Tushe: An eco-friendly alternative to single-use wipes

The ongoing novel coronavirus (Covid-19) has certainly changed the world’s views about the importance of hygiene, especially while going out. No one knows when things will get back normal, but so long as the threat of the virus looms over us, being careful is the only choice we have. Given the way how people are gravitating towards hygiene, contactless solutions for everyday needs are fast gaining traction. The ‘no-touch’ concept seeks to limit the spread of the infection and maintain hygiene. There are several companies that have launched products that promote this concept. Tushe’s wet wipes are based on a similar principle and help you maintain hygiene without touching too many surfaces. The product is a great alternative for single-use plastic or paper wipes that are not eco-friendly. From using it instead of toilet paper to using instead of a dishcloth to wipe dirty surfaces, these wipes are very versatile and user-friendly.

Tushe is a sanitizing foam-dispenser, which disinfects eco-friendly wipes in a contactless manner. The foam used in the Tushe dispenser is made from completely pure and natural ingredients. You can use it without touching it and can easily install it. The best part of this product that it runs on a rechargeable battery. Once charged, the battery lasts for three months.

The product has been designed by entrepreneur duo Brandon T and Thomas D, who got the idea of working on this project back in January, 2018.

You might be comfortable using the regular wet wipes, but you might change your mind once you realise how harmful they are for the environment. Almost 90% of the wet wipes brand available in popular supermarkets contain plastic and should not be flushed down the toilet. They end up clogging pipes. People across the globe spend a lot of money every year in getting sewage pipes de-clogged. They also contain harmful chemicals like parabens and formaldehyde, which can be harmful to human skin in the long run. The rampant and reckless disposal causes massive damage to marine life and ecosystems. Every second, people around the world use over 14,000 wipes. Many a time these wipes are discarded recklessly on beaches and oceans, which end up endangering the marine life. It takes almost 100 years to decompose the wet wipes which can only be used once.

Most brands manufacture wet wipes which contain polyester, which is a type of plastic and disintegrates into fine particles when it is discarded. These particles lead to spike in pollution when discarded in landfills, oceans and seas.

The afore-mentioned facts shed light on how we need to change our lifestyle and products like Tushe can help us achieve this goal. As they don’t contain plastic, these wipes can disintegrate in just a day. Not to forget, it is much more hygienic to use than toilet paper. The company claims that the product can reduce hemorrhoids as it cleans, protects, and moisturizes the skin.

Tushe’s products are manufactured in a facility running on wind energy and is based in the US. They are vegan and have not been tested on animals.

The starter kit contains a foam dispenser, a bottle of cleansing foam, an attachment for the wall, and an electronic charger. To start using this product, pour the 8oz bottle of cleansing foam into the dispenser. Each bottle is equivalent to around 500 wipes. To put up the dispenser on the wall, peel the transparent covering at the back of the attachment given with the starter kit, mount it on the wall and fit the dispenser into it. Next, tear a piece of toilet paper and put it under the dispenser. Put the tissue under the dispenser. The dispenser will automatically release foam and soak the tissue paper put underneath it.

The automatic action is due to the IR sensors installed in the Tushe dispenser. The product also has short and foam dispensing modes, which can be adjusted according to the user’s performance. The soap dispenser is also waterproof, so you don’t have to worry about it getting wet in your bathroom. You can buy the product in two colours – pearl white and charcoal gray. You would be glad to know that the bottles in which the foam is packaged are made of recycled materials. When the machine is charged, a blue LED light will indicate that. Likewise, a red LED light will alert you when the battery is low. The kit is available at a starting price of US$6 and differs with country to country.

The product is a great way to upgrade your bathroom to give it a more sophisticated look. Its minimalist design makes it a good fit for any setting. The product reinvents the classic wet wipes to not only reduce wastage, but also minimizes use of exhaustible resources like paper extracted from wood pulp.