In two school systems on two sides of the planet, valuable lessons are being learned. No, these are not the fundamentals of reading, writing and ‘rithmatic, but critical lessons in sanitation, or the results of the lack of it.

In Wales, Welsh school systems have fallen under the spotlight after an e coli outbreak. Apparently they have been withholding anything from the washrooms which might allow the students making a mess–including toilet paper and soaps. Hmm. . .wouldn’t have been safer and better to teach the students about behaviour, sanitation and cleanliness?

At Tufts University–a place I once considered attending for their excellent Veteranary Medicine Program–there is also apparently no paper towels or soap in their lavatories either. Is this some new attempt to spread a new plauge?  No soap to spill–only anitibacterial hand wash. No papertowels–no trash cans to empty.  Just an ill informed and lazy attempt to keep things cleaner.  I have long believed Anti-bacterial products to be a scourge on the Earth.  Not only can they weaken our own immune system, as they leave our homes and make their way into the water system they are killing vital, good bacteria as well as the nasty ones, weakening the environments. Moreover, the nasty bugs soon become resistant to antibacterial agents and become drug resistant. Not Good.

The result of studies at Tufts conclude that overuse of antibacterial products will lead to future problems. The answer–wash with good old soap and water. Hopefully our world educators will remember and learn this lesson. Something common sense tells us we never should have forgotten. Remember, just like I tell my kids–wipe, flush and wash: in that order and only in that order.

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