Time and again, we have spoken, read and discussed a zillion times about menstruation. Right from knowing about the menstrual cycle to menstruation hygiene tips, we have discussed it all. Moreover, we have also learnt about the using of the new revolutionary menstruation sanitary pads and how the women from our rural areas still use cloth during their periods. Stayfree, whisper, carefree, sofy, etc. are some of the most commonly known sanitary pads that we come across in the market and that are also seen repeatedly on the ads on our television. Yes, these pads are great to use, extremely hygienic and helps prevent staining. But what we don’t know is that these pads are not bio-degradable. They do not decompose and simply happen to stay on the face of earth forever.

Out of 160 tonnes of total garbage that is produced in every city, a total of 90 tonnes is just sanitary waste including sanitary pads and diapers. According to an estimate, India produces 1,13,000 tonnes of menstrual waste alone, annually. This waste is considered a biomedical waste which is dumped into landfills, and are one of the basic causes of life threatening diseases and infections. This looming garbage crisis has severe environmental effect which are not reversible. The rate at which such garbage is produced, it is difficult to imagine the healthy future of our planet or if we will continue to have Earth as our Planet at all. This is one of the very reasons why we need to understand and slowly change into Sustainable menstruation options. But what is Sustainable menstruation?

Biodegradable Pads

Sustainable Menstruation

Using products such as She Cups or the Menstrual cups, sanitary pads that are 100% biodegradable or the healthy re-usable pads that don’t lead to environmental wastes is considered as sustainable menstruation.

A very less percentage of people use sanitary pads during their menstruation. And, an even lesser percentage uses bio-degradable sanitary pads that completely decompose when incinerated. However, the lack of knowledge and access to the right products causes women to use old tattered cloth pieces during their periods which leads them to a number of health conditions, also cervical cancer.

However, in addition to the various small organizations and NGOs that have been working to create an awareness about sustainable menstruation, the Indian Government initiated a major campaign by launching biodegradable sanitary pads at a minimal price of Rs 2.50 per pad on the eve of World Menstrual Hygiene Day. These pads will be made available at all the Janaushadi centers from May 28th, 2018, thus giving a boost and supporting the humble cause of saving our planet and also ensuring menstrual hygiene to every woman in the country.

Why Change to Sustainable Menstruation Products?

– These products are chemical free and have no harmful effect on our body, unlike the regular sanitary pads that contain chemicals such as Dioxin and Rayon which lead to cancer.

– Sanitary pads with added fragrance that help you avoid menstruation odor, lead to infertility and also birth defects.

– The cotton used in regular sanitary pads are possible carriers of pesticides and herbicides which if get into your bloodstream can lead to cancer.

– The sustainable menstruation pads decompose easily when buried in soil or burnt without causing environmental waste or pollution.

– Products like Menstrual cups and re-usable cloth pads may cost high compared to regular sanitary pads initially, but can be re-used for a longer time. Thus, costing you less money than the regular pads.

– These pads are healthy for you and also for our environment.

Eco-friendly Menstruation Products Available

The market today is booming with a variety of eco-friendly menstruation products, much thanks to the various NGOs and awareness spread among people via mails, messages and other sources. Today, you can easily get yourself a vivid range of re-usable pads that are 100% biodegradable in varying sizes for your differing menstrual flow. Some of these include: Soukhyam, Heydey, Saathi, Sakhi, Anandi and many more.

Apart from these biodegradable pads, you may also check out the menstrual cups available in different sizes and prize range. Starting from the much reasonably priced Silky Cup, the She Cup, V cup and the Rustic Art Menstrual Cups, you have a small but definitely good variety of Menstrual cups to choose from. And not to mention the re-usable cloth pads by Eco-Femme and other similar brands, they are something to look out for, especially if you want to choose sustainable menstruation products and do your bit for the environment.

Image Source: citizenmatters.in