Vini Sharma

Sustainable development, sustainable fashion, sustainable agriculture and the list goes on, I guess you must have heard of all these terms till now but have you ever wondered of adding the word sustainable to your menstruation? Yes, you heard it right folks! Sustainable Menstruation!

Red Badge of Courage is here with all you need to know about ‘Sustainable Menstruation’. Ladies, definitely you must avoid plastic here and there but what about the plastic shield which covers your sanitary napkins? Have you ever thought of its harmful effects? Oh, not only on your health but also on the environment! Yes, the plastic shield definitely prevents those embarrassing blotches on your pants but at the cost of your well being. Not only your well being but also at the cost of your very own environment. Did you know that a single woman can contribute to 125 kilograms of non- biodegradable waste through her menstruating years alone?

Its impact on your pretty health

Most of us have grown up using plastic-based sanitary napkins without realising its harmful hazards. The plastic which prevents the leakage and lets you flaunt those white pants without any stains, also becomes a breeding ground for the bacteria and fungi. It causes several infections, irritation, inflammation in the vagina and vulva and not to forget rashes. Sometimes it leads to pelvic inflammatory diseases and cervical cancer while also hampering your reproductive health. These plastic based pads need to be changed frequently to avoid bacterial built-up which usually becomes less possible while travelling or in areas lacking public washrooms. There is very little consciousness regarding these hazardous pads and the adverse effects they have on human bodies.

Its impact on your very own environment

Very less awareness is there regarding the disposal of plastic based sanitary pads. These pads are usually thrown into water bodies and they end up contaminating the water and also adversely affect the organisms living in those water bodies or they are thrown in the open dumping grounds which becomes the ground of deadly diseases. They are picked up by rag pickers with bare hands and that can put their health at a great risk as it consistsof blood and other bodily fluids of another person which can cause infections including HIV AIDS. Incineration is one of the ways of sanitary disposal but it is rarely followed.

Eco-friendly Alternatives

A large number of entrepreneurs have now ventured in this area of making eco- friendly pads. Re-usable sanitary tampons and pads are now available in the market which can be used just like the disposable ones without any guilt of causing harm to the environment or your health.  These pads are healthier alternatives because they are made of natural fibres and products like bamboo, wool, cotton and hemp making them much more sustainable. Switching to these eco-friendly sanitary pads can help you save your health as well as your environment. Red badge of courage advises you to give up these plastic sanitary pads as there should be no compromise with your intimate health. Period.