In honour of World Environment Day, I would like to share certain lifestyle changes that I made to save the environment. Sometimes, all we want is to make a difference and change the world, but we need to take baby steps in creating a big difference.
How Do Sanitary Napkins Affect The Environment?
I want you to think of every single piece of napkin that you have ever used; those pieces are still there, existing on this planet, as these pads take 500 to 800 years to biodegrade. According to a survey, around 336 million girls and women experience menstruation in India, which means that about 121 million of them are using disposable sanitary napkins.
The Indian government is ensuring that every girl and woman, especially in rural areas, gets access to sanitary napkins. But the need of the hour is to give more attention to managing menstrual waste, which is estimated to be 113,000 tonnes annually. Scary, right?
Harmful Effects Of Sanitary Napkin On Our Body
Not just environment but even health experts say that plastic-based sanitary napkins can cause many fungal infections due to collection of moisture on them. In extreme cases, it might also lead to vaginitis or vulvitis (known as vaginal or vulva inflammation) and in some cases, might lead to pelvic inflammatory disease.
Menstrual Cups Are Cost-Effective
A single packet of sanitary napkins costs around Rs 300-400. If you use a pack a month, then you spend around Rs 4,800 a year. Think about how much money you’d have to spend in your lifetime. A menstrual cup costs around Rs 1,000-2,000 and you can use it for 4-5 years if you maintain its hygiene.
I have been using a menstrual cup for around three years now, and there have been no issues yet. I wear a cloth pad under it to avoid any leakage. Every month, I boil it before using it to maintain its hygiene. There are many videos on YouTube that show various kinds of menstrual cups one can buy for themselves.
I agree that it can be a little tricky to use a menstrual cup, and there are many myths and taboos about it. Still, I can say from personal experience that it is safe, hygienic, environment-friendly and easy-to-use.
Be Smart Consumers
We are living in a world where it is high time to take action on climate change. This year has been full of nature’s reaction against our wrongdoings. It’s important to understand that we stop buying things we don’t need and shedding unnecessary money on them. It produces unnecessary waste that can’t be recycled or biodegraded for many years.
We should start buying products from brands that support the cause of saving the environment by taking small initiatives. Here are some of the brands that work towards this cause:
- Pee Safe produces chemical-free organic products made from natural ingredients.
- Plum Goodness recycles the containers of the beauty products once you have used it.
- Eco Femme: If you are not into menstrual cups, you can use reusable cloth pads. The purchases and donations made to this brand provide cloth pads to girls in need across India.
- Bare Anatomy makes personalised chemical-free shampoos and conditioners. But they deliver them in 100% recyclable bottles.
- Juicy Chemistry: This brand makes organic skincare and haircare, which is better for you and the environment.
Let’s make minute lifestyle changes that can make a massive difference in the world. As it is famously said, “Be the change you want to see in the world.”
Note: Originally published here.