Social entrepreneur Gaurav Pokle has urged responsible disposal of menstrual waste, highlighting its hazardous and non-recyclable nature. Speaking at a Menstrual Awareness Program in Margao titled “Pioneering Sustainable Ecosystem in Hygiene, Sanitation, Water & Waste Management,” Pokle emphasized that menstrual waste must never be mixed with regular household garbage. He advocated for the use of designated sanitary disposal bags, preferably yellow-coded, to ensure safe handling and to prevent direct human contact.
Pokle warned that improper disposal not only endangers public health but also compromises the dignity of garbage collectors, who often handle such waste without proper protection. He called on the community to treat waste collectors with respect and to adopt safer disposal methods, such as using sanitary bags or burying the waste where appropriate. These practices are vital for safeguarding both health and the environment.
The awareness program focused on educating the community about sustainable hygiene and waste management practices, with special attention to menstrual hygiene. Pokle’s message highlighted the need for collective responsibility to build a safer, more respectful ecosystem for everyone, especially those involved in waste collection and management.