Traditional sanitary pads contain synthetic materials which are harmful to both our environment and health, possibly leading to rashes, allergies, skin infections, UTIs and even cervical cancer.
Biodegradable sanitary pads provide many advantages that standard ones cannot. Read on to gain more insight into why using them could be advantageous for you.
They Break Down Naturally
Sanitary pads and similar hygiene products are an essential need for millions of women, but they contain nearly 80% plastic that takes hundreds of years to decompose in landfills. Furthermore, their use has been linked to health problems including rashes, allergies, UTIs and even ovarian cancer.
Biodegradable pads use natural absorbent materials such as bamboo wadding fabric instead of superabsorbent polymer (SAP), the main material used in commercial sanitary pad production. The absorbent is sandwiched between two cotton or rayon outer covers connected by their long edges for easy application and use.
As another option, menstrual cups such as the Mooncup, AngelCup, Cora Cup or Natracare – which can be worn like period underwear – offer another eco-friendly solution. Reusable menstrual cups don’t create waste while being more comfortable than disposable tampons. Just ensure when purchasing one that it says either biodegradable or compostable on its label to be certain of its true eco-friendliness.
They Are Compostable
Traditional sanitary pads are made from plastics that take years to break down and release harmful chemicals into the environment, impacting both women’s health as well as skin problems in girls. A new solution uses natural biodegradable materials.
Mary Nyaruai of Kenya has created an eco-friendly pad made from agricultural waste at an economical price and established an organization to offer employment and education to impoverished women.
Product features an absorbent cotton or rayon core with an outer covering which features seam-joined edges to join together without heat sealing and an accompanying manufacturing process.
The pad was created specifically to fit a woman’s body and absorb menstrual flow. Additionally, its bamboo fibre wicking properties help wick away moisture while also helping reduce odor. More comfortable to wear than tampons or pads made with gels or toxic ingredients which may lead to irritation or infections, it provides more lasting comfort during menstruation cycles.
They Are Comfortable
Many women who menstruate were taught to dispose of their tampons with little regard for their impact on the environment and society as whole. Plastic waste takes centuries to decompose in landfills and may contain harmful substances that pose threats to public health.
Today there are sustainable options available to those who want to reduce menstrual waste while prioritising health and comfort, including biodegradable pads made from materials like banana fiber, organic cotton, bamboo & corn.
Mary Nyaruai of Kenya uses agricultural waste to craft biodegradable feminine maxi pads for her customers. She finds great joy in knowing her invention is helping women maintain better health while also decreasing trash piles in Kenya. Mary has named her biodegradable product SHERO pads after the four layers it features: protective outer cotton layer that’s similar to tea bag material; transfer layer that draws liquid towards its center; super absorbent layer made of processed brown algae-agarose gel superabsorbency layer, as well as core bamboo wadding which absorbs even further while also reducing odour levels by 10x than SAP pads!
They Are Eco-Friendly
Biodegradable sanitary pads differ significantly from disposable pads in that they decompose naturally over time, using less energy and resources during production, thus leaving behind a smaller carbon footprint.
Biodegradable sanitary products reduce waste by eliminating plastic packaging waste, and don’t contribute to rainforest or ocean deforestation. Furthermore, they’re more hygienic and comfortable to wear due to lack of plastic layers which could irritate or bunch up uncomfortably against skin or cause bunching up of clothing in awkward ways.
University of Utah engineers have invented a biodegradable feminine sanitary pad made with banana fiber that is thinner and more comfortable to wear than traditional disposable maxi pads. Its absorbent and waterproof components are constructed from protein biomass sourced from food waste, providing a sustainable alternative to polymers often found in disposable pads and tampons. Furthermore, this new eco-friendly solution does not contain gels, toxic ingredients or synthetic fibres making for an eco-friendly product with no harmful impact.
