As a woman, if you’ve been a consumer of disposable sanitary pads for the most part of your menstruating life, you would be aware of the ill effects that pads can have not only on your health but now to the environment.
Every year in India more than 6%, of non–biodegradable waste, without even realizing it, is generally composed of disposable menstrual products.
This waste generated has given rise to numerous environmental as well as health problems – which is a cause for concern. Women, either due to lack of knowledge of sustainable period products or due to not being introduced to it, have not yet made the switch to eco-friendly menstrual products.
At one point in time women were compelled to buy disposable sanitary napkins or tampons. Having to spend a lot of money every month on such menstrual products, which would often end up being burnt (releasing carcinogenic fumes) or pilling up in landfills, women have now opted for and have begun relying on reusable pads as well as other sustainable menstrual products during their period.
These products have proven to be cost-effective and have an added advantage of being biodegradable, hence proves to be beneficial to the environment.
And therefore as a woman, having knowledge of sustainable menstruation is important, as it incorporates the use of environmental-friendly menstrual products, which has changed women’s perspective of what comfortable periods should feel like.
These period products have taken the world by storm and have put women’s minds at ease, giving them the comfort needed while making them feel much happier during their time of the month.
Here are some ways to make your period better for the environment.
Types of sustainable menstrual products and their advantages:
1 Reusable cloth pads
When you think of these pads, worries that comes to mind include whether these pads would leave stains behind and are they hygienic since they are reusable pads.
To put your mind at ease, we assure you that Avni Safepads, India’s first antimicrobial cloth pads firstly do not leave stains behind as you can rinse it to rid it of the menstrual discharge and then wash them just like clothes by popping it into the washing machine.
In addition, they are 100% hygienic as the fabric is treated with layers of anti-microbial properties that do not decrease over time. Whether or not you use Avni Safepads or not, regular cloth pads are as hygienic as your underwear – simply wash normally and dry thoroughly before use. If you can dry your pads in the sun at least once during your cycle, you can be assured of hygiene.
2 Menstrual cups
If you’ve used tampons before you’ll find it easier transitioning to menstrual cups. Inserting it into the vaginal opening is a bit tricky at first but on getting the hang of it, this will be your go-to menstrual product. Being eco-friendly and definitely cost-effective these period cups are made of medical-grade, platinum cured silicone.
All you need to know are 4 easy steps- inserting, removing, emptying the menstrual fluid, washing the cup thoroughly. After which you’re all done and ready for your next cycle.
3 Cotton Disposable Pad
In some cases women find it difficult to face blood and therefore they would prefer disposing off pads, rather than using products which would include washing or emptying, therefore cotton disposable pads have been developed.
Being made of bio-degradable material they can be disposed of perfectly without worrying about being a hazard to the environment. Since they are made of cotton, they are ultra-absorbent yet super thin, and many brands offer pads that contain no dioxins or added perfumes or chlorine which are added to some plastic-based sanitary pads. And to top it all off, being made of fabric it is irritation-free and poses no infection.
An initiative for change
Youth have become vocal about environmental impacts and hence have now become supportive of new avenues and ventures. During this time of global crisis it is the need of the hour that we become aware and take extra care and precaution in not only keeping in mind our health and well being, but also prioritizing our planet earth.
Incorporating sustainable menstruation will prove to be beneficial to everyone in the long run. And hence women should be encouraged to transition from using pads and tampons, to adopt sustainable menstrual products like menstrual cups or reusable pads which can reduce the amount of menstrual waste generated per year.
With introduction to new technology, menstrual products too have been evolving to be better suited to the environment as well as to provide improved health benefits to women in the long run.
Advocating for sustainable menstruation by promoting the use of reusable products such as cloth menstrual pads, menstrual cups and period underwear, and also sustainably-produced biodegradable disposable products can improve the quality of life.
Keeping up such practices can considerably reduce the waste generated by disposable products (tampons and pads) which are produced by non-biodegradable materials.
In doing so, we can opt for products which are made locally. Since the products are produced locally therefore they would take a shorter duration to reach you, in addition, you would be encouraging and supporting businesses within the country.
You would save on a lot if you invest in menstrual products especially if they’re produced and supplied within your vicinity or in neighboring states.
Avni, one of the most reliable brands in India for sustainable menstrual products assures you a safe and comfortable period if you change to sustainable period products. It is time to become conscious and to spread awareness, in order to be the change we want to see in the world.
