Look up George Carlin on germs.

I don't agree with everything he spouts, but I think hes got it right in this case.

Kick it.

Ever since I caught a staph infection from a public restroom, I never take any chances anymore with them. Paper on the toilet seat, kick the flusher and make sure to wash your hands on the way out.

I just use my hand because I wash them after I'm done with my business anyway.

I think a foot pedal would be annoying depending on where it was placed. If it was at the base of the toilet I would more than likely hit it with my heel by accident and when it flushed the water would splash on me, and I would probably rage. It's bad enough there's knuckle prints on the leather dashboard in my car, I don't need to be punching down stall doors.

It doesn't really matter because I wash my hands afterwards.

I use my hands. I'm just going to wash them anyway.

This.