The consequences of choosing convenience over conscience
A look at commercial menstrual products, it’s adverse impact and their sustainable counterparts
In this fast-paced world where we have no time to pause and think of anything but our own lives, we often choose products and services that conveniently fit into this lifestyle. However, have you ever stopped to consider what happens to it after use? Its after life? If you answered no, then you are not alone!
Through this blog, we want to discuss and shed some light on one such product, The Sanitary napkins.
Sanitary napkins have made our lives so much easier, haven’t they? Just use it, wrap it and toss it in the bin. Convenient, right? Well, not exactly!
Commercial pads and tampons are made out of non-biodegradable materials that contribute to a significant amount of plastic waste. In addition, they take roughly 500–800 years to disintegrate. As a result, they end up contaminating the water bodies and stay in the landfills.
Wait, this is not the only negative consequence of the disposable pads. There’s more:
- Experts and doctors suggest that the toxins in these menstrual products can harm your health with prolonged usage.
- Sanitary workers are affected by this too! When the blood-soaked pads are left out in the open, there are chances of it becoming a super spreader of viral or bacterial infections. When the sanitary workers come in contact with this as a part of the disposal process, it puts their health at risk, and they become susceptible to severe infections.
- Animals also suffer the consequences. Due to the poor and unhygienic methods of stained pad disposal, animals are exposed to the risk of swallowing or consuming it.
Heartbreaking, isn’t it?
So, what are the alternatives?
There are a variety of sustainable and eco-friendly menstrual product options available in the market today. Here are a few of them:
Menstrual cups: This has gained popularity among the menstruating community. These silicone cups are flexible and give up to 12 hours of leak-proof protection. In addition, they are reusable and can last you close to 9–10 years.
Reusable pads: Also known as cotton pads are one of the most easy to use and eco-friendly alternatives. While the usage is similar to the regular pads, these are made of skin-friendly materials and can be washed and reused.
Period Panties: These are just like your regular panties. The only difference is that they come with additional built-in layers. Many women have suggested this to be one of the most comfortable and best alternative.
The Sea Sponge: Not much spoken about, but the sea sponge, also known as the menstrual sponge, is made from natural resources from the ocean and can be reused for close to six months.
So ladies, what are you waiting for? Let’s not let convenience take over our conscience.
It’s about time we took a step towards transitioning to sustainable alternatives, PERIOD.
To learn more about this topic, head to Spotify and check out the podcast episode where we spoke to Sreepriya Sridharan, a podcaster and circular economy advocate, about her campaign — #PeriodForChange, sustainable alternatives and the need to raise awareness about menstruation and more.
Reference:
https://www.youthkiawaaz.com/2020/11/the-bastardization-of-menstruation-in-india/
