Women spend approximately PS13 each month on menstrual products alone – which adds up to thousands over their lifetimes!
Reusable menstrual products can help lower costs while at the same time decreasing stigma surrounding them. Here are a few reasons why girls and women might hesitate to try these items:
They’re healthier for the environment
Disposable pads and tampons are one of the least eco-friendly products on the market, filled with plastics and chemicals that are harmful to both you and the environment. Every year 45 billion end up in landfills around the world.
Reusable menstrual products made of fabric are much greener than pads and tampons used daily by consumers, not to mention taking up less space than pads/tampons sold in bulk boxes. Reusing can save packaging and shipping costs considerably!
Comparative life cycle assessments (LCAs), which take a holistic view of product impacts from production through transportation and recycling or disposal, can also assess reusable menstrual products’ environmental footprint. Studies show that when compared to disposable alternatives, menstrual cups have significantly lower water and land use impacts; this could drive changes to how menstrual products are designed, manufactured and distributed.
They’re cheaper
Reusable menstrual products (RMPs) are significantly cheaper than their disposable counterparts, particularly when purchased locally made. Not only can RMPs save you money and waste by eliminating monthly expense and waste of disposable sanitary products but there is just an initial one-time investment for menstrual cups or RMPs – after that you won’t need to purchase new pads/tampons ever again (in HICs 8 RMPs can replace 20 single use tampons).
Participants prioritized comfort and effectiveness when selecting reusables, seeking more information and confidence when using them, such as methods of insertion, cleaning and finding their optimal size cup.
Trade for Aid can help break this cycle of period poverty for girls and women, who cannot afford enough sanitary products to last them through each menstruation cycle. Switching to reusables through Trade for Aid will support production and distribution of sanitary products to those most in need – every pack you purchase donates one pack directly to refugees in refugee camps or disaster zones!
They’re more comfortable
Although many participants in this study indicated an array of features were important for them when using reusable menstrual products, comfort and protection from leakage were the most prominent characteristics for those who utilized these reusable items. Furthermore, those using these items prioritized environmental sustainability as well as cost.
Participants were unanimous in their selection of three most essential features for making the switch from single use products to reusable ones, but certain obstacles must first be cleared away in order to achieve success.
First and foremost, women need to become aware of all available products and their benefits – this may prove challenging as many products may not be widely available or perceived to be more difficult or messy than disposable alternatives; Thea and Kat both stated they believe reusable pads and cups feel less hygienic due to insufficient education on this aspect of these items.
They’re easier to clean
Women and girls who menstruate can experience painful cramps, dermatitis, and other unpleasant symptoms during menstruation. Disposable pads contain chemicals which exacerbate these issues further while reusable products made from natural and organic materials that are easily cleaned can provide much-needed relief.
There’s a wide variety of washable periods products on the market today, from cloth pads and underwear to menstrual cups and even sea sponges! There is sure to be something perfect for everyone out there!
Participants who use reusable menstrual products reported three key features for selecting their product as comfortable: comfort, protection from leakage and environmental sustainability. Cost, ease of changing materials and confidence using them were also identified as integral aspects.
