Target 1: Good Health and Well-being

Ensuring a healthy lifestyle and promoting the well-being of people of all ages is crucial for sustainable development. Countries have made significant progress in increasing life expectancy and reducing common diseases that lead to maternal and infant mortality. There have been major advancements in strengthening the provision of clean water and sanitation facilities, as well as in eliminating the transmission of malaria, tuberculosis, polio, and HIV/AIDS. However, there is still a need to double efforts to eradicate a range of diseases and address various persistent and emerging health issues.

We deeply recognize that women with visual impairments face numerous unique and complex challenges during their menstrual cycles. These challenges not only affect their physiological health management but also have negative impacts on their psychological well-being and social adaptability. Therefore, our primary goal is to address their difficulties in self-assessing whether they are in their menstrual cycle and in changing sanitary products in a timely manner.

Specifically, research indicates that women with visual impairments often lack effective information and tools to monitor their physiological cycles, leading to feelings of anxiety and confusion in their daily lives. Considering that women typically experience about 400 menstrual cycles throughout their lives, addressing this issue is particularly urgent and important. Our project will focus on developing a range of innovative technologies and services aimed at helping women with visual impairments accurately identify their menstrual cycles and appropriately schedule the replacement of sanitary products.

Within the framework of the global Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), health services are regarded as one of the fundamental objectives, directly related to the quality of life and dignity of all humanity. The health products developed by our project closely align with the United Nations’ sustainable development ideals, emphasizing both the accessibility and equity of health services while advocating for gender equality and inclusive development. This means that our solutions not only provide technical support for women with visual impairments but also create an environment that enhances their confidence, independence, and social participation.

By integrating technological innovation, educational training, and social support, we hope to empower women with visual impairments with greater autonomy and choices, thereby improving their physiological health conditions. We believe that only through multi-faceted collaboration and continuous effort can we achieve true health equity, enhance the quality of life for women with visual impairments, and further promote sustainable development in society.

Target 2: Gender Equality

Although countries have made progress in gender equality based on the Millennium Development Goals (including gender equality in primary education), women and girls around the world continue to face discrimination and violence. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right but also a necessary foundation for global peace, prosperity, and sustainable development. Empowering women and girls through education, healthcare, decent work, and participation in political and economic decision-making will promote sustainable economic development and benefit society and humanity as a whole.

This project aims to deeply promote the understanding and education of menstrual health for all humanity, with a particular focus on disseminating health knowledge among visually impaired women to ensure that this group receives comprehensive and easily understandable health information. During the implementation of the project, we wrote several popular science articles about women’s health and hygiene knowledge, aiming to communicate physiological information that women may not be very familiar with. These articles not only detail the physiological mechanisms of menstruation but also delve into the psychological and social factors related to women’s health, ensuring that women can effectively cope with the challenges posed by their menstrual cycles while understanding their own health conditions.

Additionally, we actively educate the male population about the basic knowledge of menstruation, explaining its physiological nature and regularity in an effort to break down the gender discrimination and biases surrounding this natural physiological phenomenon. This educational work not only helps to eliminate misunderstandings about women’s physiological characteristics but also enhances men's empathy and support for women’s health issues.

To further understand societal awareness of menstruation, we conducted in-depth interviews with groups of different ages and genders. The results showed that only about 25% of people truly understand the menstrual cycle. This finding highlights the importance and urgency of education and popular science efforts related to menstrual health, indicating that we still need to put in more effort to eliminate ignorance and prejudice.

It is worth mentioning that our project is closely related to the concept of gender equality outlined in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Specifically, SDG Goal 5 emphasizes the importance of achieving gender equality and empowering all women and girls. Through this series of humanistic practice activities, we aim to enhance public understanding of menstruation and eliminate the stereotypes associated with it, thereby laying a foundation for the realization of gender equality. We believe that education about menstrual health is not only an important part of women's rights but also a crucial factor for the overall health development of society. Through these efforts, we hope to create a more inclusive and understanding environment in society where everyone can freely discuss and learn about menstruation, promoting attention and support for women’s health.

Through these comprehensive measures, our goal is to encourage policymakers, educators, and community leaders to participate together in promoting the widespread adoption of menstrual health education, making it an important aspect of promoting gender equality and social progress. We believe that only when all sectors of society value and actively participate in menstrual health education can we truly achieve the ideal of gender equality.

Target 3: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure

In many countries, investment in infrastructure such as transportation, irrigation, energy, and information and communication technology is crucial for sustainable development and community empowerment. It has long been recognized that to enhance productivity as well as health and education levels, investment in infrastructure is necessary. With the acceleration of growth and urbanization, there is also a need to continue investing in sustainable infrastructure to strengthen urban resilience to climate change while promoting economic growth and social stability. In addition to government funding and official development assistance, we also encourage the private sector to support countries that require financial, technological, and skills resources.

