by The Agenda. Blog
April 20, 2023
The Environmental Impact of Menstrual Products
Let’s talk about something we all share here: periods. It’s the cycle we keep repeating every month! However, we rarely talk about the environmental impact of our menstrual products. Before we dive in, I want to say that all period products are important. There are different reasons for using disposable products versus reusable ones. (Accessibility, price points, and the ability to sanitize are three just off the top of my head).
What is the impact of menstrual products in landfills?
Disposable pads and tampons may be convenient, but they contribute to landfill waste. Did you know the average person who menstruates will use over 11,000 disposable menstrual products in their life? That’s a lot of waste! These products take hundreds of years to decompose, but they also contribute to greenhouse gas emissions and pollution. (Let’s be clear here, Pepsi, Coca-Cola, and Nestle are big polluters. They do more damage in one day than you’ll do in a lifetime; so this isn’t throwing stones at you when there are systemic issues in our world causing harm. We are simply sharing information about what happens to products after we use them!)
Reusable Menstrual Products
In case you want to make a shift, sustainable alternatives can make a big difference. Menstrual cups are a great option that can last for years. They also come in different sizes and hold a decent amount of blood. Reusable pads and period underwear are excellent options that can be washed and used again; reducing waste and saving money in the long run.
Getting used to reusable products can be a learning curve, but reusable pads are just as comfortable and easy to use as disposable ones (and I think less scratchy), and you can wash them with the rest of your laundry. As for menstrual cups, there are way fewer blood-covered walls than your fears might make you believe will happen when you pull it out, so once you get the hang of it, they are a game-changer.
Add, switch, or stay with the period products you love.
So, next time you’re reaching for a disposable pad or tampon, and you run out and wish you had something quickly on hand, consider switching to a more sustainable option like a menstrual cup, reusable pads, or period underwear. Not only will you reduce your carbon footprint, but you also have a chance to support some neat menstruator-owned businesses that make these products just for you! Let us know what you use below! Maybe you use a cup with disposable pads or tampons with period underwear! Each menstruator is different and has their own personal preferences! We love that there are so many products to choose from online and around the world.
Check out this blog post about our favorite period products here!
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