The world is moving towards building a green environment, safer for people and other species to live in. In a country like India, the use and disposal of non-recyclable products make waste management a backbreaking task. Everything is wrapped in plastic today which is contributing to the killing of our planet. Every year, tonnes of plastic is dumped on the Earth’s surface and water bodies and sanitary pads are no exception.
Disposable sanitary pads are also medical waste and going eco-friendly in the choice of period products is necessary to ensure sustainable menstruation. According to the stats – 353 million women use sanitary products every year and generate 12.3 billion of menstrual waste which is increasing every minute. Several research reports also state that one sanitary napkin takes 500-800 years to decompose and that puts a huge burden on the planet. Menstruation waste disposal has become a serious environmental issue. There are a,
Few Eco-Friendly Options That Women Can Look For
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups have drastically changed the way women handle their periods. It is a cup inserted into the vagina to collect the period blood. It stays there for a couple of hours and women can remove it to empty the blood. Though these cups are made with silicone, it is washable and reusable which makes it eco-friendly than non-biodegradable sanitary napkins. One cup can last up to 10 years that means a good quality menstrual cup is a one-time investment that has less burden on the planet. If you’re planning or have recently shifted to menstrual cups, make sure you sterilize and disinfect them before every use.
Also, Read: What are Common Period Problems?
Period Panties
Period panties, also known as period underwear are gaining huge popularity these days. For women who are not comfortable with menstrual cups and at the same time, they need to be environmentally friendly during their periods, these panties could prove to be a better option for them. It is a zero-waste alternative to menstrual cups and non-biodegradable sanitary pads. Period panties are worn just like normal underwear. They absorb the blood just like a sanitary pad and can be washed and reused making your period environment friendly.
Cloth Pad
Let’s go back to the time when sanitary pads were not created and our grandmothers and probably mothers used to wear old cloth rags to absorb their natural flow. Though it was one of the most eco-friendly methods at that time, the cloth rags caused discomfort and rashes down there. Made on a similar idea, cloth pads are shaped just like disposable pads that can be hooked on the panties to make them stay in place. Cloth pads are eco-friendly as they can be washed and reused multiple times.
Eco-Friendly Tampons
Unlike regular tampons, eco-friendly tampons are made with organic cotton material. These tampons are biodegradable and let you manage your period not only comfortably but also in the most eco-friendly manner. Also known as organic tampons, they are apt for regular flow days and can be worn for up to 8 hours. Women using eco-friendly tampons should sterilize before reusing them.
Eco-Friendly Sanitary Napkins
Considering the impact of non-biodegradable sanitary napkins on the environment, many companies have started using eco-friendly materials for sustainable menstruation. They are equally comfortable as other period products and safe for the environment as well. Women using eco-friendly sanitary napkins can experience the same absorption as regular sanitary pads and reduce plastic waste in their surroundings. It is advised not to wear an eco-friendly sanitary napkin for more than 3-4 hours as longer than that can cause irritation and infections.
Summing Up
Investing in eco-friendly period products may seem expensive to many women at first. But, it is a long-term investment that costs close to negligible than regular non-biodegradable sanitary napkins. More than that, eco-friendly period products made with organic materials have less burden on the environment which is the need of the hour to save the planet from plastic wastes.
Also, Read: Why do Women Bloat During Periods?
