GabyAvia Revivi, a student at the Faculty of Industrial Design at the Israeli National Academy of Arts, has developed an environmentally friendly alternative to toilet paper called O-SOW. Its composition includes orange, aloe vera leaves, and seeds from various plants.
At first glance, this invention deserves a Ig Nobel Prize, as it primarily makes you laugh. However, the founder of the startup Avia Revivi has embedded a very serious meaning in her creation.
The girl was motivated to develop this project by her own love for hiking. While traveling through the desert, she repeatedly came across scattered pieces of toilet paper. That’s when Avia decided that this problem needed to be addressed.
Do not harm nature, but enrich it.
Ultimately, a unique ecological product was born. The rapid decomposition of citrus combined with active E. coli bacteria found in human waste allows O-SOW leaves to be disposed of within three to five days. Moreover, they are eagerly eaten by animals.
Here’s another interesting feature of this hygiene product: the seeds included in its composition will sprout in the future. Thus, the author of this innovative idea has taken care of replenishment. plant diversity Each set will have its own seed composition. Therefore, users will be able to order toilet paper alternatives according to the flora of their area, enriching it in such an unusual way. At the same time, human waste will serve as fertilizer.
According to Avia Revivi, she is currently adding seeds of mint, peony, rose, parsley, and watercress to O-SOW. However, soon she will be using more varieties that grow in different tourist areas. Therefore, the planting will be adapted to the specific locality and will not disrupt its ecosystem.
What else do you need to know about? O – SOW
According to Avia, orange (due to its elastic properties) and aloe (due to its softness) are the perfect base for a toilet paper substitute.
Its main qualities are strength, flexibility, waterproofness, softness, quick dissolution, edibility, and the ability to disperse in water.
The designer opted for a rounded shape for the product, believing it to be more comfortable for users. Each leaf is sized optimally for any hand.
O-SOW sheets are packaged in biodegradable paper, which has a tear-off string similar to tea bags. The label indicates the type of seeds and the number of sheets. They can be stored in a protective case made from leftover parachute fabric. This case retains the moisture of the product, preventing it from drying out, and can be replenished as the sheets are used.
By the way, on the publication’s website Designboom You can watch a promotional video that demonstrates the process of using the eco-friendly hygiene product O-SOW step by step, using a hypothetical tourist as an example.
A clear drawback of the product is its considerable price compared to regular toilet paper. Considering the savings on materials and the production process, one can only speculate about it.
