Among all the problems that the coronavirus pandemic has brought us, COVID, there is also, if possible even more, the waste that are being generated with the use of the equipment of personal protection (The famous anti-COVID gowns – PPE) and masks .
Another negative impact that we add to the environment environment when last year, as we discussed on our blog, it seemed that the pandemic and the weather extreme conspired an almost perfect revenge against the humanity.
Since the start of the pandemic, we have seen some Innovative startups with a new line of business; he recycling of disposable masks or PPE equipment for manufacture other components . Even the famous CSIC, has developed a new material for mask filters sanitary ware composed of nanofibers that are biodegradable excellent!
But there is one initiative in particular, which represents the intelligence, insight and intuition to overcome any stumbling block and create, out of nothing, a sustainable company that contributes tangible benefits to the environment, which is economically viable, and, furthermore, it has an important social significance.
To put ourselves in context, we have to move to the India . Currently, along with China, one of the world's largest manufacturers in all types of personal protective equipment (PPE) and masks.
This is where creativity comes in, or rather, the insight from renowned eco-innovator Lakshmi Menon who captains Pure Living… What can we do about the textile waste and the hospital needs of the India? Can we do something about the waste produced in the manufacture of protective equipment (PPE)? Of those hundreds of tons of scraps that flood many textile factories in India.
The answer… Shayya project! Use the waste that is no longer useful in the manufacture of personal protective equipment to create mattresses of low cost that will be used in hospitals with patients COVID . Without a doubt… the best idea of the year!
And at this point, since there are no technical resources or money; they invented a way to braid manually the remnants to make the mattresses …
But... How do you make a mattress that doesn't require thread, no needle?
Lakshmi, says that from a small textile industry that has an average stock of 6 tons of cut waste, it is they can make 2400 Shayyas mattresses… “We have a goal Of course, reduce both the input of virgin materials and waste production, as long as it benefits the economy local and socially sustainable”
In addition, these mats that are initially intended for for COVID care centers, they can also be distributed among homeless people who are forced to sleep on harder surfaces.
The entrepreneur, who lives in the Indian state of Kerala. No misses an opportunity to add value to society and improve the economic status of the poorest families. She hired local women for her small startup who had lost their jobs during a multi-week lockdown to elaborate the Shayyas.
The shayya bill has been adopted by the UN. Included in a list of innovative ideas to fight against the Covid that can be easily replicated in any place in the world.
