Finding a convenient and clean place to answer nature’s call can be fraught with unforeseen challenges; who amongst us hasn’t known the stress of mounting the porcelain bowl when a cubicle lock is on the fritz. Add to that one-ply toilet paper and the bodily percussions of the neighbouring stall, and relieving oneself can quickly descend into an emotional rollercoaster.

But thankfully there’s an app for that – the AirPnP.

Originally created in New Orelans during Mardi Gras, the app allows people to rent out their toilet to the public for a nominal fee. Inspired by the huge success of AirBnB, which rents out bedrooms as well as en suites, the service took off in the Louisiana party town where it became a legal alternative to public urination.

Entrepeeneurs hoping to jack up prices on using their jacks rent out the use of their toilet, but must give details on its cleanliness and their toilet-paper thickness, and receive ratings from former clients on their ‘pee experience’.  

AirPnP’s creators cite New Orleans’ infamous problems with public toilets during its Mardi Gras festival, which has been taking place in the city since 1837.

AirPnP's European network [AirPnP]

"During the Mardi Gras they routinely experienced the pain point of having no place to legally urinate," the AirPnP website says.

"This problem is often solved by using what is known as a 'rogue pee'.”

"If caught the person faces a weekend in Orleans Parish Prison. Yet this stiff penalty doesn't stop thousands upon thousands of 'rogue pees'. This clearly demonstrates the demand for a legal alternative."

AirPnP’s loo-crative business model now boasts thousands of bowls all over the world, including one in Dublin – which seemingly offers its flush for free.

Need a toilet in Dublin? [AirPnP]

The app’s founder, Travis Laurendine, has even been recognised by the Obama administration for his efforts in furthering the ‘social economy’ of the US – for combining Yankee ingenuity with Yankee scented candles.