Overview
Since the 1800s, we have been led to believe that toilet paper does the job but, in reality, all it does is cost us money every month, kill millions of trees per year, and contribute to chronic infections. So what is the alternative? And how do we overcome social stigmas and challenge cultural norms to adopt a better practice?
My guest on this week’s episode of The Doctor’s Farmacy, Miki Agrawal, is here to answer these questions and discuss her insights into creating disruptive innovations for a healthier planet! Miki shares her personal story of battling a severe hyperthyroid condition, which made her poop up to eight times per day. Using a bidet changed everything for her, and inspired her to create TUSHY, a modern affordable, and easy to install bidet attachment. Throughout our conversation we discuss some of the chronic ailments that people are getting from using toilet paper and how they can be prevented by using a bidet.
We also explore issues related to water scarcity, and how bidets can help save millions of gallons of water that it takes to make toilet paper. Miki also shares how TUSHY is helping families gain access to clean sanitation facilities; for every TUSHY sold, funds go to support an organization in India that builds clean latrines for the urban poor who currently defecate out in the open. Miki also shares her experience creating THINX, a high-tech, period-proof underwear brand, which grew out of her experiences traveling as a former professional soccer player. She realized young girls in South Africa were missing school every single month due to lack of access to feminine care products.
After diving into the research, Miki found this issue impacts more than 100 million girls, many of whom end up dropping out of school altogether. When you consider that an estimated 90% of a working woman’s income goes back to her family and community, it's clear that we need educated young girls to build a bright future. Miki is passionate about making that happen and breaking barriers in the process.
Apple
