Sustainable Menstruation: A Guide To Sustainable Period Practices
Ah, the moonlit dance of the monthly cycle! As Mother Earth is, so is menstruation, a powerful reminder of the beauty and strength residing in every woman. But wait, this is also the time when we need to pause and reflect on the choices we are making, both directly for our bodies and indirectly for our planet.
A report concluded that 12.3 billion sanitary napkins, amounting to 113,000 metric tonnes of waste, reach India’s landfills every day. Problem, is it? Don’t worry, we aren’t here to taunt anyone. We are here to offer a solution.
Enter sustainable menstruation practices, which promote the art of self-care with the art of Earth-care. Today, we will guide you through some sets of sustainable menstruation practices, substitutes, and tricks that will turn your monthly toxic waste into eco-friendly waste. Come, let’s welcome your flow with a newfound eco-chic flair.
Befriending Sustainable Menstruation
1. Ditching & Switching
For those who prefer the convenience of traditional products like pads or tampons, there are now biodegradable options available to start your sustainable period practices. These products are made from organic cotton, bamboo fiber pads, and biodegradable materials, reducing their impact on the environment once they are disposed of.
2. Cup to Cap
The menstrual cup is here to cap off all the discomfort in one place. It is a one-time purchase and you are free for 5-8 years from all your menstrual product restocking tasks. Made from medical-grade silicone, rubber, or latex, these cups can be inserted and reused for years. Their eco-friendliness comes from the fact that they eliminate the need for constant disposal and reduce the overall waste generated by period products.
3. Wrap Your Secret
A superhero-grade underwear with superpowers that will amaze you. Innovative period underwear is another eco-friendly period product that is designed with built-in absorbent layers that eliminate the need for additional products. They are comfortable, leak-proof, and can be washed and reused just like regular underwear. With various styles and absorbency levels available, period underwear offers a convenient and sustainable option.
4. Back to Basics
The Indian period is all about using cloth during periods. However, due to a lack of medical facilities and a lack of awareness about hygienic period practices it was heavily criticized. Now, if you go and Google reusable cloth pads, you will find tons of brands selling this, as it’s a hit if used in the right way. They are made from soft, absorbent fabric and come in various sizes and designs. These pads are washable and can last for years, significantly reducing the amount of waste produced compared to disposable pads.
How To Practice Sustainable Menstruation?
Switching your traditional period products for sustainable period products might seem daunting in the beginning. But with the right information and resources, it's a manageable and rewarding journey.
Step 1: Refer this blog thoroughly, take note of all the sustainable period practices and start with the one that scares you the least.
Step 2: Learn to use it properly. Like using a menstruation cup, it can be tough in the beginning, but with the right guidance, we bet there is no going back to pads. It’s actually a magic cup.
Step 3: An open dialogue will make your journey easy. Talk to your friends about menstrual hygiene, share your experience and also ask about theirs.
After reading about all the eco-friendly period products and sustainable period practices we hope you are excited to explore your eco-chic version and take responsibility towards Earth. In a world that's becoming increasingly mindful of its environmental impact, making sustainable choices in every aspect of our lives is essential.
Embracing eco-friendly period products not only minimizes waste but also supports our well-being and encourages a more open and informed perspective on menstruation. So, let's make the switch to sustainable menstruation hygiene and contribute to a greener, healthier future for ourselves and the planet.
