Menstrual Hygiene Day 2021: Ditch Regular Sanitary Pads With These Eco-Friendly Alternatives

There have been increasing discussions over the amount of non-recyclable waste generated in the bathroom. Many of our personal hygiene products also have plastic in them, and one of the biggest examples of these is sanitary pads. For a very long time, the story has been this: you get your period, and your options are pads or tampons. The great news is that there are more environmentally conscious and sustainable period care options than ever before. Menstruation is one such subject that doesn't get the attention it deserves. Even in this pandemic outbreak, there lacks a basic sanitary pad crisis in India. Apart from the already societal taboos associated with menstruation, menstrual hygiene products do generate a lot of plastic waste that is detrimental to the environment. It's about time that sanitary care gets an update.

(Also Read: Know What Your Period Reveals About Your Health )

Eco-Friendly Alternatives To Use During Your Period

Switch to a more environment-friendly alternative before it's too late.

1. Eco-Friendly Sanitary Pads

Sanitary napkins are often thrown into ponds, rivers and lakes, contaminating the water bodies and the organisms there, or thrown in the open, choking drains and polluting the soil. While the plastic in sanitary pads does not degrade easily, the menstrual waste itself, consisting of blood and body fluids, is another source of pollution that can lead to deadly diseases. You may not be comfortable with switching to a menstrual cup or cloth pads overnight, but we can all easily look at moving to eco-conscious pads as an alternative choice. Using green sanitary napkins are better for our own well-being and far less damaging to the ecological system.

2. Re-Usable Tampons

Re-usable tampons made out of natural fibres and materials such as wool, cotton, bamboo, hemp are viable and sustainable alternatives to commercial, mass-produced plastic sanitary pads. Unlike disposable tampons, which can be made from a combination of cotton, polyethene, polypropylene, and fibre-like rayon, reusable tampons are made from organic cotton. Reusable tampons are a much better choice for the environment, all you have to do to sterilize and clean it effectively for the next use.

3. Period Pants

For those who want a more comfortable alternative to menstrual cups and pads, period-proof underwear can be a good alternative. This absorbent underwear eliminates the fear of stains and leakage. It is made from super-absorbent material and does not feel bulky. They're also reusable, simply rinse them after use, put on a cold wash and then hang dry. Simple.

4. Re-Usable Sanitary Pads

Women use an estimated 10,000 sanitary napkins in their lifetime. This means more environmental waste and more money spent each month. Whereas reusable sanitary pads are washable and are also available in a variety of styles and thicknesses. Cloth pads are chemical-free and avoid the risk of skin diseases and fungal infections. For those not comfortable with inserting a menstrual cup, cloth pads made of bamboo and cotton are a great alternative.

5. Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are slowly gaining popularity. They are made of medical-grade silicone. Irrespective of size, a menstrual cup can hold up to 12 hours of flow as compared to just 4-6 hours with a sanitary napkin. Menstrual cups are also environmentally friendly. It is said that one cup can be used for up to 10 years, as the flow just has to be emptied out. Most of them have a usage-friendly design for easy insertion and removal, making your periods safe and sustainable.

To browse more healthcare products, click here.

Disclaimer: The Swirlster Picks team writes about stuff we think you'll like. Swirlster has affiliate partnerships, so we get a share of the revenue from your purchase.