#StopTheCrap Movement
DriButts is launching the #StopTheCrap Movement to raise awareness and funds to help reduce the amount of children that die from fecal related diseases. We are trying to raise $45,000 in just 60 days and this will allow us to make 3,000 DriButts diapers which will help over 1,500 families.
World …We Have A Problem
Did you know that 2,195 Children die everyday from Diarrhea. In 2013, 1.6 million children died from simple fecal related diseases in developing countries. 2.4 billion people live with access to proper sanitation. More people have access to cell phones than toilets and diapers.
Even if all those real-life stats from the CDC didn’t get your skin to crawl or make you extremely frustrated. Then, take the DriButts Challenge and take your baby or borrow a friend's baby and let them run around your house for a day with no diaper and no cleaning spray and see how safe you feel in your own home from fecal related diseases.
Why Babies Need Dributts
Diapers contain and control fecal matter from babies in the home and the local communities. Simple sanitation, hygiene and education will significantly reduce the risk of fecal related deaths and overall help the health of the communities in developing countries around the world. However, not just any diaper will work in developing countries. We need a unique diaper to work in the worst conditions around the world.
Dributts diaper was an idea that came from a need that Michael Wahl, founder of Dributts, saw while leading a mission trip in Haiti. He was working in a local village repairing wells and building latrines when he noticed the babies were naked. He saw the babies defecating in their homes, on their caretakers, by the food source, and by the water source. He knew the leading cause of sickness, disease, and death in third world countries is fecal matter. He had just built latrines for the adults and older children, but the babies could not use the latrines.
He returned with the idea to take diapers to Haiti. He did some research on diapers and learned that regular cloth diapers would not work because they were made of heavy materials such as fleece, cotton, and hemp. They
would be too hot, hold onto bacteria, and in the Haitian heat, would cause diaper rash and chaffing which could lead to infection and cause another problem. Disposable diapers would not work because of expense. He knew of Haitians washing and reusing disposable diapers until they fell apart.
Additionally, disposable diapers create a sanitation issue because they have no place to properly dispose of them. Michael talked with his wife and asked her for some ideas. After some brainstorming, they came up with the idea to try a dri-fit wicking material that is breathable. Michael then asked his wife, who did not know how to sew, to make some diapers. She referred him to a friend who has a home sewing business who makes cloth diapers. The friend was happy to help and developed a pattern for Dributts. She also made the first sets of diapers. When she got too busy with her business, she taught Starla, Michael’s wife, how to sew the diapers. Then Starla recruited some volunteers who did not know how to sew, and they learned how to make the diapers. Together they made over 700 diapers. Finally, Dributts found a manufacturer which has been a great help.
The DriButts Diaper Showing Off
This diaper was created to work in extreme environments with hot climates and where there is no running water or electricity. The diaper is breathable and lightweight which allows airflow. It not only absorbs urine, but also wicks away the moisture if the diaper is not changed right away.
The bamboo insert has natural antibacterial and antimicrobial properties so it helps prevent infection. It is adjustable and designed to fit a newborn through age two, and it may fit a small three year old. The diaper can be washed in a bucket with soap and water and should be hung up to dry. The outer shell dries in about twenty minutes, and the insert dries in about forty-five minutes. The diaper is reusable and lasts the baby through three years of age and, it can be used for multiple babies.
How Can You Get Involved
Donate
Join the #StopTheCrap Movement and help DriButts reach our goal of 3,000 diapers. This will change 1,500 families lives and help them control disease in their communities. All financial gifts are tax deductible.
Get Social
Share our campaign on social media and tell your community about what we are doing. The power of influence is your greatest super power. Please help us by telling everyone you know.
DriButts Gathering
The #StopTheCrap tour begins April 2 and runs through June 2. Check out the schedule and invite people to personally meet the DriButts team and hear our story. All locations and dates are listed below.