There is a pressing need for safe and effective menstrual products that not only promote health and hygiene but also align with responsible environmental practises
As we make strides towards healthier and more hygienic menstrual practises in India, it is crucial to consider the significant environmental risks associated with traditional disposable sanitary pads.
While disposable pads have undeniably played a pivotal role in driving awareness and supporting women to manage their menstrual health safely and hygienically, they come with their own set of concerns, both in terms of health and the environment.
In India, there are approximately 355 million menstruating women. Astonishingly, a third of females aged 13 to 24 still rely on outdated and potentially unsafe alternatives, such as household rags and unsterilised cotton, for managing their menstrual hygiene.
This practise not only increases the risk of infections and poor hygiene but also leaves them vulnerable to embarrassing staining issues.
The prevalence of these less-than-ideal alternatives highlights the pressing need for safe and effective menstrual products that not only promote health and hygiene but also align with responsible environmental practises.
Disposable pads have indeed provided a level of menstrual hygiene support, especially in regions where access to safe and affordable options was limited, granting women the independence to manage their periods with dignity.
However, it is essential to acknowledge that numerous studies have pointed out the long-term health issues and environmental hazards associated with continuous disposable pad usage. In light of this, wherever possible, individuals are encouraged to make the switch to safe, reusable cloth pads.
The dream for all of us is to collectively reduce the ecological footprint left behind by disposable options while simultaneously promoting the well-being of women during their menstrual cycles.
Understanding Sustainable Menstruation
Sustainable menstruation calls for a shift to alternative products that are not only beneficial for women's health but also environmentally responsible in terms of manufacturing and disposal. This movement recognises the adverse effects of traditional menstruation products on the environment and strives to protect our landfills and oceans from excessive pollution.
Educating women on the benefits of these sustainable products and ensuring easy access for all is needed to ensure responsible uptake of sustainable menstrual health products. To effect real change, efforts should be made on a broad scale so that every menstruating woman can procure these products and is well-informed about their proper usage and disposal.
The Healthier Choice: Cloth Pads
Cloth pads offer a healthier alternative that has been overlooked for far too long. Conventional practises of using cloth during menstruation, while accessible, pose health risks due to the often-unclean fabrics that can harbour bacteria. The lack of proper padding leads to leakages and clothing stains.
Many commercial silicon pads contain chlorine-bleached fibres, releasing dioxin, a toxic pollutant with long-term health implications. In contrast, cloth pads are made from natural materials like cotton and fibre, offering comfort, breathability, and minimal risk of rashes, itching, or infections. They are cost-effective, with a set of ten quality cloth pads lasting up to five years or more.
Eco-consciousness: The Way Forward
Disposable pads take up to 800 years to break down in landfills, contaminating the environment for generations. In contrast, cloth pads are not only gentle on your body but also have a significantly lower environmental impact, as they are washable and reusable.
Embracing sustainable menstruation educates women, preserves their health, reduces their ecological footprint, and saves them money. The dream for us all is to gradually shift towards reusable cloth pads, thus diminishing the ecological impact left behind by disposable alternatives.
(Advaitesha Birla is the founder of Ujaas.)