Program Solution
Reap Benefit addresses both the lack of adequate sanitation facilities in schools and the accompanying behavior change that needs to take place in order for these facilities to be used and maintained. To address the behavior change needed, they have built a reward based financing mechanism: if students maintain a sanitation-water-waste system, then schools are rewarded with either a water filter, library, sports equipment, or learning aids using corporate social responsibility funds. This enhances the school experience and incentivizes the adoption of sanitation-friendly behavior.
Reap Benefit has also developed a number of innovative sanitation solutions. The first is a do-it-yourself, low-cost, waterless urinal designed from discarded PET bottles. These waterless urinals are engineered to eliminate foul odors, control mosquitoes, and eliminate the usage of water, thus leading to water optimization, good hygiene habits, and better health. Another innovation is their low cost grey water treatment. Water used for washing utensils, hands etc will be treated using a low cost filter and used for sanitation and gardening. On average, their systems reuse about 40% of total water consumption. Third, Reap Benefit has developed a system which turns food waste from midday meals into compost using bacteria and enzymes.