Menstrual products, that are the vital needs of billions of people all over the world, are the equalizers of the environment, although they are not noticed by everyone and has environmental impacts. The production, use, and destruction of these products have an enormous negative influence on the environment. Besides tampons and sanitary pads, there are also reusable ones which are eco-friendly. If menstruation is a necessity, it is only sustainable if women are consuming these products for 12,000 years. 

The Environmental Burden of Disposable Menstrual Products

Traditional menstrual products are mainly single-use and have a heavy plastic dependence; such are the beliefs of people. Sanitary pads, for instance, are made of up to 90% plastic, which includes the leak-proof layer of polyethylene and polyester fibers. Tampons, although smaller in size, are generally made of synthetic fibers like rayon and are usually, to name a few, sold with plastic applicators. These materials are unable to decay and therefore decay in landfills would take hundreds of years, has many environmental impacts.

On a worldwide scale, around 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are disposed of annually with a majority ending up at landfills or in the ocean as pollutants. Moreover, plastic garbage from sanitary products has also been detected in the oceans and has been eaten by marine animals. Moreover, a disposable pad is a very worrying item as it needs up to 800 years of time to get disintegrated, and it, as a result, discharges dangerous chemicals and micro-or nano-sized plastics into the environment.

Besides the trash problem, the production of single-use menstrual products consumes a lot of resources. The production of pads and tampons uses much water, energy, and raw materials (like cotton, wood pulp, and petrochemicals). Chemical agriculture, especially conventional cotton farming, pollutes the environment through its heavy use of pesticides and water.. Soil erosion, water contamination, and carbon emissions are the result of these practices.

Health and Environmental Risks of Chemicals

Besides the problems such as dioxins, chlorine, and fragrances, the traditional menstrual products are also containing chemicals, a big concern. The processes used in bleaching to render tampons and pads into a pristine white state allow the emission of dioxins, which are harmful to the environment and human health. The user may also have allergic reactions and irritated skin due to the exposure of synthetic materials and chemicals in these products that leach into ecosystems when they are disposed of carelessly.

Sustainable Alternatives: Promising Solutions

Luckily, the sustainable movement has created eco-friendly menstruation products. The solutions not only resolve the problems of waste and pollution but also they offer cost savings for users in the long run.

Reusable Pads: The pads are made from organic cotton or bamboo, which results in the removal of the hazardous synthetic fibers from the market. They are machine washable and can last for several years, saving the landfills from the dumping of tons of waste. On another note, growing organic cotton does not require the use of harmful pesticides, which is yet another reason why they are more environmentally friendly.

Period Underwear: There are period-proof underwear, which can absorb menstrual blood without the need for additional products. These are washable and reusable, offering a sustainable and convenient alternative to disposable pads.

Biodegradable Pads: For those who prefer disposable products, there are now biodegradable options on the market. The pads are made from organic cotton, biodegradable plant-based materials, and compostable packaging, offering a middle ground for individuals not ready to switch to reusable products entirely.

Shifting to a Sustainable Future

While the shift to sustainable menstrual products is gaining momentum, challenges remain. Affordability and access to these products vary, especially in lower-income regions where disposable products are still the most viable option. Governments and NGOs can play a role by advocating for better access to eco-friendly products, implementing tax incentives, and promoting education about the environmental impacts of traditional menstrual products.