In the year gone by, many of us took to the ‘WFH, stay-at-home’ lifestyle and commended ourselves to adjusting to the new normal. We stayed at home, learned new skills and spent time with our loved ones. As we remained restricted to our home spaces, the world outside that was left untouched began to replenish and restore itself. For a brief period of time, the emission levels across the major cities of the world were reduced. 

The striking before-and-after differences, in that period, showed that human disturbances had indeed contributed to the unhealthy state of the environment. But also, our minimal interaction with the natural world during the pandemic, proved that change is possible. It made us realise that with time and space and with reduced emissions, nature can recuperate and replenish itself. 

World Environment Day

Just like every 5th of June, this year World Environment Day 2021 is going to be observed  with the theme of ‘Ecosystem Restoration’. In line with this theme, this decade is of utmost importance, as we all will be able to witness the results of our efforts towards the Sustainable Development Goals.

We at Saathi are also working towards a better future through our eco-friendly products and supply chain. By joining hands with local farmers, empowering women employees and ensuring good health and sanitation through our plant-based chemical-free products, we are able to address 8 of the 17 Sustainable Development Goals.

Changes in Industry & Saathi’s Efforts

Similarly, many other environmentally conscious innovators are finding sustainable solutions to current environmental problems. They are working towards a waste free, energy efficient and pollution-less environment. A textbook example would be from the energy sector, where electricity production is going green through renewable energy sources. Consumers are choosing to install solar panels at their homes as renewable electricity sources as they have become cheaper and accessible. They are also opting for energy-efficient LED lightings over the traditional incandescent bulbs. 

Another recent innovation is the Carbon Capture and Storage (CCS) technology. It focuses on capturing the emitted carbon, instead of only decarbonizing emissions from major industries such as the plastic and cement industries. This technology can be put to profitable use once it becomes cost-effective.

Many automobile giants are looking into adoption of battery electric commercial vehicles (BECVs), such as e-Trucks, which could be the next big step of this sector towards sustainability after the invention of personal electric vehicles. If successful, it can make a huge impact on reducing the total carbon footprint in transportation activities.

The agricultural industry is also starting to look favourably upon sustainable practices to help save the environment, quite literally, from the grass root levels. Farming techniques like hydroponics and aquaponics can now be practiced from small home-scale systems to commercial-scale systems.They can help produce organic products while being water and space efficient. 

The fashion industry is also undergoing a major shift as designers and creators are turning towards sustainable fashion. People are understanding the harm fast fashion and over-production is causing the Earth. At the same time apparel business networking platforms like the Common Objective are working towards building an sustainable and inclusive circle including industry leaders, suppliers and small businesses from different parts of the world.

During the pandemic, with increased online shopping, the consumption of plastic-based packaging material also increased. While sustainable packaging was gaining precedence in the past few years, the recent need for hygienic covering has pushed sustainability down the priority list.

However, we at Saathi guarantee our packaging to be completely biodegradable, ensuring a completely sustainable and impact-positive supply chain from beginning to end. A Saathi pad is made from banana and bamboo fibres which take only six months to completely decompose, whereas a regular sanitary napkin would take 500-800 years to break down due to the plastic in it. And even then, a regular sanitary napkin just breaks down into smaller pieces of plastic, not into organic material. 

On an Individual level

The famous lines ‘Little drops of water make the mighty ocean’ by Julia Carney emphasizes the power of small acts of kindness. When we as individuals work towards a common goal through small acts of sustainability, we will be able to make our efforts fruitful.

As consumers, when we choose to go sustainable, we are not only choosing to direct our mindset towards more eco-friendly and efficient alternatives but indirectly choosing a better future. 

• We should also inculcate green habits such as using public transportation, buying only what we need or using eco-friendly water bottles in our lives and teach them to our inner circle where we have the most influence. 
• We can practice reusing and recycling actively, start our own mini-organic garden or reduce electricity usage. 
• Our focus should be to drive the market supply towards a sustainable future through our demands. Choosing a Saathi pad over a regular pad is one such decision! 

Conclusion

All in all, we can assure you that jumping on the sustainability bandwagon is not just fashionable, but wise and judicious. Keep in mind a few pointers:

• Innovation and creativity: Don’t be afraid to explore. Get to know about new eco-friendly technologies.

• Choice of lifestyle: A little bit of determination and love for nature can lead to a more sustainable lifestyle. Don’t get discouraged, take small steps.

• Consumer mindset: When we learn the sustainable way of living life through our purchases we can indirectly encourage innovators to create even more eco-friendly options.
• Raise Awareness: Share the accounts of sustainable entities or their posts with your friends. Recommend eco-friendly products you really liked. 
• Responsibility towards nature: Loving nature also comes with being responsible for it and respecting the power of mother nature. 

We at Saathi share a huge sense of responsibility towards our environment and envision a world where there is balance between human creation and nature. We have started the conversation and now it is up to you. How are you being a responsible citizen of nature and contributing your bit towards a better future for the Earth and its future generations? Let us know in the comments below.

Happy Environment Day from Team Saathi! 

About Saathi 

Saathi is an award winning social venture which has a patented technology to convert agri-waste into absorbent materials. Our sanitary pads are 100% biodegradable and compostable made from banana and bamboo fibers, which convert into compost in 6 months of its disposal. Saathi pads are good for the body🩸, community 🌎 and environment 🌱. We are on a mission to revolutionize the hygiene industry as a consumer products company that makes products in a sustainable and responsible way. 

We are recognized by the UNESCO Green Citizens project, St. Andrews, Solar Impulse Foundation and Global Cleantech Innovation Program among others for our innovative, social impact and sustainable work. We are working towards United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 12, 13, 3, 9, 5, 6, 8, and 14.

Check out a short video of our story here and follow us at @saathipads on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin and Youtube to learn about more facts and myth busters about sustainability, women’s health, and more!