If you’re a menstruator, chances are that when you think about getting your period, you focus on the impact it has on you, your body, and your activities. But have you ever considered the ecological impact of disposable menstrual pads?
Find out why plastic in menstrual pads is so problematic and learn about the top menstrual pad alternatives you can use for a more sustainable menstruation cycle each month!
We Know Plastic Is Bad, but How Bad Is Plastic in menstrual Pads?
Whether it’s suffering cramps, changing what you wear, or altering your daily routine for the days that you’re bleeding, there’s no question that menstruation has an impact on your life. But your menstrual cycle also has an impact on the environment, via the menstrual pads you use.
The Impact of Plastic in menstrual Pads on the Environment
First, let’s look at the dangers of disposable pads for the environment. Are pads compostable? Definitely not! Disposable menstrual pads usually use a plastic liner, plastic for packaging, and as an ingredient to create super absorbent material. Tampons and applicators are other sources of menstrual products that create a lot of waste.
Conventional menstrual pads are not compostable products. This means that when you toss your disposable menstrual pads in the garbage, they eventually end up clogging already overflowing landfills, which are a major source of emissions of methane, a greenhouse gas.
When you do the math and consider that you menstruate once a month for up to four decades of your life, you may be shocked to realize that you will use upwards of 10,000 tampons or menstrual pads to manage your period. Now multiply that by the number of menstruators on the planet, and you can see why this is a massive waste problem!
Read more about Why Aruna Menstrual Pads are Bleach, Plastic, Chlorine, and Fragrance-Free and Uncovering the Truth About Environmentally Not-So-Friendly Cotton Pads and Bamboo Menstrual Pads for more information
The Impact of the Plastic in menstrual Pads on the Menstruator’s Body
The ecological impact of disposable menstrual pads is not the only thing to worry about. There are dangers of disposable pads to the human body too!
Many menstrual pads include synthetic plastic materials that help improve softness and absorption. Unfortunately, some of these materials are known to release volatile organic compounds and phthalates. These harmful chemicals can be absorbed through the skin and pose a risk to human health, especially since menstrual pads make direct contact with your vulva
These chemicals are known to be endocrine disruptors and can alter the menstrual cycle itself. Given the long period of exposure you have to these products as a menstruator over your lifetime, it’s important to choose a sustainable menstruation solution that is safe for both you and the environment.
The Dangers of Disposable Pads Can Be Avoided by Making Sustainable Menstruation Possible
Menstruation doesn’t have to be a source of environmental pollution or danger. The good news is that more and more sustainable menstrual pad alternatives are becoming available as people realize the urgent need for change. You can choose to avoid the plastic in menstrual pads by opting for compostable menstrual pads or more sustainable solutions!
Spread Awareness on Menstrual Pad Alternatives
If you’re concerned about the ecological impact of disposable menstrual pads, here are some great menstrual pad alternatives to consider:
- Menstrual cup
Made from medical-grade silicone, these cups are reusable and create a lot less waste than any other option. That’s because you can use one cup for up to a decade!
- Compostable menstrual pads
While these are a type of disposable menstrual pads, they are different from conventional menstrual pads in that there is no plastic in the menstrual pads. This allows the used menstrual pads to decompose into components that provide vital nutrients to the soil, helping to fertilize plants.
- You may be wondering, is compostable and biodegradable the same? The answer is no! Compostable products are biodegradable,
BUT not all biodegradable products are also compostable.
How Aruna Revolution Health is Steering Clear of Plastic and Diving Right into Compostable Period Pads to Protect the Environment
Say goodbye to plastic in menstrual pads by choosing a sustainable menstrual pad alternative! Aruna’s compostable menstrual pads are designed to be effective at keeping you dry and comfortable during your period while still being environmentally friendly.
Since the ecological impact of disposable menstrual pads is mainly due to the volume of waste generated by period products that can never break down, Aruna’s compostable pads provide a sustainable menstruation option.
These menstrual pads are made from all-natural fibres that will break down into natural components with no harmful chemical residues that improve soil health and fertilize plants. Finally, a menstrual pad alternative you can feel good about!
Anyway, Aruna Revolution offers quality compostable pads. So check it out for yourself to see if is the right fit for you.
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