Sure, we’re the toilet paper company that helps build toilets, but our impact goes way beyond a loo.  

What is WASH (water, sanitation and hygiene)?

WASH stands for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene – three essentials that help keep communities healthy. Clean water, safe toilets and simple hygiene habits like handwashing all play a major role in preventing illness caused by contact with waste and contaminated water.

When these three elements work together, the impact is huge. Communities can avoid waterborne diseases, protect their environment and reduce the health and social inequalities that come from not having basic services. It might seem simple, but reliable water, proper sanitation and good hygiene can completely transform everyday life. Pretty amazing for some good ol’ soap and (clean) water!

WHO/UNICEF 2019

Water

Clean water is something most of us rely on without thinking, but for many people it’s still out of reach. Reliable water supply is essential for the health, wellbeing and livelihoods of communities around the world.

Whether it’s for drinking, cooking or washing, clean water is essential to our everyday lives. But for many people, it’s still extremely difficult to come by.

In many cases, people rely on surface water, which can transmit diseases such as schistosomiasis and other waterborne illnesses. The burden usually falls on women and girls, who often travel over 30 minutes to collect water for their families. This journey can be physically tough and dangerous. What’s more, exposure to unsafe drinking water increases the risk of illness, especially from pathogens and contaminants that threaten public health.

And that’s why we help support organisations who work to ensure more communities can access simple, life-changing resources like clean water and toilets.  

Sanitation

We know it’s a bit weird to think of toilets as a tool, but they’re actually crucial for keeping our waterways clean. Poor sanitation leads to disease transmission and environmental contamination, putting entire communities at risk, especially vulnerable groups like children and women. Without toilets, waste finds its way into local rivers and back into people’s food. (And in turn, this can spread nasty diseases like cholera.) Plus, using a toilet is way more comfortable – and dignified – than going outside. Access to a safe place to do your business is a basic human right. And that’s why we’re so obsessed with toilets.

Hygiene

It’s no secret that washing your hands helps stop the spread of disease. Just 30 seconds with soap and water makes an enormous difference – and it’s pretty easy, right? Well, without clean water, soap or proper hygiene education, it’s not that simple. Good hygiene practices also help prevent vector borne diseases, which are often spread in areas with poor sanitation. 

WASH services in emergencies

When life throws a curveball – whether it's a flood, earthquake or conflict – access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene is more important than ever. In these high-stress moments, insufficient WASH services can turn a crisis into a full-blown catastrophe.

When emergencies hit, basic sanitation facilities and safe water supplies often become scarce. Poor hygiene practices and inadequate sanitation are the perfect storm for health problems (think chronic diarrhoea) that hit low income countries and rural areas the hardest. Throw in the lack of proper wastewater treatment and safe disposal of animal waste, and communities are exposed to a whole host of diseases.

That's why emergency WASH interventions are so important. Think of them as the superhero swooping in to save the day. Picture this: trucks rolling up with clean water (because sometimes you literally need to truck in the good stuff), temporary sanitation services that actually work, and teams promoting handwashing and other hygiene practices that would make your nan proud. In healthcare facilities, where the stakes are higher, ensuring access to clean water and sanitation is critical for keeping patients and staff safe from infectious diseases.

At the end of the day, providing solid sanitation, safe water and hygiene facilities during emergencies is the ultimate team sport. When governments, humanitarian organisations and local community members work together to deliver WASH services, long-term solutions can actually take root. By putting WASH front and centre in emergency response, we can not only prevent disease, but help communities thrive. 

Life after WASH

The positive effects of WASH programs last for generations. When people are sick from waterborne illnesses, it’s really hard to do the normal stuff, like go to work or school. Access to WASH facilities enables children, especially girls, to attend school regularly, as proper hygiene and sanitation are essential for consistent school attendance. When everyone is healthy, kids can finish their education and adults are more likely to have thriving businesses. In fact, every US$1 invested in sanitation yields an average of US$5.5 for the global economy

That’s why we’re so chuffed to announce that, to date, we’ve donated $18,070,060 AUD to our non-profit WASH partners. They work to improve access to clean water and soap, boost hygiene awareness and make hygienic toilets more accessible for all.

Conclusion: A cleaner future for all

WASH is more than just an acronym; it’s a lifeline for communities around the world. By supporting water, sanitation and hygiene initiatives, we can help ensure everyone has access to the necessities for a healthy life. That’s why, when you shop with us, every flush helps make a difference.