This project innovatively introduces self-developed terpenoid compound molecules and reverse osmosis membrane technology based on existing daily necessities in the market, such as sanitary napkins and laundry detergents, aiming to provide a more humane user experience for visually impaired women. Specifically, the product utilizes a fragrance release mechanism to remind users to change their sanitary napkins in a timely manner, effectively addressing the special needs during menstruation. This innovation not only fully leverages the mature industrial chain and commodity market but also successfully achieves an organic combination of creativity and technology, endowing daily necessities with new functions and values.

According to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDG), particularly Goal 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure), which emphasizes the importance of promoting sustainable industrialization and driving innovation, the project is committed to developing inclusive and sustainable products to meet the needs of various users, especially marginalized groups. By integrating innovative concepts into the technology industry, we not only enhance the practical functionality of the products but also strengthen their structural innovation, embodying the core idea of sustainable development.

Moreover, this project not only focuses on the practicality of the products but also fully considers social responsibility. By meeting the specific needs of visually impaired women, it promotes awareness and support for marginalized groups. This user-centered design philosophy and technological application are key to achieving sustainable development goals. We believe that by integrating innovative elements into products, we can drive sustainable progress in society and set new benchmarks for future product development, highlighting the company’s commitment to social responsibility and environmental protection.

During the implementation process, we will actively collaborate with relevant institutions and organizations to promote knowledge sharing and the dissemination of best practices. This will not only help to advance the further development of technology but also enhance the overall resilience and sustainability of the industrial chain. Through this collaborative model, we hope to lead industry transformation and contribute our strength to global sustainable development.

Target 4: Ensuring Sustainable Consumption and Production Patterns

Sustainable consumption and production refers to promoting the efficient use of resources and energy, building sustainable infrastructure, and providing everyone with access to basic public services, engaging in green and decent work, and improving quality of life. Its implementation contributes to achieving overall development plans, reducing future economic, environmental, and social costs, enhancing economic competitiveness, and reducing poverty.

Sustainable consumption and production aim to "reduce consumption, increase output, and improve quality," meaning that while enhancing quality of life, it seeks to increase the net welfare benefits of economic activities by reducing resource consumption, environmental degradation, and pollution throughout the entire lifecycle. This process requires the participation of multiple stakeholders, including businesses, consumers, policymakers, researchers, scientists, retailers, media, and development cooperation agencies.

Sustainable consumption and production also call for systematic participation and cooperation among all actors in the supply chain from production to final consumption. This includes educating consumers to adopt sustainable consumption and lifestyles, providing consumers with sufficient information through standards and labels, and engaging in sustainable public procurement, among other efforts.

• 1. Raw Material Perspective
  This project aims to promote sustainable consumption and production patterns, particularly in response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically Goal 12—ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. The terpenoid compounds we utilize are derived from renewable plant resources, extracted through the biological extraction of essential oils and fragrances. This method not only aligns with the principles of sustainable development but also provides society with more environmentally friendly and effective choices.

The core of the biological extraction technology lies in its efficient use of the extractable parts of plants, allowing for the maximum yield of fragrance materials with minimal raw material input. Compared to traditional chemical extraction methods, biological extraction technology demonstrates significant advantages in several aspects. First, it effectively reduces negative impacts on the environment, lowers chemical waste emissions, and promotes sustainable management of plant resources. Second, although the processes involved in biological extraction are relatively complex, the final essential oil products are characterized by safety and non-toxicity, benefiting human health.

To ensure the safety and environmental friendliness of the products, we conducted model experiments on aroma diffusion range and fragrance impact in the Drylab. The results indicated that the presence of the product does not have a negative impact on the environment. Furthermore, based on an in-depth study of bioethics, we pay close attention to the potential environmental impacts during the experimental process, ensuring that our research and production processes do not harm the ecosystem. These measures not only meet the requirements of SDG Goal 12 but also reflect our high regard for ecological responsibility.

The project also effectively replaces synthetic chemicals with natural ingredients, significantly reducing the risk of chemical pollution. The damage caused by chemical pollution to the environment is irreversible, making the use of sustainable plant materials and safe extraction methods especially important. This not only helps protect the ecological environment but also enhances public awareness and acceptance of eco-friendly products, thereby driving society towards a more sustainable direction.

To enhance the inclusivity of the project, we actively collaborate with local communities and relevant stakeholders to ensure that the opinions and needs of all parties are fully considered during the project implementation. By hosting workshops and communication activities, we hope to raise public awareness of sustainable consumption and production patterns, encouraging more people to participate in sustainable development practices. Additionally, we strive to provide equal access to eco-friendly products for consumers from different socio-economic backgrounds, ensuring that no group is overlooked in the pursuit of sustainable development.

