Single use Menstrual products are silently killing you and the planet

Menstrual products play a crucial role in women's lives, providing comfort and convenience during their periods. However, these products are not without their drawbacks. Single-use menstrual pads and tampons pose significant environmental and health concerns.

These materials take a lot of energy to produce and aren’t biodegradable. According to study, the usage of single use pads and tampons over a year? produces a carbon footprint of 8.9 kg. Over the course of a woman’s lifetime, the carbon footprint adds up to around 360 kg. When multiplied by the billions of women worldwide, we can see that this is a serious issue.

?The consequences extend beyond the environment, affecting personal health as well. Disposable pads contain chemicals that, when used over time, can lead to health issues, particularly if they are from lesser-known brands. These problems include skin irritation, rashes, itching, and even bacterial and yeast infections. Although the risk is relatively low, prolonged tampon use can potentially result in toxic shock syndrome, a life-threatening condition. It is worth noting that these issues predominantly affect women from disadvantaged backgrounds who may not have access to higher-quality products.

Fortunately, there are alternatives available to mitigate these problems. Menstrual cups offer a long-term, cost-effective solution as they can be used for up to 10 years. Reusable cloth pads have also gained popularity due to their comfort, absence of irritant chemicals, cost savings, and minimal environmental impact. Women are increasingly opting for these sustainable options.

In certain regions, such as India, socioeconomic factors limit women's access to appropriate menstrual products, whether reusable or otherwise. NGOs like Making the Difference aim to address this issue. Through programs like Lajja, meaning "shame", awareness about menstrual health and hygiene is being spread across various parts of India. Cloth pads have been chosen for distribution as they are relatively simple to produce and support local economies. This approach ensures that underprivileged women and girls have access to affordable and reusable menstrual pads, promoting proper menstrual health practices while also considering the environment.

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It is crucial to recognize that even seemingly insignificant choices can have far-reaching consequences. By switching to reusable cloth pads and menstrual cups, individuals can make a small change that has a significant positive impact. These alternatives offer a practical way to address the concerns surrounding single-use menstrual products, benefiting both personal well-being and the health of the planet.

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