Enter: The Portland Loo, a modular, stand-alone, free toilet that lies somewhere between your traditional public restroom and a port-a-potty.
Ideated and created right here in Portland, the bathroom works to address common concerns surrounding public toilets in cities — such as cleanliness and upkeep — and can be found in locations all across the US and Canada.
Bonus: A portion of profits from sales in other cities supports the provision of public restrooms here in Portland. Win, win.
What’s the to-do about this loo?
Cleanliness | The coating of the bathrooms makes them particularly easy to clean, and all cleaning + maintenance supplies are located in a cabinet within the unit.
Price | The loo utilizes common components that are typically easy and cheaper to replace. Plus, each bathroom can be solar powered, making it good for the Earth and the city or organization’s wallet.
Aesthetic | The stainless steel paneling of the bathrooms features graffiti-proof coating, and the simple, sleek design fits in with most environments.
Safety | Created with input from Portland authorities, the bathroom was specifically designed for safety. Angled louvers (slats) in the walls allow for loud noises to escape while maintaining the occupant’s privacy.
Durability | The fixtures used are meant to be durable. If they do need to be replaced, they’re sourced from Portland rather than abroad, making the repair process quicker.
Ease of use | Hand washing stations are attached to the outside of the bathrooms, encouraging quick use to serve more bathroom-goers. Plus, each facility is ADA-accessible.
Portland Film Festival | Wednesday, Oct. 11-Monday, Oct. 16 | Times vary | Locations vary, Portland | $39-$199 | Get a cinematic sneak peek of projects from 80+ independent film directors who are just emerging onto the scene.
Thursday, Oct. 12
Portland Trail Blazers vs. Phoenix Suns | Thursday, Oct. 12 | 7 p.m. | Moda Center, 1 N. Center Court St., Portland | $5+ | Get a preseason look at the new squad, featuring Deandre Ayton and Scoot Henderson.
Friday, Oct. 13
Sitka Art Invitational | Friday, Oct. 13-Sunday, Oct. 15 | 11 a.m.-5 p.m. | Oregon Contemporary, 8371 N. Interstate Ave., Portland | Free | Browse this juried exhibition from PNW artists whose works are inspired by nature; half of the sales go toward Sitka Center for Art and Ecology’s programming.
Garcia Birthday Band | Friday, Oct. 13 | 8 p.m. | Alberta Abbey, 126 NE Alberta St., Portland | $25 | If this week’s “Touch of Grey” has you down, start the weekend on a high note with this local cover band.
“Las Adelitas” | Friday, Oct. 13-Sunday, Nov. 5 | Times vary | Milagro Theatre, 525 SE Stark St., Portland | $22-$30 | Join Portland’s “longest-running Día de Muertos (Day of the Dead) celebration” at this original production filled with music and dance, plus cultural crafts.
Saturday, Oct. 14
Autumn Colors Paddle | Saturday, Oct. 14 | 10 a.m.-1 p.m. | Browns Ferry Park, 5855 SW Nyberg Ln., Tualatin | $40 | Feel the fresh air and take in the fall foliage on this guided kayak tour and lunch with Tualatin Riverkeepers.
90%. That’s the percentage of companies that included salary figures in job postings, according to a recent report from Mac’s List. The Portland-based job board surveyed 115 PNW employers to find other interesting trends. Half of respondents also said they plan to hire remote or hybrid workers in the next year. (Mac’s List)
Eat
Roll on down to Southeast Portland’s Cookshop this Sunday (10 a.m.-2 p.m.) to take a bite out of the inaugural Bread Fest. Rise up for the “crust revolution,” where vendors will set up farmers market style to sell everything from sourdough to sweet pastries. (KOIN)
Community
Have you noticed a bit more color around Portland’s urban core lately? Of three new murals, the one perhaps most likely to make you say “aww” depicts a kitten surrounded by roses and the mantra “Portland is what we make it.” Sounds like a purr-fect message. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Plan Ahead
An event that connects people with their favorite on-screen characters in real life has announced the date of its return to the Rose City. Fan Expo Portland will take place Jan. 12-14, 2024, at the Oregon Convention Center, offering cosplay and interactions with celebs like Danny Trejo and Jason Lee. (Portland Tribune)
Real Estate
Harvest time is here, but a few dream homes are still on the vine for wine lovers and potential buyers. These listings in the Portland area all come with climate-controlled storage for your favorite vintages, ranging from opulent to practical. (The Oregonian/Oregon Live)
Pets
Did you know? There’s a common ingredient many dog food manufacturers include in dog food that you should stop feeding your dog immediately. Find out what it is.*
Trending
It’s the last day of Amazon’s Prime Big Deal Days. Shop deals on holiday gifts now, like 40% off the Fire HD Kids tablet that Good Housekeeping named “Best Tablet for Big Kids.”*
Question
City
What would give someone bad luck in Portland?
We have a lucky coin to thank for our name — Boston, Oregon, just doesn’t roll off the tongue. | Photo by @n1ck_on
Uh oh — if the idea of Friday the 13th makes you a little uneasy, now may be a good time to stock up on good luck charms, because it’s happening this week. While the occasion happens approx. every 212 days, this one feels particularly ominous since it falls during the haunting month of October.
Superstitious folks know that walking under ladders — which supposedly stems from Ancient Egyptian beliefs — can cause misfortune. But what Portland-specific actions would bring bad luck to locals?
Opening an umbrella when it’s only sprinkling outside? Not recycling empty cans of IPA?
Alternatively, what could be done to bring good luck into their lives? Getting pooped on by the Vaux’s swifts? Saying Couch Street (the right way) three times in a row?
Let us know your thoughts and we’ll share our collaborative guide for navigating local superstitions on Friday the 13th. You know, just in case you need it.
The Buy
Long Buy Group B 10.11.23 (Affiliate + Six & Main)
To perfect your October aesthetic
Eleven + Jane’s Cowboy Up Ghost Earrings. Add a ghostly touch to your look with these Halloween-inspired earrings.
To accessorize any pup
Hannah Chloe Co.'s Pink & Spooky Reversible Bandana. Because pups deserve a hint of Halloween in their wardrobe, too.
To refresh couches, carpets + beds
The Chom Chom pet hair remover. It sucks up way, way more pet hair than we ever thought we had in our house. Get it on sale for Prime Big Deal Days.
Hey there, Portland — I’ve returned from my adventure in Iceland, where unsurprisingly... it was cold. Joking aside, we were extremely lucky with the weather and got to see some rather rare fall colors, climb onto a glacier, make friends with about 30 horses, and witness real lava. Even the northern lights got over their bashfulness.
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