Did you know, it takes over 600 years for a conventional, one-time-use, disposable pad to decompose? This means every single modern-day sanitary pad, since its inception in 1888, is still rotting away in a landfill somewhere.
On World Environment Day last year, Miss World 2017, Manushi Chillar, spoke about her pet project – using natural fibre to create menstrual pads that are eco-friendly and compostable in 12-18 months. Besides being environmentally conscious, manufacturing these sanitary napkins also gave women in rural India a livelihood. “Climate change is a reality that we are aware of,” she said. “It is no longer a question or a theory. Any sanitary product acts as a pollutant too. We didn’t want that to be an issue. Hygiene is also about waste management.”
In 2016, guidelines were put in place for manufacturers and consumers under the Solid Waste Management Rules in India. This was essentially geared towards sustainable disposal of menstrual waste, which comes under the category of ‘dry municipal waste’. For instance, providing and using a pouch or wrapper for proper disposal is one of the key rules. However, these guidelines are not sacrosanct and are yet to be adopted and enforced effectively across the country. According to the Ministry of Drinking Water and Sanitation, an estimated one billion disposable pads per month, or 12 billion per year, go towards the menstrual waste load, assuming every menstruating woman in India uses eight sanitary pads during a cycle.
Instead, reusable products or even biodegradable one-time products can be gentler on the environment. Here are some sustainable alternatives you could consider.
Menstrual Cups
These have gained momentum over the past five years. Although the initial reaction to menstrual cups was one of fear and trepidation, they have been endorsed by celebrities and healthcare professionals alike. In fact, the global market for menstrual cups is expected to touch $1.89 billion by 2026. “A menstrual cup is usually made from rubber or silicone, and can be easily inserted into your vagina to collect menstrual blood during your periods,” says gynaecologist Dr Gehna Iqbal. “These cups are funnel-shaped, reusable, and do not need to be discarded for one to 10 years, depending on the brand and how you use it. This gives them a distinct sustainable edge over disposable sanitary napkins. They also have more capacity and can hold up for up to 12 hours.
“Menstrual cups are affordable in the long run – costing ₹399 upwards. They can be worn with an IUD and are much safer than tampons. Even if the cup is not full, it is advisable to remove it and clean it after this point. Brands like Sirona, Pee Safe, and Carmesi are popular and have made the switch to menstrual cups easier and fuss-free.”
There are a few disadvantages, although these aren’t insurmountable. One is that it is messier to clean, rinse and change in a public toilet. Second, they may be a bit hard to insert and remove at first. Third, one size – literally – may not fit everyone. You may have to try out various options to see what works for you. Lastly, you’ll have to sterilise them regularly so that you can keep vaginal infections away.
Reusable Natural Pads
If you’re used to the comfort of an absorbent, spongy sanitary napkin, switching to reusable cloth or natural fibre pads may make you feel like you’re jumping out of an airplane without a parachute. However, several brands in India and globally have been committed to creating and retailing effective products that are good for the environment and better for you as well. For women with period poverty, reusable pads significantly lower costs and enable better education and work access.
“Made from natural fibres such as bamboo, cotton, and banana, these can be equally absorbent and leakproof,” says Dr Iqbal. “They also don’t have many of the chemicals and carcinogens present in disposable pads that cause skin irritation and other harmful health issues. They’re more breathable for Indian climates and don’t emit unpleasant odours. If you’d like to make the transition easy, start by using cloth pads on the last couple of days of your period when the flow is limited. Once you are comfortable, work your way to the days with a heavier flow.”
Period Underwear
This is a product that seems too good to be true. All you do is put on your underwear during your period…nothing else is required. Period panties are made up of highly absorbent fibres that can be worn during the menstrual period with moisture-wicking benefits. A somewhat recent invention dating back to 2015, period underwear eliminates the needs for pads or tampons. But be sure to read the fine print before you jump onto the bandwagon. Some of the materials used to leak-proof the panties have come under scrutiny because they contain carcinogens that increase the efficacy of the product. Do your homework before you make a decision. Also, many of the silhouettes are more like shorts, so you may not end up feeling your best. If you don’t want to use this version, there are panties that come with built-in slots for your disposable or reusable pads that make the experience more comfortable.
Eco-Friendly Tampons
Most environmentally-friendly tampons aren’t reusable, but you can make a difference by simply switching to the biodegradable versions. Garment exporter Kala Sirish made the shift a few years ago and hasn’t regretted it. “The key difference is in the materials used. Since tampons are inserted inside your vaginal canal, you can never be too careful. Buying tampons that are 100 per cent cotton, organic, and easily compostable helps the environment as well as my health since no synthetic fibres are involved. They keep toxins out of the body and maintain the pH balance in the vagina. A few key pointers – look for fragrance-free, chemical-free and hypoallergenic labels when you’re making a choice.”
Education and awareness are important, but making sustainable menstruation products affordable and accessible is equally vital. Lastly, do your best without making yourself unhappy. Mix and match depending on what works for you. If you’re travelling for two days by train and the menstrual cup or cloth napkin isn’t a viable option, by all means, opt for something that is more comfortable and hygienic.