Content by: Darshika Kumari
According to CSUSM (California State University San Marcos), "Sustainable menstruation refers to the use of alternative products during one's menstrual cycle for the benefit of the body and earth. "
WHY SHOULD I NOT USE MY DISPOSABLE PADS?
Waste generation - The UK alone generates 200,000 tonnes of menstrual waste every year.
Plastic products are non-biodegradable - Menstrual products and their packaging are largely made of plastic which end up in landfills or in the oceans where it takes hundreds of years to decompose.
Chemicals that harm the body -Technological advances have led to the use of flexible plastic as backsheets and applicators to make it leak proof and different chemical fragrances to overpower the smell of blood.
WHAT DO I SWAP MY PRODUCTS WITH?
Menstrual cups - They are flexible, funnel-shaped cups usually made of silicone that collect menstrual blood. They can last for around 10 years and hold more blood than other methods.
Reusable pads - They are usually made of cloth to collect menstrual blood and are the closest alternative to sanitary napkins. They can last for a year or two. Say goodbye to the itchiness caused by plastic products.
Period underwear - They seem like regular underwear but are made of absorbent materials that contains a moisture-wicking fabric made up of thousands of small filaments and extra layers to absorb the menstrual blood.
HOW ARE REUSABLE PRODUCTS ANY BETTER?
The lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic saw a crisis for menstrual products in India and as few as 15% of girls had access to sanitary pads. This wasn't just a problem in a developing country like India but also in the USA and the UK. Sanitary pads and tampons are fairly new in the market but have huge profit incentives. However, sustainable menstrual products break the supply chain and solve the problems relating to accessibility of the products. Besides, they are economical and are especially beneficial for women in developing countries who are unable to afford disposable pads and tampons. Cloth pads are identical to the traditional methods of using cloth or other adsorbents.
Commercial pads replaced the traditionally used cloth with a promise of comfort, convenience and hygiene. However, sustainable products can also provide the same when used properly and cleaned regularly. Every girl going through periods knows that wearing plastic is not comfortable. Cloth pads also come with wings that help keep them in place. Use of sustainable products can also help solve the problem of period poverty.
"Menstrual equity is not a choice or a luxury. It is a human right and health right." - Grace Meng (D-NY).
HOW CAN SUSTAINABLE MENSTRUATION BE PROMOTED?
Many women are unaware about these products and hence far from making an informed choice. The government and monies like "Pad-man" have also actively promoted disposable pads to ensure menstrual hygiene. But, we fail to realize that the reason behind poor hygiene is not the cloth but the fact that it is not washed properly and dried under the sun. Sunlight is important to get rid of bacteria. Cloth pads have always been the better option. Women should be made aware of all available options.
There are numerous myths and misconceptions regarding menstruation. This is mainly because menstruation is a taboo. Women feel ashamed and try to hide period stains. They try to hide stains, the smell, as well as their products (in a newspaper and black plastic carry bag). This is the reason that they do not deny their cloth products in the sun which leads to poor hygiene. Menstrual education is hence very important to eliminate such taboos and help women understand their body and cycle better.
"Menstruation is the only blood that is not born from violence, yet it's the one that disgusts you the most." - Maia Schwartz.
Several NGOs, government organizations and others distribute disposable pads to help women in need. While this is very nobel, we can make an effort to distribute sustainable products over disposable ones which are useful for women for a longer period of time and also free of toxins.
Using sustainable menstrual products is the same as using metal/ glass straws instead of plastic ones. It is the same as using copper bottles instead of plastic ones.
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