Sure, we’re the toilet paper company that helps build toilets, but our impact goes way beyond a loo.
What is WASH?
Sanitation (a fancy way of saying ‘how we get rid of poo’) is an integral part of WASH, an acronym that stands for Water, Sanitation and Hygiene. Each of these elements is essential in ensuring that communities protect themselves from disease and illness caused by contact with waste. When working together, clean water sources, toilets and proper hygiene can completely eliminate waterborne illness and disease. Pretty amazing for just a toilet and some good ol’ soap and water.
WHO/UNICEF 2019
Water
It’s not hard to imagine why clean water is important. Whether it be for drinking, cooking or washing, clean water is crucial for our everyday lives. But for many people, it’s extremely difficult to come by. The burden usually falls on women and girls, who often travel over 30 minutes to collect water for their families. This journey can be tough, and sometimes dangerous! That’s why we fund organizations finding innovative ways to bring water closer to home– like SHOFCO and their impressive aerial pipes.
Sanitation
We know it’s a bit weird to think of a toilet as a tool, but a toilet is actually one of the most useful devices for keeping waterways clean. Without toilets, waste finds its way to local rivers and back into people’s food, spreading diseases like cholera across communities. Plus, let’s be honest:, using a toilet is way more comfortable than going outside! Access to a dignified 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. One of our partner organizations, Lwala, trains WASH advocates to teach their communities about proper hygiene and builds local handwashing stations stocked with soap. It may seem simple, but it’s incredibly impactful work.
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 all of the normal stuff, like go to work or school. But when everyone is healthy, kids can finish their education and adults are more likely to have thriving businesses. In fact, every dollar invested in water access and sanitation yields an average of $6.80 in returns!
That’s why we’re so thrilled to announce our most recent donation of $5.85 million AUD to our charity partners providing WASH services around the world. Especially now, this work is more important than ever– it’s vital in stopping the spread of COVID-19. Our partners are working to increase access to clean water and soap, boost hygiene awareness, improve school handwashing facilities to support the return of children to schools, and enhance the availability of clean and hygienic toilets for medical professionals and patients.
Conclusion: A cleaner future for all
In conclusion, WASH is more than just an acronym; it’s a lifeline for communities around the world. By supporting initiatives in water, sanitation, and hygiene, we can ensure that everyone has access to the basic necessities for a healthy life. Join us in our mission to spread the word and support the cause—because everyone deserves a clean, safe place to thrive!