How to be Environment Friendly in your periods?
“I hate the environment!” says a much-loved female comic in the beginning of an online video for menstrual cup. It’s the perfect statement to get everyone’s attention, isn’t it? Whether you are a rallying eco-warrior or a sympathetic couch potato, the fact is that no matter what our slogans and posters say, our actions only reflect a hatred for the planet. Why else will we continue to use plastic containing pads when alternatives were invented in the last century? I wish I could say that we are doing the best we can. I wish I could say the alternative is expensive, so I can’t make the switch. I wish I could say that it’s not medically advisable, but multiple studies would be there to contradict me. So why do we not switch to eco friendly options? Before we answer that question, let's answer some related questions that might be on your minds.
What is wrong with the existing products I am using?
If you are using any of the commercially available pads out there, these pads require plastic, cellulose gum and a highly absorbent material called SAP to make them the wonderfully absorbent leak proof things that they are. Problem is that even after being used and disposed of, they continue to exist, for 400-800 years! They continue to pollute our rivers, oceans, soils and one of the most common products blocking our sewerage system other than diapers.
What’s the alternative?
Honestly? The best alternative would be to use a menstrual cup. It’s made of medical grade silicone (sourced from rubber plant), it is reusable for 3-5 years, it is cost effective & affordable. It uses a minimum amount of water to manufacture, use and clean.
So why don’t we make the switch?
First, of course is a lack of awareness, many women are not even aware about menstrual cups. Second, the menstrual cup, like every other good thing has become a victim of myths surrounding it. Fortunately the solution to both the problems is as simple as increasing education and awareness about the cup. Thanks to the internet, it is not entirely impossible to learn simple truths about the cup by just going through some good online videos & blogs.
What if I still don’t want to switch?
This is like asking for an alternative to the alternative! Fortunately, there are some good quality reusable cloth napkins and biodegradable sanitary pads available in the market. Just remember to check for the bio-compostability of the biodegradable pads!
What else can I do to make my periods environment friendly?
Dispose your regular pads in a disposal bag, ideally these pads should be incinerated if an incinerating pit is available in your region. If you are using a composting pit, you can put your biodegradable pads in it for composting.
To sum it up, periods are here to stay, and it is time that we start talking about sustainable menstruation. We need to reconsider and rework the way we manage our hygiene without causing damage to the planet. In addition, when we educate our young girls about periods and menstrual hygiene, we must also educate them about how to make their periods environment friendly.
