Did you know that one sanitary pad takes about 500 to 800 years to decompose! Naturally, the environmental hazards that come with all this plastic accumulation is a topic in itself. With our busy routine after we somehow dispose of the sanitary pads we never really think about what happens to it. For a little more perspective, one pad is equivalent to practically four plastic bags. With an approximate of 12.3 billion pads being generated each year for the past couple of decades imagine the environmental impact every year!
Environmental issues aside, most sanitary napkins contain certain chemicals, long-term exposure to which could lead to our body absorbing these harmful chemicals that are linked to heart diseases, poor reproductive health, diabetes, cancer and birth defects.
Now let us talk about a few environmental friendly and healthier options, which fortunately are available, today:
Menstrual cups
It is a small flexible funnel shaped cup made of rubber or silicon that you insert into the vagina to catch and collect period fluid. They can be re-used for years and have proven to be budget friendly. safer and eco friendly!
Cotton cloth napkins
Cotton cloth napkins when used hygienically are a healthier and an eco-friendly option unlike the more commonly used chemical and plastic-laden sanitary napkins. The cleaning process involved in its reuse might pose questions on its hygiene factor. However, cloth napkins, today, are technologically advanced to prevent leakage or any form of irritability or infection, made of soft, breathable fabric which prevents any sort of odour.
Napkins made of natural material
Another alternative are pads made from environmentally-friendly materials such as bamboo pulp, wood pulp or bamboo charcoal pads. These are highly absorbent and safe for your health as well as the environment.
It is important that we, both menstruating and non-menstruating persons, remain aware of the health and environmental effects of plastic-based sanitary products, in order to take and help take necessary steps towards a sustainable lifestyle. If you or those you know have made the switch, take some time out to educate your friends and/or family about the NEED to live sustainably and healthily. The rate at which climate change is proceeding this decision is no more a matter of choice but the ONLY OPTION. Let's take this very informed step to break the stigma associated with menstruation and bleed free!
While at it, let us also applaud the Scottish government for making period products free and dearly hope for other governments, too, to follow suit or let us say, fall in line; the time was yesterday but today, too, is welcome.
Here are some people making a difference, selling environmental-friendly menstrual products
https://mycarmesi.com/products/carmesi-eco-conscious-30-pads
https://ecofemme.org/
https://saathipads.com/collections/bamboo-fiber-pads