Plastic pads often contain harmful chemicals that can contribute to health issues like uterine fibroids and endometriosis. These include phthalates, VOCs, dioxins and furans – known as carcinogenic agents – among many others.
Kenyan entrepreneur Mary Nyaruai collects agricultural waste and transforms it into low cost, biodegradable menstrual products using water hyacinth – then distributes these pads through local community organizations to women for use during menstruation.
Cost
Current sanitary pads can be costly due to being made of plastic that takes 500-800 years to decompose, but one Kenyan woman has made a biodegradable pad from agricultural waste that’s inexpensive yet safe for intimate areas.
Research examined how recycled banana fiber could be utilized to produce eco-friendly and safe feminine hygiene pads made of bamboo wadding. Absorption index tests conducted using gelatine solution showed bamboo wadding to be the most absorbent material, followed by cotton terry cloth, hemp cloth and linen materials.
Niine biodegradable sanitary pads are made from organic cotton, jute, bamboo fibre and cornstarch and free from chemicals, parabens, plastics & dyes – making them hypoallergenic & not causing irritation to sensitive parts of your body. Each biodegradable disposable bag allows for safe disposal after each use.
Environment
Women produce approximately 400 pounds of period waste over their lifetimes, such as pads and tampons, applicators, wings and packaging made with synthetic, petroleum-derived materials or plastics that may harm the environment.
Researchers from International Islamic University Malaysia developed a biodegradable pad made from sago starch sourced from tropical palm stems. Their prototype performed very favorably when tested against commercial products on the market and could help reduce plastic waste that enters our environment through menstrual products.
Biodegradable pads also reduce landfill waste, and their compostability releases nutrients directly back into the soil for plant growth. Compared to traditional pads which take hundreds of years to break down and contribute significantly to landfill waste, these biodegradable ones do not release harmful chemicals into the environment and thus protect ecosystems and soil.
Health
Biodegradable sanitary pads differ from disposable pads by being composed of natural, organic materials instead of synthetic ones – making them healthier for both you and your body, helping prevent irritation/itchiness while providing comfort over plastic alternatives. Plus they don’t leak!
Chemical- and paraben-free options offer greater comfort to intimate areas. Made of eco-friendly bamboo, jute, corn or banana fibre materials – making these options great alternatives to regular period products!
By switching to reusable pads, you can help women and girls in developing countries escape period poverty – or “period insecurity.” With only a one-off cost, these sanitary products provide relief for months at a time while relieving the financial strain associated with purchasing expensive single-use plastic menstrual hygiene products. Each pack purchased will then be sent out directly to a woman in need whether that be in conflict zones, refugee camps or natural disaster areas.
Comfort
Organic sanitary towels differ from traditional plastic pads by not emitting harmful chemicals that cause skin irritation and rashes, while being more comfortable on sensitive areas that often experience painful rashes with traditional pads. This feature makes organic towels especially important for women with sensitive areas who might otherwise experience painful rashes with conventional pads.
Reusable pads are made of cotton grown either without pesticides or organic ones and bleached using elemental chlorine-free processes that significantly lower dioxin exposure for safer health outcomes.
Biodegradable pads are made from plant-based materials like organic cotton, bamboo fiber, wood pulp and corn starch for easier disposal – ideal when traveling or visiting public restrooms! Their low carbon footprint and long lifespan makes them great choices to reduce their carbon footprint and use over years. In addition, their quick flush-ability down toilets makes for hassle-free storage – no special bags needed when traveling abroad!
