Text Credits: Raveena Nair

Menstruation is still a topic that many hesitate to talk about, with taboos and myths still associated to it . Keeping menstrual bleeding under the blanket has only increased issues related to personal hygiene and polluting the environment. And that is exactly why we should talk about this phenomena that generally women through every month. May 28 is marked as the World Menstrual Hygiene Day and this year we are celebrating the fifth edition of this day which was started by a NGO, WASH United.

Talking about menstrual hygiene, the right way to dispose a pad has always been a question for many women. The common advertisements on these napkins show the high tech innovations incorporated to make it leak proof. There is dry sheet on top to keep the dry feeling throughout the day infused with floral scent. Below this will be super absorbent cotton layer followed by the gel technology that prevents leakage and the bottom plastic layer.

But are we aware of what we are using? These disposable sanitary pads are really unhealthy and the soul reason for many health issues such as rashes and yeast infections. Theses pads contains harmful chemicals such as the bleaching agents which are used to bleach the cotton pure white along with the pesticides that remain despite treating the cotton.

Also have you ever thought of the pile of waste we are generating by opting these disposable pads which do not decompose in future and spread bacteria having a adverse effect on general health. On doing a little math I just realized that in my entire life if I keep using disposable pads, I will be contributing more than 8,000 pads to the landfills!

There are eco-friendly options available and it is high time that we ditch these disposable pads and opt for other options that are both good for us and the environment.

Here is a list of eco-friendly options available from which you can choose from after understanding what it is made up of. Take a look at some of them:

Saathi Eco-friendly pads

Saathi eco-friendly pads promises a ‘no plastic periods’. These sanitary pads are made up of plant based materials such as banana fiber taken from the stem of banana plants. They are very good absorbents by nature and degrades within six months.

Source: saathipads.com

Natracare

Natracare pads are plastic and chlorine free and are devoid of chemical substances, dyes, latex or fragrance. These pads are made of organic cotton and plant based materials and thus are completely biodegradable. Natracare pads are also available in various sizes to chose from. 

Source: natracare.com

Anandi

Anandi pads are completely biodegradable as they are made up of natural fibers from agriwaste. These pads are available at a price of 30 Rs, for a pack of eight pads. The aim is to be accessible and affordable to every women.

Source: aakarinnovations.com

Masmi

Masmi organic pads consists of chlorine free organic cotton. It is also hypoallergenic to reduce irritation and allergies. It has separate designs for day and night use.

Source: nykaa.com

Most of the organic pads are available online. Though majority of them come at a rate slightly higher than the regular disposable pads, in a longer run it adds benefits for both you and the environment. The other eco-friendly options include eco-friendly tampons, menstrual cups, and reusable cloth pads. It is very much required to spread awareness about the healthier and less polluting alternatives that are easily available nowadays.

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