Why do we need to think twice about the pads we use every month?

The history of menstrual hygiene products has seen a transformative journey, particularly with the introduction of sanitary pads. These disposable products revolutionized personal hygiene for women, especially in developing countries like India, bringing about significant improvements in health and breaking longstanding taboos. However, the very convenience that has empowered women globally comes with an environmental cost, contributing substantially to plastic pollution.

In developing nations like India, where access to modern hygiene products is limited, the introduction of sanitary pads has had profound effects on women's health. The shift from unhygienic cloth pads to disposable alternatives significantly reduced the risk of infections and improved overall menstrual hygiene.

The transition from traditional cloth pads to disposable ones marked a significant leap forward, offering enhanced comfort, better absorbency, and a newfound sense of freedom for women.

The global scale of sanitary pad usage is staggering. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), approximately 2 billion people menstruate worldwide, and many of them rely on disposable sanitary products. This mass consumption contributes to a substantial volume of plastic waste, making the global plastic pollution problem even worse. And they are often disposed of in ponds, and rivers, which lead to blockage of drains. And if disposed of on the ground, it creates hygiene problems as it carries infection.

History of sanitary pads

Earlier, women used rags, cotton, or sheep’s wool in their underwear to manage menstrual blood. They also used knitted pads, rabbit fur, and even grass to handle their periods. However, as women began working outside their homes, it brought about a significant change in the materials used for period pads. During World War I, it was observed cellulose bandages were more effective in absorbing soldiers' blood compared to those made of cotton. So, after the war, the remaining cellulose bandages were repurposed into disposable period pads, and they were sold under the brand name Kotex. In the mid-1930s, the market saw the introduction of the first disposable tampons, Tampax. These compact, absorbent, bullet-shaped cotton devices had a cardboard applicator for easy insertion and a string for removal.

Over the years, the design and materials of period products evolved from cotton and gauze to wood pulp and, eventually, a revolution involving the extensive use of plastic. Today, disposable period pads contain up to 90% plastic, contributing significantly to the global plastic pollution crisis.

These days, the upper permeable layer of most sanitary napkins consists of polypropylene or polyethylene. For fluffy pads, the absorbent core contains wood pulp, while ultra-thin ones have Super Absorbent Polymer (SAP). And the bottom barrier layer is made of polyethylene. the majority of it is non-biodegradable. 

Now this is bad not only for the environment but for women’s health as well. The plastic content disrupts the balance of vaginal microflora, leading to health issues such as urinary tract infections, rashes, and genital tract infections.

Greenwashing

Every year, approximately 12.3 billion used sanitary pads are discarded in landfills in India alone. Each non-organic sanitary pad is equivalent to four plastic bags, taking 250-800 years to decompose, if at all. With the average menstruating woman using over 10,000 disposable pads and tampons in a lifetime, the volume of plastic waste generated is alarming. 

Amidst growing concerns about the environmental impact of traditional sanitary pads, companies have introduced alternatives that claim to be eco-friendly. They use terms like "biodegradable" or "compostable" to convey a sense of environmental responsibility. However, beneath the surface, it appears more like a marketing strategy than a genuine commitment to sustainability. These alternative pads often substitute traditional plastics with bio-based plastics derived from sources like corn. While this might seem promising, the reality is that these so-called "biodegradable" plastics break down into micro-bioplastics after disposal. 

Even the term "compostable" comes with uncertainties. There is currently no standardized method for assessing or extracting micro-bioplastics from the soil, raising questions about the actual eco-friendliness of these alternatives. To make well-informed choices, it becomes crucial to look beyond the catchy labels. An in-depth understanding of the materials used and the overall product life cycle, from production to disposal, is essential for genuinely supporting Earth-friendly practices in menstrual hygiene.

Here are some genuinely eco-friendly alternatives:

• Menstrual cups: 

Typically made of medical-grade silicone, menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood and can be reused. It’s said that one cup can be used for about 10 years, making them both economical and eco-friendly. 

• Reusable Cloth Pads: 

Often made from layers of cloth, such as cotton, flannel, or bamboo, they are no different from disposable ones, except that these are washable, reusable and of course eco eco-friendly. 

• Menstrual Panties: 

Is there anything better than panties with built-in period protection that you can wear just like regular underwear? This option is not only comfortable but also both user and environmentally friendly and is made of many layers to prevent leakage. 

• Menstrual disc: 

Much like the menstrual cup, the menstrual disc is also inserted into the vagina to collect period blood, although its shape and placement differ. While cups and tampons are placed in the vaginal canal, the menstrual disc sits at the vaginal fornix, which is deeper into the vaginal canal. t offers up to 12 hours of protection and holds five tampons’ worth of fluid.

While disposable sanitary pads have certainly improved menstrual hygiene, we can't overlook their impact on the environment. The high use of plastic in these products is not only harmful to the planet but also raises concerns for women's health. Moving towards a more sustainable future requires carefully exploring alternative options and a true dedication to eco-friendly practices.