Nearly 20 billion pads, tampons, and applicators end up in North American landfills each year. Mind-boggling waste generation is just one of a series of serious problems. Environmental impact Made from feminine hygiene products. Is it possible to make your period green?
Editor's note: This post contains affiliate links, which help us raise funds. recycling directorythe most comprehensive in North America.
low flow
each method contraception have their own environmental considerations, but some can reduce or even eliminate menstruation. If you are using birth control, choosing such a method may disqualify you from birth control. 26 percent Percentage of the world's population that needs to use some kind of sanitary product every month.
disposable supplies
For most Americans, disposable pads and tampons are the default. Pads mainly contain cotton and plastic. LDPEwill produce more quantity greenhouse gas It deteriorates more than other plastics. Tampons are also made of cotton, and the applicators are made of plastic or coated cardboard, which is non-recyclable. As is often the case with cotton, unsustainably produced Both napkins and tampons Release toxic chemicals used as fertilizer or during processing.
You can reduce your impact on the environment by purchasing pads and tampons. organic pad and using non applicator tampons. However, disposable products always generate more waste than other methods.
fabric
Many women today eliminate waste by going back to their original state. reusable cloth pads. Non-toxic during wear, organic cotton and bamboo pads are less damaged during production than traditional cotton. DIY pad You can easily make it from old clothes or leftover fabric. Of course they need to be washed, so they use a lot of water in their life cycle, but these reusable pads can last for decades.
Absorbent underwear is the latest innovation in feminine hygiene. There are several brands, period panties, made of a variety of materials. most well known, Shinx, claims to replace the use of two tampons every time you wear one. Like pads, they should be washed in cold water. Air drying protects antibacterial fabrics and saves energy. Since it's so new, there isn't much information about durability or whether the fabric is recyclable or biodegradable.
cup
of menstrual cup Typically made of medical grade silicone, they are not recyclable but are fully degradable. Cups should be washed with oil-free soap after each use and boiled at least once per cycle. Although the manufacturer recommends replacing the cup every year, users claim to have used the cup for up to 10 years without any problems. Due to their long lifespan and small size, menstrual cups produce the least amount of waste of all menstrual products.
sponge
sponges The same ones used for bathing are an organic alternative to tampons, but should be considered carefully.
Renewable (if applicable) Harvested correctly) Biodegradable sponges can be used for up to six months, but there are safety and hygiene concerns. In the 1980s, fda testing It found a „significant risk“ of infection from the contaminants. Preparation methods may have improved since the '80s, but the FDA hasn't reviewed that decision since 1995.
Editor's note: This article was originally published on September 28, 2018 and updated in April 2024.