Login
More than half of the world’s female population falls under the adolescent and adult ages. This means almost ¼ th of the world’s population requires/consumes menstrual hygiene products on a regular basis. A period is a natural bodily function; thus, menstrual hygiene products fall under the category of survival essentials for women. But these products over the years have also cost the environment a heavy price. It is high time we recognize that our essentials are also contributing to the carbon load of the planet and try adopting eco-sensitive ways that not only save the planet from further harm but also provide the comfort and safety we require.
We aim to provide 360-degree approach for eco-friendly and sustainable menstruation through this article. From switching to eco-conscious brands to identifying organic compost sites, here is a list of things you can do to reduce the environment impact.
What is Eco-friendly Menstrual Care?
Disposable menstrual products, such as pads and tampons, are made from a variety of materials, including plastic, rayon, and cotton. These materials can take hundreds of years to decompose, and they often end up in landfills or incinerators. In addition to the environmental impact, disposable menstrual products can also be uncomfortable and expensive. That’s why more and more people are choosing to switch to eco-friendly menstrual products like reusable cotton pads, cotton period panties, or a cup.
If you’re looking for a more sustainable and comfortable way to manage your period, then eco-friendly menstrual products are a great option.
Switch to Eco-Conscious brands/products:
That said, we can’t deny the fact that some women still prefer the comfort and ease of access to a disposable pad. There are several brands that have opted to reduce their impact on environment by adapting recycled raw materials and eco-friendly processes. As the saying goes “it is the little drops that make an ocean.” Hence, while switching to sustainable menstrual products like reusable cotton pads is tops the list, you would still be reducing the environmental impact by merely making a switch to an eco-conscious brand for disposable pads. Every little bit helps!
Use Bio-degradable disposal bags
Not just for menstrual waste, switching to biodegradable disposal can help reducing the environmental impact as these bags are produced using plant-based materials and take less time to decompose unlike plastic bags that take hundreds of years and can still harm the planet by disturbing the biodiversity.
Choose products with eco-friendly Packaging
When shopping for menstrual hygiene products, choose products with eco-friendly packaging, such as those made from recycled materials, biodegradable materials, or minimal packaging. Opting for sustainable packaging helps reduce waste and promotes a healthier planet. Finally, here’s a list of eco-friendly menstrual products you can make a note of before your next monthly purchase.
Eco-friendly Menstrual Products – A List
Eco-friendly menstrual products are made from sustainable materials, such as organic cotton, bamboo, and hemp. They are also reusable, which means that they can save you money in the long run.
There are a variety of eco-friendly menstrual products available, including:
- Menstrual cups: Menstrual cups are made of silicone or rubber and can be worn inside the vagina. They can hold up to 24 hours of menstrual fluid, and they only need to be emptied and cleaned once or twice a day. These are available in different sizes to suit women of different age groups.
- Reusable pads: Reusable pads are made from cloth or bamboo and can be washed and reused. They are just as absorbent as disposable pads, and they can be customized to fit your body.
- Period underwear: Period underwear is made from absorbent fabric and can be worn like a regular pair of underwear. They are leak-proof and can hold up to two tampons worth of fluid.
What is the Impact?
There are many benefits to using eco-friendly menstrual products. Here are a few of the most important ones:
- Environmental impact: Eco-friendly menstrual products are better for the environment than disposable products. They don’t contribute to landfills or incinerators, and they can save you money in the long run.
- Comfort: Eco-friendly menstrual products can be more comfortable than disposable products. They’re made from breathable materials that can help to reduce odor and irritation.
- Convenience: Eco-friendly menstrual products can be more convenient than disposable products. They don’t need to be changed as often, and they can be washed and reused.
So, what are you waiting for? Make the switch to eco-friendly menstrual products and practices today!