The global feminine hygiene market–encompassing tampons, sanitary napkins, and menstrual cups–is estimated at billions. Unfortunately, however, many women face barriers or cannot afford these products altogether.
Feminine care products play an integral part of women’s health and daily lives, despite our discomfort in discussing them openly. To decrease exposure to potentially toxic chemicals through intimate contact, when purchasing these essentials try organic solutions when possible.
Alternatives to Tampons & Sanitary Napkins
Though there may be a tampon shortage nationwide, there are other safe and eco-friendly solutions that may help ease Aunt Flo’s visit: reusable pads, period underwear and menstrual cups are just a few alternatives available to keep her at bay.
A tampon is a cotton or rayon product designed to absorb menstrual blood from within the vaginal canal, typically sold in plastic applicators at grocery and drug stores. Tampons provide women with easy and convenient options when working or going swimming during their period.
Tampons may also be safer alternatives than cloth or homemade options as they have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, they can contain hormone disrupting chemicals which pose risks to women with conditions such as endometriosis or fibroids.
Rather than panic when unexpected circumstances require extra protection during menstruation, consider using some sterile gauze. It could provide up to 12 hours of leak-free protection while helping decrease cramps as an effective last resort solution.
Reusable Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups and discs are eco-friendly alternatives to disposable pads or tampons made of body-safe materials, saving on average $60-$120 annually on disposable period products which then end up in landfills. A reusable cup can save both money and save 270 disposable feminine hygiene products from going to waste!
Menstrual cups do have a learning curve, but once mastered they can last years of use and reduce cramps significantly. Many women report using one during their active daily lives while remaining more mobile due to reduced cramping.
One challenge of emptying menstrual cups without creating a mess in public restrooms is emptying the cup correctly. The Flowette Floweret Valve Cup offers a convenient design which allows the user to pinch its stem and allow it to empty directly into the toilet – though this option still leaves some mess behind and may not be as convenient.
Environmentally Friendly Menstrual Pads
Non-organic cotton pads may be beneficial, but there are other environmentally-friendly options. Companies such as Diva, Oi and Saathi use organic cotton that’s farmed without harmful pesticides; their products also don’t contain synthetics, bleach and dyes – plus their applicator-free tampons are crafted from sustainable plant materials like biodegradable bamboo, sugarcane and cardboard!
Alternative menstrual pads aren’t only good for the environment; they also give girls living in low-income countries access to affordable sanitary products and practices which lead to improved health and higher educational achievement (Barr 2018). Biodegradable alternatives like these products are more environmentally-friendly while remaining just as functional and affordable (Barr 2018).
Additionally, these products reduce the amount of solid waste generated by period products. According to Women’s Environment Network research, one disposable pad produces 18-35% less solid waste than diapers do. Furthermore, newer types of menstrual pads are hypoallergenic and free from hormone-disrupting chemicals than older versions.
Educating Young Women on Menstrual Hygiene
Girls often face barriers in accessing menstrual hygiene products, whether due to cost or geographic issues at school. Teachers can educate students about various menstrual hygiene strategies in order to help them make informed decisions and be well prepared.
Menstrual Hygiene Day provides young women with an invaluable opportunity to learn about the potential dangers associated with using traditional feminine hygiene products containing ingredients that could cause toxic shock syndrome (TSS), including tampons and perfumed pads that contain such ingredients. TSS symptoms include fever, fatigue, rash and low blood pressure – even life-threatening organ damage can result from TSS.
Girls without access to affordable menstrual hygiene products miss school during their periods, which limits education opportunities as well as employment and entrepreneurial prospects. Furthermore, these girls may face discriminatory social norms regarding their period that have an adverse effect on their self-esteem and can have detrimental repercussions for future employment and entrepreneurship opportunities.
