Environmentally friendly cotton pads and bamboo menstrual pads are trending right now, but do they really offer a sustainable menstruation option? Find out what material is needed to make sanitary pads and what the possible disadvantages of organic cotton are so you can make an informed decision about the best sanitary pads for you.
Organic Cotton Menstrual Pads and Bamboo Menstrual Pads are In
Organic cotton menstrual pads and bamboo menstrual pads are becoming popular and sound like they would be good for the environment. After all, organic means that no harmful chemicals are used, which must be good news for the earth, right?
Why are Cotton Menstrual Pads and Bamboo Menstrual Pads so Popular?
We know about the dangers of disposable pads, which create huge amounts of waste that languishes in landfills. That’s why washable and reusable menstrual pad alternatives like organic cotton menstrual pads and bamboo menstrual pads look like sustainable menstruation solutions in comparison.
Bamboo menstrual pads are chemical-free and made from a natural textile that is created from the pulp of bamboo grass. It’s touted as an environmentally friendly fabric because bamboo grows without fertilizer or pesticides and is more sustainable than other materials. Bamboo is also a quick dry fabric that helps keep you cool in the heat, which is another reason why bamboo clothing is all the rage.
Similarly, cotton menstrual pads are reusable, and many people find them to be a soft, breathable, and comfortable option as a menstruation pad material. Both materials are biodegradable, unlike most disposable menstrual pads, which means once they have reached the end of their usable life, they will eventually break down.
While cotton menstrual pads and bamboo menstrual pads are a better alternative to plastic in sanitary pads, it turns out there are still some important environmental issues to be aware of. Why are cotton pads bad for the environment? Keep reading to find out.
And Here’s Why They Need to Stay Out: Are Cotton Pads Bad for the Environment? (Hint: Yes!)
Although cotton is a natural and renewable fibre, it is not the most sustainable menstruation pad material. Here are the main pitfalls of not-so-environmentally friendly cotton pads.
Disadvantages of Cotton
- High water usage
Cotton crops require an enormous amount of water to thrive. What’s more, cotton is grown in some of the driest and hottest countries, which means intensive irrigation is needed to supply enough water, sometimes leading to depleting the water table and leaving fewer resources for growing food crops.
- Deforestation
Since cotton is one of the most common natural fibres, meeting the growing demand for cotton products involves cutting swaths of forest down to cultivate more cotton. This leads to habitat destruction that endangers species and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.
- Heavy use of pesticides and fertilizers
Conventional cotton is sprayed with high levels of pesticides and grown using fertilizers that often end up contaminating waterways and soil through runoff. The only way to be sure your cotton menstrual pads are not contributing to this is to use 100% organic certified cotton.
Now that you know the disadvantages of cotton, you may be wondering what menstrual pad alternatives are available.
Read more about Biodegradable Pads and The Environmental Impact of Disposable Menstrual Pads for more information.
Aruna Revolution Health had the Environment in Mind When Creating Biodegradable and Compostable Menstrual Pads
If you’re looking for the ultimate environmentally friendly pads, look no further than our fully compostable menstrual pads. Forget about disposable menstrual pads that are made with plastic, or even cotton menstrual pads and bamboo menstrual pads.
Our period pads are made with innovative natural fibres from food and crop waste, that are not only biodegradable but also compostable, meaning they break down into natural components that provide vital nutrients to the soil. Join the revolution and try this sustainable menstruation alternative today!
FAQs:
Are bamboo pads eco friendly?
Being constructed from a resource that is both sustainable and renewable and capable of biodegradation, bamboo pads are a wonderful option for the environment.
Are bamboo pads better than cotton?
Bamboo pads require less water and pesticides to grow than cotton pads, making them a more environmentally friendly choice.
Why are cotton pads bad for the environment?
Cotton growing requires a lot of water and chemicals, which has an adverse effect on the environment and causes cotton pads. They also take a very long time to degrade, which causes waste and pollution.
Are pads environmentally friendly?
The materials and manufacturing techniques used to make pads determine their environmental friendliness. In general, environmentally friendly alternatives to disposable pads derived from non-renewable resources include reusable cloth pads, menstrual cups, and biodegradable pads made from sustainable materials like bamboo.