Compostable pads and tampons can help to minimize menstrual waste, but before doing so it’s essential that you check their packaging or company website to make sure they can be safely composted.
Traditional sanitary pads are one of the leading sources of environmental pollution and landfill clogging, not to mention they often lead to itchy rashes and foul smell.
Eco-friendly
Traditional pads often contain plastic materials which contribute to environmental pollution and waste; biodegradable ones use natural ingredients that don’t pollute the planet and are free of bleach or harmful chemicals that could wreak havoc on your body.
Bamboo and organic cotton are widely chosen materials for biodegradable sanitary pads due to their rapid growth, without risking deforestation. Some manufacturers also utilize cornstarch as a leak-proof layer.
Biodegradable sanitary pads can be composted or used as ingredients in other products like diapers. They offer an eco-friendly alternative to traditional feminine hygiene products which may cause health issues like rashes, skin infections, and UTIs.
The SHERO Pad was developed to address these problems by using low-cost materials sourced locally, while still remaining comfortable for many women. Made using hydrogel that hydrates when submerged in water and can be mass produced using presses and grinding stones in rural villages.
Absorbent
Each woman generates up to 125 kg of non-biodegradable waste during her menstruating years, creating both nuisances and potentially hazardous chemicals for our health. Opting for biodegradable pads is one easy way we can reduce our waste output.
Traditional sanitary pads contain plastic components which take centuries to decompose and pose a major pollutant to the environment, as well as being associated with skin rashes, itching, and foul odor for some users. By contrast, biodegradable pads made with organic materials that are safer for skin are the better solution.
Certified organic cotton provides protection free from pesticides and synthetic fertilizers that is clinically proven to respect sensitive skin. A layer of polyglutamic acid derived through bacterial fermentation makes the pad highly absorbent while still being light and comfortable, giving women freedom of movement during menstruation.
Comfortable
Store-bought pads often contain chemicals that may irritate sensitive intimate area skin. Therefore, many women choose organic pads, which are better for both the environment and themselves – more comfortable too as they don’t require sticky glue.
Biodegradable pads made of bamboo, jute, starch corn or banana fibre are biodegradable pads free from chemicals, parabens plastics and dyes; making them fully breathable to promote skin health and come equipped with resistant clips so they can easily attach them to underwear. Furthermore, these discreet yet slim pads won’t cause toxic shock syndrome or other infections while being easy to insert without causing irritation; wear all day without worry of leakage; they may not absorb as well though as traditional pads might.
Economical
Every year, nearly 20 billion sanitary pads, tampons, and applicators are dumped into North American landfills, taking centuries to decompose into non-polluting substances while contributing significantly to pollution and ecological destruction. Furthermore, their production requires high amounts of fossil fuel energy which leaves behind a significant carbon footprint.
Traditional sanitary pads contain chemicals and synthetic materials that may irritate skin conditions such as allergies, rashes, UTIs, miscarriages and cancer. Biodegradable pads made with natural materials like bamboo fiber, banana fiber or organic cotton do not contain these harmful substances and thus offer more relief for users.
Biodegradable pads are both more beneficial and eco-friendly, benefitting both women and the planet alike. Reusable pads require water and detergent for washing – resources often scarce in impoverished communities. Janipad’s natural plant-based materials come from Lake Victoria in Kenya’s Lake Victoria ecosystem, thus saving money while improving environmental sustainability while simultaneously empowering women.
