Reusable menstrual products reduce the use of disposable pads and tampons containing potentially hazardous chemicals, helping women in communities where access to sanitary products is low or nonexistent to become healthier overall.
Participants were asked to select their top three features of a reusable product that were most important. Comfort and protection against leakage were the two most sought-after characteristics. Other important criteria were environmental sustainability as well as cost considerations for both occasional users and long-term ones.
Cost
One menstrual cup or period underwear could save you hundreds, if not thousands of dollars in just a year compared to using disposable pads and tampons – as well as saving energy required to produce them!
Disposable pads and tampons are among the most wasteful consumer items ever produced, contributing to plastic pollution by end up in landfill every year and ending up in the ocean, harming marine life in turn. But there are eco-friendly and skin-safe alternatives such as menstrual cups, cloth pads or even reusable underwear available as alternatives that offer greater sustainability for you and the planet.
Environmental impacts associated with these alternatives are difficult to accurately asses since each requires different care, but studies indicate they’re much greener than disposable pads and tampons, not to mention healthier for your body as long as used according to recommended usage and timeframes.
Hygiene
Women, girls and people who menstruate around the world often lack access to safe menstrual products that can ensure clean periods. Instead they often resort to using alternative materials like rags, newspapers or tree leaves that pose significant health risks including toxic shock syndrome (TSS).
Reusable pads are usually constructed from cotton and flannel materials that make them soft, absorbent and breathable compared to disposable options. Furthermore, reusables may provide greater comfort if worn regularly during your period.
Reusable menstrual products are simple to wash – simply store them in a dry cloth or plastic bag and throw into the washing machine after each use. Reusable menstrual products offer an innovative sustainable solution that can break period poverty cycles while giving women, girls, and communities peace of mind.
Convenience
Disposable tampons and pads are convenient, widely available and easy to use – often found at grocery stores – which makes them attractive alternatives to reusable menstrual products which not only reduce discomfort but offer health benefits too.
As opposed to disposable pads which contain synthetic materials that may cause irritation, natural fabrics provide soft and comfortable contact between the skin and product.
Reusable menstrual products require some adjustments and practice before becoming familiar to use, including regular washing and access to water and sanitation facilities, which may make them unsuitable for those living in remote areas or with limited privacy and time outside the home. Furthermore, participants in our research noted difficulty changing reusable menstrual products outside their own home due to limited privacy and time available to change them regularly.
Environment
Reusable menstrual products like period underwear and pads can significantly lessen the environmental impact of women and girls’ menstruation care, but can be challenging to use in settings without access to clean water and soap.
Disposable pads and tampons are major contributors to plastic waste, often made of toxic chemicals that seep into our bodies and cause irritation. Reusable options, like menstrual cups or cloth pads have lower environmental footprints and may last years with proper care.
ActionAid is working with young people experiencing periods to increase access to safer, eco-friendly products that make a difference – like softer reusable pads that keep them in school and build a brighter future for themselves and their families. Switching over can be life-altering; all it takes is finding one that fits with you and your priorities – learn more here about your options and find what best works for you.
