The increasing demand for environmental sustainability has led to the development of new technologies that promote a clean and healthy environment. One such technology is the portable bidet, which has gained popularity in recent years due to its numerous environmental and health benefits.
Introduction
Environmental sustainability has become a global concern due to the increasing negative impacts of human activities on the environment. Climate change, soil degradation, water pollution, and deforestation are some of the environmental challenges that have affected human health, livelihoods, and the economy. As a result, there has been a growing interest in promoting sustainable practices that reduce environmental degradation and promote social and economic welfare. One such practice is the adoption of innovative technologies that promote environmental sustainability, such as portable bidets.
A portable bidet is a device that is designed to clean the genital and anal areas after using the toilet. It is a water-based alternative to the traditional use of toilet paper, which has been associated with several environmental and health problems. Portable bidets come in different shapes and sizes, but they all share the same basic function of cleaning the private parts using water. They are easy to use, affordable, and environmentally friendly, making them an ideal solution for promoting environmental sustainability.
Water Conservation
One of the key benefits of portable bidets is their ability to conserve water. According to the United Nations, water scarcity affects more than 40% of the global population, with this figure projected to rise in the coming years (UN, 2020). The use of traditional toilet paper is a major contributor to water waste, as it requires large amounts of water to produce and dispose of properly. Portable bidets, on the other hand, use minimal amounts of water to clean the private parts, reducing overall water consumption.
The amount of water used by portable bidets varies depending on the type of device and the user’s preference. Most portable bidets use between 250 and 500 milliliters of water per use, compared to the 15 liters used to produce a single roll of toilet paper (Wang et al., 2019). This translates to significant water savings, particularly in regions where water scarcity is a major concern. For instance, if one million people switched from toilet paper to portable bidets, it would save approximately 16 million liters of water per day, which is equivalent to the daily water consumption of 80,000 people (Sudhakar et al., 2021).
The use of portable bidets also reduces the strain on septic systems, which are responsible for treating and disposing of wastewater. Traditional toilet paper can clog septic systems, leading to costly repairs and maintenance. Portable bidets, which use minimal amounts of water, reduce the risk of clogging and prolong the lifespan of septic systems. This reduces the need for costly repairs and minimizes the environmental impact of wastewater treatment.
Waste Reduction
The use of traditional toilet paper is associated with significant waste generation and disposal challenges. Toilet paper is made from wood pulp, which is a non-renewable resource that requires large amounts of energy and chemicals to produce. The production of toilet paper also generates significant amounts of greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change (Lu et al., 2020). Moreover, the disposal of used toilet paper poses a significant environmental challenge, as it requires proper handling and disposal to prevent pollution and health risks.
Portable bidets reduce waste generation by eliminating the need for toilet paper. Instead of wiping with toilet paper, users clean their private parts using water, which is more hygienic and environmentally friendly. This eliminates the environmental impact of toilet paper production, including water consumption, energy use, and greenhouse gas emissions.
Hygiene Promotion
The use of toilet paper has been associated with several health risks, including bacterial infections, hemorrhoids, and anal fissures (Wang et al., 2019). This is because toilet paper does not provide effective cleaning of the private parts, leading to the accumulation of bacteria and other harmful microorganisms. Portable bidets, on the other hand, provide effective cleaning of the private parts, reducing the risk of infections and other health problems.