In summary, our project combines biological extraction technology with renewable plant resources, actively responding to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and promoting the realization of sustainable consumption and production patterns. We are committed to making a positive contribution to environmental protection and human health, while emphasizing inclusivity and social responsibility to foster broader sustainable development.

• 2. Sanitary Pad Usage Efficiency
  Through effective olfactory cues, visually impaired women can better manage their use of sanitary pads, thereby reducing unnecessary waste and alleviating the burden of waste disposal. This innovation not only has practical environmental benefits but also actively promotes the achievement of Goal 12 in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which aims to ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns.

Specifically, through our in-depth interviews and research, we found that visually impaired women often begin using sanitary pads several days before their menstrual period to avoid the social embarrassment of an unexpected onset. This habit usually lasts for 1 to 3 days, resulting in significant unnecessary waste of sanitary pads, which affects their quality of life and places a burden on the environment. Against this backdrop, our project proposes an innovative solution that utilizes terpenoid compounds attached to underwear from laundry detergents. These compounds can release fragrances when menstruation begins, reminding visually impaired women to change their sanitary pads, effectively preventing a lot of unnecessary waste.

Moreover, due to their inability to see the status of sanitary pad usage during their menstrual cycle, visually impaired women often need to change pads more frequently to avoid leakage. This additional frequency not only leads to material waste but also imposes an environmental burden. Therefore, our product incorporates reverse osmosis membrane technology between different layers of the sanitary pad, which not only helps visually impaired women identify whether they need to change pads but also improves the efficiency of pad use, significantly reducing environmental impact.

This innovation is not only a response to the actual needs of visually impaired women but also a positive practice of the sustainable development concept. Our goal is to enhance the autonomy and dignity of visually impaired women in managing their physiological health by promoting more sustainable consumption patterns, ensuring they feel safe and comfortable during their menstrual cycles. This effort not only helps reduce resource waste but also fosters social awareness and participation in gender equality and inclusive development, ensuring that everyone can achieve sustainable consumption and production in their lives.

• 3. Sustainability of Packaging Materials
  The project is expected to use biodegradable or recyclable packaging materials, significantly enhancing its environmental friendliness and sustainability. This initiative not only aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), specifically the requirement to "ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns," but also emphasizes our commitment to environmental responsibility. According to SDG Goal 12, there is a global need to shift toward more sustainable lifestyles, reducing resource consumption and waste generation. Our project will actively participate in this transformation through innovative design and material selection, promoting the development of a green economy.

During the implementation of the project, we conducted thorough research on reverse osmosis membrane technology, which is key to the fragrance release in our sanitary pad products. The materials of the reverse osmosis membrane are adjustable, and after in-depth discussions with materials science experts, we decided to replace the base material of the membrane with biodegradable materials. This decision not only enhances the environmental attributes of the product but also ensures friendliness towards users and the environment during actual use.

Additionally, our sanitary pad packaging will feature a recyclable design, further reducing resource waste and encouraging consumers to engage in environmentally friendly actions. This design considers not only the functionality of the product but also reflects a commitment to sustainable consumption, advocating for a more responsible consumption model. Through such innovations, we aim to provide users with high-quality products while contributing to broader sustainable development goals, fostering social inclusion and harmonious environmental development.

• 4. Education and Awareness
  The project intentionally integrates environmental awareness education during its promotion process. We promote our project, iGEM, and synthetic biology through a series of research, outreach, and activities. In this process, we particularly emphasize the dissemination and practice of environmental protection concepts. Our goal is to enable the general public not only to gain an in-depth understanding of our project but also to personally experience the importance of environmental protection and its profound impact on individuals and society. For example, in the product design phase, we prioritize the selection of sustainable materials and use plant essential oil extraction methods. These practices aim to minimize negative impacts on the environment. The choice of these materials not only enhances the ecological friendliness of our products but is also closely linked to promoting menstrual and gender equality. We firmly believe that raising public awareness of environmental protection is key to achieving these goals.

Through our outreach and activities, the public will subconsciously absorb environmental protection concepts, thereby enhancing their environmental awareness and sense of responsibility. We hope they can recognize the recyclability of materials and the importance of protecting the environment, which not only directly affects individual quality of life but also concerns the living environment for future generations. We advocate for the concept of sustainable consumption, encouraging consumers to pay more attention to eco-friendly products in their daily lives, gradually fostering good social habits.

Our project is not only dedicated to scientific research and technological innovation but also seeks a balance between social responsibility and ecological protection. We hope to attract more people to actively participate in environmental protection actions through diverse promotional methods and interactive activities. By collaborating with various sectors, including schools, communities, and businesses, we strive to create a more sustainable and inclusive future. We believe that only through widespread social participation can environmental awareness truly take root in people's hearts, achieving a harmonious coexistence between individuals and the environment, as well as society and ecology. In this way, we hope to build a society where everyone can contribute to environmental protection, embedding the concept of sustainable development into the lives of every individual.