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As co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of Saathi Pads, I hold a Bachelor Degree from Nirma. I worked at Motif Engineering Pvt. Ltd. as an engineer in various departments like design and production, and have experience running my family business in Handicraft, Furniture and Cloth. I believe sustainability is important for our survival in the future and I want to give back to the masses.
Tarun Bothra - Indian, Asia and the Pacific
2019 Winner | Chief Technical Officer | Indian
Saathi Pads has developed 100 percent biodegradable and compostable sanitary pads for women, made from banana fiber - one of the most absorbent natural fibers and abundant in India. Unlike wood pulp or cotton, it is an agricultural by-product and does not require additional land usage. Our all-natural pads are comfortable, and do not contain bleach or chemicals to minimize skin irritation and release of toxins into the environment upon disposal. They degrade within 6 months of disposal, 1200 times faster than conventional pads, eliminating the need for incineration. We eliminate each woman disposes of 60 kilograms of pad waste in her lifetime. We have already saved 10 metric tons of plastic waste and project that, by 2023, Saathi will reduce plastic waste by 9,212 metric tons. In rural communities, 1 in 6 women miss about a month of work each year due to lack of access to modern feminine hygiene products. Saathi has already reached more than 6000 women and will increase access to pads for 1.5 million women by 2023.
Disclaimer:
NOTE: This content was shared online for the 2019 cycle of the Young Champions of the Earth programme and has not been updated. This listing does not constitute any endorsement by nor status with the UN Environment Programme.
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Young Champions of the Earth is a forward-looking prize designed to breathe life into the ambitions of brilliant young environmentalists.