Listeners tuned in as Ronna and Issac went live on Hog Country WJRE from Geneseo’s Village Home Stores, spotlighting the innovative Washing Machine Project. The event featured a hands-on demonstration of Whirlpool’s Divya manual washing machine, drawing interest from locals who had the chance to operate the device themselves. Project organizers shared insights on how the Divya machine aims to ease laundry challenges in underserved communities worldwide. The initiative’s focus on sustainability and accessibility took center stage, leaving attendees with a deeper understanding of how simple technology can make a global impact.
A worldwide effort is underway to reduce the burden of washing clothes by hand for billions who lack easy access to water or electricity. The Washing Machine Project, in partnership with the Whirlpool Foundation, is distributing the Divya, a manually operated washing machine invented by Dr. Nav Sawhney. An estimated 5.6 billion people, mostly women and girls, spend up to 20 hours a week on laundry, a task that limits their educational and work opportunities. The Divya offers a low-tech, practical solution, aiming to change lives in underserved communities where traditional washing machines are simply out of reach. You can donate to The Washing Machine Project here.
A groundbreaking solution is easing laundry burdens in remote and displaced communities. The Divya Washing Machine, the world’s first flat-packable manual washer, is designed for real-world challenges and everyday needs. It features a sturdy stainless-steel build and a simplified mechanism, ensuring durability and easy maintenance. Its latest iteration addresses direct user feedback, incorporating a wider lid for bulkier laundry, an integrated scrubber for tough stains, faster water drainage, and stronger wheels for easy mobility. The Divya reduces water use by half and slashes laundry time by 75 percent, demonstrating the power of thoughtful innovation shaped by the people who rely on it most.
Village Home Store said in a Facebook post, “Thank you to everyone to stopped into the store Saturday for our washout event! We love seeing the streets busy outside and our store full of our caring community. Full recap soon but we had to share a few scenes from the day. You can still donate and learn more about this cause here: https://www.thewashingmachineproject.org/donate.”
