. This ensures the conversation is logged in a secure environment so you can avoid giving your personal information to a stranger. For Canadian residents, specific to the Pembroke area, seeking handshake symbol parking lots can keep citizens safe this holiday season. Moreover, they can help bring higher levels of safety in years to come.
The reason manufacturers do this is because
Have you ever wondered why most toilets are white? While toilets come in a variety of colors, the vast majority are bright, clean-looking white. This isn’t just a random choice—manufacturers have specific reasons for producing toilets in this color. From cost-saving measures to hygiene benefits, let’s explore the fascinating reasons why white remains the dominant toilet color worldwide.
1. Porcelain Naturally Turns White When Fired
Most toilets are made from porcelain, a type of ceramic that is incredibly durable and water-resistant. During the manufacturing process, the porcelain is fired at extremely high temperatures—often exceeding 2,000°F (1,100°C).
🔥 What happens during firing?
- Porcelain naturally turns white as it hardens in the kiln.
- The high temperatures make the material glossy and non-porous, preventing water absorption.
- The white color is a result of the natural minerals used in porcelain, such as kaolin clay and feldspar.
While manufacturers could add color pigments before firing, this would require an extra step—adding cost and complexity to the process. Instead, most manufacturers skip the coloring process and embrace the natural white hue of porcelain.
Video : What is the difference between china, porcelain and bone china? a quick answer
2. White Toilets Are Easier and Cheaper to Manufacture
From a manufacturing perspective, keeping toilets white is the most practical choice. Here’s why:
✔ Fewer production steps – No need to mix or apply colored pigments.
✔ Lower costs – Coloring agents increase the price of materials and labor.
✔ Consistency in production – White is the default color, making mass production more efficient.
Because white porcelain is already the natural outcome of the firing process, it allows manufacturers to save money and time while producing toilets in bulk.
3. White Creates a Clean and Hygienic Look
One of the biggest reasons why toilets are white is psychological. The color white is associated with cleanliness, sterility, and hygiene.
🏥 Ever noticed that hospitals, clinics, and labs are often white?
This is because white makes spaces feel sanitary, bright, and fresh.
💡 Why does white make us feel clean?
- It reflects light, making bathrooms feel bigger and brighter.
- It doesn’t hide stains, so people are more likely to keep it clean.
- It gives a sense of purity and sterility, which is especially important in bathrooms.
4. White Toilets Help Spot Dirt and Bacteria
Would you want a toilet that hides dirt? Probably not. A white toilet makes it easier to see stains, grime, and bacteria, ensuring it gets cleaned more frequently.
🚽 Why is this important?
- Hygiene – White surfaces make it obvious when cleaning is needed.
- Health – A clean toilet reduces the risk of bacteria buildup.
- Maintenance – Regular cleaning prevents long-term stains and odors.
If toilets were black, brown, or dark gray, they could easily hide dirt, mold, and bacteria, leading to less frequent cleaning—which isn’t ideal for a place meant for sanitation.
5. White Matches Any Bathroom Style
Another advantage of white toilets is their versatility. Since white is a neutral color, it fits effortlessly into any bathroom décor. Whether your style is modern, classic, minimalist, or luxury, a white toilet will always match.
🎨 Why designers love white toilets:
- White gives the bathroom a clean and timeless look.
- It makes small bathrooms feel bigger and more open.
- White complements any color scheme—walls, tiles, and accessories.
Because homeowners have different preferences when it comes to bathroom design, a neutral white toilet ensures it will never clash with the rest of the space.
6. White Toilets Feel More Inviting Than Colored Ones
While toilets can be made in other colors, many people subconsciously prefer white because it feels safer and more welcoming.
Video : 10 Things You Need To Know About Cleaning Your Toilet
🔴 Why aren’t toilets commonly red, black, or dark green?
- Dark colors make the toilet look smaller and heavier.
- Bright colors (like red or yellow) can feel aggressive rather than calming.
- White gives a feeling of freshness and purity, making it the best choice for a place of cleanliness.
Even though pastel-colored toilets were popular in the 1970s and 1980s, they eventually faded from the market. Today, people prefer clean, neutral tones, with white leading the way.
7. White Toilets Are Easier to Repair or Replace
Toilets aren’t something people replace often. When they do, having a universal color like white makes finding a replacement much easier.
🛠️ Why white toilets are easier to maintain:
- If a toilet cracks or breaks, replacing it with another white toilet is effortless.
- White toilet seats and lids are widely available, making it simple to swap parts.
- Plumbers and home improvement stores stock white toilets more than any other color.
If you owned a bright pink or blue toilet, finding an exact color match for a replacement could be a nightmare. White eliminates this problem, making it the go-to choice for homeowners and businesses.
8. Do Colored Toilets Still Exist?
Yes, but they’re rare. Some homeowners still opt for off-white, beige, black, or gray toilets for unique design aesthetics. However, these options are more expensive and harder to find.
🚽 Who still buys colored toilets?
- People with custom-designed bathrooms.
- Luxury homeowners who want a unique statement piece.
- Retro enthusiasts looking to recreate vintage styles.
For most people, though, white remains the practical, affordable, and timeless choice.
Final Thoughts: Why White Toilets Dominate the Market
So, why are most toilets white? It all comes down to science, practicality, and psychology.
✔ Porcelain naturally turns white when fired at high temperatures.
✔ White toilets are cheaper to manufacture and easier to mass-produce.
✔ They give a sense of cleanliness and make dirt more visible, encouraging hygiene.
✔ White is a neutral color, fitting into any bathroom style effortlessly.
✔ They are easy to replace and maintain, reducing long-term hassles.
While colored toilets exist, white remains the preferred choice worldwide. So next time you step into a bathroom and see a white toilet, you’ll know—it’s not just a random decision, but one based on science, efficiency, and aesthetics!
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