Hi there. I know menstruation can be a messy period for you (pun intended). However, that time of your month doesn’t have to be messy for the environment. Here are Top 5 eco-friendly menstrual products you should know about.
It is estimated that an average menstruating person throws away 250-300 pounds of used pads, plugs, and applicators in their lives. These items are made out of synthetic materials and chemicals. However, menstruating people go for these items simply because the alternative, healthy, eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products are lesser-known. The other reason could be the low availability of these products. People usually pick up whatever is available in the stores.
These products might be hygienic for you but they aren’t biodegradable, that is, they cannot be decomposed by the environment.
Top 5 eco-friendly menstrual products you should know about.
Sanitary waste is an environmental hazard. According to National Geographic, “Most American women will menstruate for about 40 years in total, bleeding for about five days a month, or about 2,400 days over the course of a lifetime—about six and a half years, all told.”
Since most of the disposable menstrual hygiene products are made out of plastic, they are bound to stay in the environment for a long time. With the world facing repercussions of pollution, 2020 has seen people adopt the concept of sustainable menstruation.
If you are already using eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products, you are contributing to reducing pollution. But, if you have been using disposable menstrual hygiene products, but are willing to make a change, worry not! Here we have a list of Top 5 eco-friendly menstrual hygiene products you should know about.
1. Menstrual cup
Being made out of silicone instead of plastic and very much reusable, menstrual cups have been preferred over pads and tampons by many women. A menstrual cup is a small funnel-shaped cup that is made out of rubber and silicone. It is seen as an effective alternative over pads and tampons as it is a reusable, affordable, and eco-friendly menstrual product. Menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina to collect the menstrual flow. It is claimed that menstrual cups can hold a larger amount of blood as compared to pads and tampons.
2. Period Panties
If you wish for some extra protection while on your period, then period panties might be just the thing for you. Period panties look just like regular underwear but they are specially designed to soak up blood. These panties have an extra layer present to stop blood from seeping through. They can be washed and reused. Period panties can help you through days when you have a lighter flow. They are a good eco-friendly menstrual hygiene product for those who do not want to wear a pad on lighter days. Period panties can be coupled with menstrual cups and tampons to provide extra protection on heavy flow days as well.
3. Reusable cloth pads
Unlike regular pads, these pads are made out of cotton. They are worn just like regular disposable pads except you can wash and use them again. These are an eco-friendly alternative to disposable pads as they are not made of synthetic material. You might need to change your pads 3-4 times a day to maintain proper hygiene. They are easily washable menstrual products and can be used up to 2 years. However, if you have a heavy period, you can use a normal pad on heavy flow days and switch to cloth pads on days with medium or light flow. This way you will be generating less waste and be saving up simultaneously.
4. Non-applicator tampons
Non-applicator tampons are just like regular tampons but without applicator. They are considered comparatively eco-friendly menstrual products as compared to regular tampons because they come without an applicator. Since tampons are one-time-use only, you will be generating more waste with an applicator. Since applicators are made of synthetic materials, they are non-biodegradable. By using non-applicator tampons, you will be generating less waste.
5. Oxy-biodegradable bags
We read about biodegradable and non-biodegradable menstrual hygiene products but, decomposable or not, we need to keep in mind the disposal of these products. Menstrual waste contains bodily fluids so we cannot just throw without covering them up. Therefore, to overcome this challenge, you can use oxy-biodegradable bags. These bags ensure the safe disposal of whatever menstrual hygiene products you may be using. Also, be sure to use the right bin!
As everyone has their own preferences based on comfort when it comes to selecting a suitable menstrual hygiene product. We hope this article helped you in finding out yours. These products are easily available in online stores like Peesafe.
If you liked Top 5 menstrual hygiene products you should know about, you can also check out Top 7 myths about menstruation that will blow your mind!
