Dec. 7, 2021

With about 1.8 billion women and girls across the world who menstruate every month, this leads to menstruation waste, most of which end up in landfills or find their way in oceans where the plastic and other non-compostable materials that make up these products take years to decompose, posing a great threat to aquatic life.

The arising environmental consciousness of menstruation waste has resulted in an increase in a range of reliable and eco-friendly menstrual products that are made easily available to women.

We have come up with three (3) eco-friendly menstrual products that can help women make the switch to eco-friendly period essentials and reduce their environmental impact when it’s that time of the month.

Reusable menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are flexible, receptacles shaped like a bell that collect blood (unlike tampons that absorb blood) and they need insertion.

The medical-grade silicone which is a non-porous material that is resistant to bacteria, is used in manufacturing some of the best menstrual cups and it is most popular amongst users, reportedly lasting for up to ten years.

This has huge implications for waste management as switching to them can immediately reduce the number of disposable tampons or pads you’d ordinarily have to trash. And what’s more, they are a much cheaper and environmentally friendly alternative.

If you’re looking to get one, you can try the Flex Cup due to its unique pull tab, which makes it easy to get in and out. It comes in Slim Fit (22-milliliter capacity) and Full-Fit (30-milliliter capacity).

Reusable menstrual pants
Reusable menstrual pants are super-absorbent and odor-eliminating knickers which be washed and reused, lasting for years.

They are comfortable, breathable, and anti-microbial period-proof and leak-proof underwear that come in a range of innovative and high-quality fabrics that can be worn alone irrespective of flow or as backup alongside menstrual cups or tampons on days when your flow is heavy.

What’s more, investing in good menstrual pants will have you feeling like you’re on normal underwear but with protection from stains and discomfort.

If you’re looking to buy one, you could try Thinx. It is not only stylish but also comfortable, functional, and stylish. It is guaranteed to stay in great shape out of the washer.

Reusable pads
If menstrual cups aren’t your thing and you prefer traditional menstrual pads, you can opt for reusable and washable pads that are made from organic cotton and have no chemicals or fragrance.

These reusable pads are eco-friendly, cost-effective, and serve as a zero-waste alternative to disposable menstrual pads.

Most of them have antimicrobial top layers for improved hygiene, are biodegradable, and typically last for a year or two. They are easier to manage than traditional period cloth. That is why it is advised that you wash and dry them regularly.

You could try out the ApiAfrique sanitary pad which is made for every girl and woman. It is not only affordable but it is also easy to use and available in 4 different sizes.

Courtesy: climateaction.africa