By Fatima Abidi Periods are a normal part of life for much of the world’s population, with an estimated 800 million people menstruating on any given day. However, the waste generated during menstruation is rarely talked about, forming a bubble of miscommunication regarding its impact on the environment. The environmental impact of disposable menstrual products On average, a menstruating person will use somewhere between 5 and 15 thousand pads or tampons over the course of their lifetime (Borunda, 2019). Billions of tampons and pads that are discarded outlive their users by centuries. What impact do all these pads, tampons, and wrappers have on the environment, and why are we so secretive when it comes to dealing with this waste? How harmful narratives fuel single-use habits Menstruation has been a difficult topic of discussion throughout human history. Surrounded by shame and stigma, has been treated as something that should be hidden from the public and dealt with in private. This secrecy can even be seen in the earliest period products, which were branded and marketed for their ability to be discreet rather than their convenient use or function. All these attempts to hide menstruation led to the mainstream use of the easy-to-hide, disposable period products that have infiltrated our landfills. Of course, it is important to minimize the risk of bleeding through clothing for hygienic reasons, and many period products aim to minimize such leakage and prevent discomfort. However, many companies choose to achieve this by infusing their products with plastics and other synthetic materials. For example, menstrual pads are usually made up of 90% plastic, and many tampon brands also have an inner core made of plastic (Menstrual Products: A Comparable Life Cycle Assessment, 2022). Some tampons also include a thin layer of polyethylene and polypropylene to help with absorption. These materials are incorporated into every part of the product, making it hard to distinguish exactly how much plastic is in one product. It doesn’t help that companies aren’t required to disclose the full ingredients list on their packaging, leaving customers unaware and potentially at risk of harm from the contents within. Single-use period products have a huge environmental footprint Additionally, the whole life cycle of pads and tampons — including their creation, packaging, and distribution — often requires an excessive amount of energy, water, and other resources. The non-biodegradable nature of these products results in almost 200,000 tonnes of waste being produced every year (Fawcett-Atkinson, 2023). The power of our actions in driving change To enact change, we must start to pressure companies to hold themselves accountable for the unnecessary and behind-the-scenes waste they produce. One such example of successful advocacy was carried out by British environmental activist Ella Daish, who influenced multiple UK period product manufacturing companies to remove or alter the plastic applicators within their products. Demanding action from companies is crucial for the bigger picture, as sustainable options should be accessible and available for everyone to use. Sustainable alternatives to single-use menstrual products Some personal hygiene companies now offer compostable and reusable menstrual products, such as reusable cloth pads, period underwear, and menstrual cups. This allows both companies and product users to reduce their environmental footprint and, in many cases, save money. Menstrual cups Having recently gained more popularity, menstrual cups are a great option for those who don’t enjoy the experience of pads or tampons but are looking to reduce their plastic waste footprint. According to an analysis done in 2019, “the usage of menstrual cups over 10 years created only 0.4% of the plastic waste of disposable pads and 6% of that of tampons” (Notman, 2021). Menstrual cups significantly reduce opportunities for leaking and are wearable for much longer than pads or tampons. Additionally, cups are cheaper in the long run, making them good alternatives to single-use plastics in areas where period poverty prevents people from being able to access traditional hygiene products. The overall life cycle of menstrual cups in regards to their water usage, greenhouse gas emissions, resource/land use, and other factors produce an environmental impact that is 99% lower than their disposable counterparts (Cleaner Environmental Systems, 2022). Period Underwear and Reusable Pads Menstrual cups don’t work for you? No problem! Two other great alternatives include reusable pads and period underwear. Reusable pads are fastenable absorbent pads that can be washed and reused after cycles. The absorbent part of the pad is usually composed of cotton, bamboo, hemp, or synthetic materials. They can last three to five years, preventing hundreds of disposable items from ending up in landfills. Period underwear functions similarly to regular underwear but also contains a fabric that traps blood and prevents leaking. It can be made of synthetic or natural fibers and can last around two years. While these products have an environmental footprint due the water and detergent required for maintenance and cleaning, they still reduce the waste associated with the packaging and plastics within disposable products. These underwear come in many styles, colors, and fits, presenting an inclusive option that can be customized to suit each wearer's personal tastes. Even the occasional use of these products can compound and reduce the amount of disposables that end up in landfills. Let’s keep the discussion going While there are many facets involved in the issue of menstrual waste and its impact on the environment, offering a wide range of sustainable, healthy, and affordable menstrual products allows people to make more conscious decisions about their health and well-being. It also provides more autonomy and dignity to those who are unable to access traditional period products. Pressuring large companies to modify and acknowledge the non-biodegradable materials present in their products also makes these corporations accountable for reducing their plastic waste and creating products that don’t have a negative impact on the planet or our bodies. By bringing the issue of sustainable menstruation out into the open and offering reusable menstrual products that prioritize well-being over discretion, we can challenge harmful attitudes and myths that can make menstruating people feel stigmatized and alone. After all, menstruation has been around for so much longer than the social taboos and disposable products that people currently associate with them. It’s up to us to make the future of periods a positive one for both society and the environment. Edited by Lumida Editing & Proofreading
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