Each alternative has its pros and cons. The important thing, however, is to find the solution that best suits your needs and preferences. Exploring the different options means taking care of yourself and the planet, in a conscious and sustainable way.
Impact of traditional sanitary pads and green alternatives:
Traditional sanitary pads
A disposable pad is the least sustainable choice of all. This is because it can take up to 500 years to decompose in landfills, releasing substances harmful to the environment.
Furthermore, the production of traditional sanitary pads requires the use of huge quantities of energy resources and raw materialssuch as oil, cellulose and wood, contributing to air pollution and deforestation.
Compostable sanitary pads
This type of sanitary pad, although disposable, is made from plant materials such as cotton, corn or sugar cane.
Compared to traditional sanitary padswhich can take up to 500 years to decomposetheir environmental impact is significantly reduced.
This is because the type of materials with which they are produced degrade completely in a relatively short time (from a few months to a year), releasing only organic substances.
Furthermore, if “compostable”, it can be disposed of in the waste bin.
Washable briefs and pads
The use of washable pads and panties represents a more sustainable choice, offering not only a comfortable and economical alternative, but also a decidedly reduced environmental impact compared to traditional disposable sanitary pads.
Washable sanitary pads are made of organic cotton or other natural materials, and can be reused for months or even years, drastically reducing the production of non-biodegradable waste.
They have a less impactful production cycle and, if made with eco-compatible materials and from sustainable production chains, they can further reduce their environmental impact.
The difference is even more evident if we compare CO2 emissions compared to traditional pads: washable pads generate on average 0.5kg of equivalent CO2, compared to 5kg for traditional ones.
The menstrual cup
The menstrual cup represents the actual ecological revolution for the management of the menstrual cycle. Made of soft medical silicone and reusable for years, the cup drastically reduces waste production.
Each woman, over the course of her fertile life, uses on average around 10,000 sanitary pads, generating a considerable amount of non-biodegradable waste that ends up in landfills or, even worse, in the environment. A single menstrual cup, however, can last up to 10 years, avoiding the use and disposal of thousands of traditional sanitary pads.
In addition to the reduced environmental impact, the menstrual cup also offers a significant economic savings. The initial cost of a menstrual cup may be higher than that of a pack of tampons, but in the long run the savings are considerable, given its reusability.
Finally, if used correctly, it is comfortable, safe and hygienic. It is inserted to collect menstrual flow and can be removed and washed after each use.
Therefore, choosing a menstrual cup, as well as washable panties or pads, means make an informed choice for your health and the environmentembracing a more sustainable future for menstrual cycle management.
This article is part of the column
Ecologist, cat lady, lover of extreme sports: practically a witch. After my three-year degree in Business Economics I asked myself how else…
