Okay, let’s be honest: few of us live truly sustainable lives, even if we’d like to. We generate a lot of waste in our day-to-day life. I know I do. I ordered something little on Amazon a few weeks ago, and it arrived in a large cardboard box with a lot of tape and paper. I quickly regretted it. I don’t even want to think of the fossil fuels used to bring this little item to my doorstep.
Since then, I’ve tried to reduce my consumption. The less we consume, the less we need to discard but of course, during our periods, we need an ample supply of pads and what makes these conventional pads so attractive is that it is more economical and easily available in stores.
I use a minimum of 20 pads a month. The average menstruating woman will use 5 to 15 thousand tampons or pads over her lifetime. So, of course, these numbers add up to a million tonnes of waste. Did you know conventional sanitary pads are made from up to 90% crude oil plastics, which are not compostable or biodegradable? Thankfully today, there are more and more ways to be sustainable with new product options and ways to effectively care for ourselves during menstruation as well as our environment. I switched to reusable cotton pads a few weeks ago. Here are 4 sustainable ways you can follow hygiene on your period:
1. Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are reusable feminine hygiene products. It’s a small, flexible funnel-shaped cup made of rubber or silicone that you place in your vagina to catch and collect period fluid. It may feel uncomfortable at first, similar to using a tampon, but it is actually extremely comfortable and convenient for both us and the environment.
These cups can hold more blood than other methods, so it is a popular environmentally friendly alternative to tampons and pads among many women. Depending on your flow, you can wear a cup for up to 12 hours, and these reusable menstrual cups last 6 months to 10 years with proper care, reducing environmental waste.
2. Reusable cloth pads
Reusable organic cloth pads are another way to go. The organic cotton material makes it safer and more comfortable, reducing chafing and rashes. You can wash it at home like any other garment. There are many organisations in India today that produce organic cloth pads, such as Eco Femme and Stone Soup. I’ve been using these and I’ve never been more comfortable on my period. Well, as comfortable as one can be.
3. Biodegradable tampons
Biodegradable tampons are also made from 100% organic cotton which makes it very comfortable and environmentally friendly. The products are dermatologically tested and contain no dyes, bleach, chlorine, or other chemical. Given how frequently we need to change our tampons, biodegradable tampons are the safer and better option.
4. Spread awareness about these sustainable practices
Spreading awareness on these new sustainable options can make a huge difference. I did not know much about menstrual cups and thought they would be extremely uncomfortable, but after conducting some research for this article and speaking with my coworkers, I realised that it is a comfortable and convenient option for both me and the environment.
Additionally, since conventional pads are economical and easily available, it would be beneficial if we could raise environmental awareness when speaking with young women experiencing period poverty. It is also important that when we donate, we provide them with organic alternatives or menstrual cups and clearly explain how they work.
