Becoming a mother over three years ago had a profound impact on my outlook on the environment. I became acutely aware of not wanting to add any further burden to the planet that I brought my daughter into, especially as I witnessed the intensifying heat of summers. Since then, I have embraced an eco-friendly lifestyle, meticulously considering every consumption habit, aiming to eliminate carbon footprints as much as possible.

Disposable plastic bags, coffee cups, and water bottles were among the first items I stopped purchasing. It was a revelation when I realized the significant waste generated by disposable menstrual pads throughout my life. This realization prompted me to make a change and switch to using a silicone menstrual cup. The positive experience I had with this sustainable alternative led me to encourage every woman I know to give it a try.

My journey into adopting eco-conscious practices sparked a deep interest in sustainable sanitary products. Consequently, I embarked on this research to explore ways women can collectively contribute to making our world a better place to live in. Our individual choices, as women, can play a significant role in creating a more sustainable and environmentally friendly future. Reports say around 20 billion sanitary napkins, tampons, and applicators are discarded in North American landfills annually.

In the past, before disposable pads and other modern sanitary products were introduced to the market, women used to rely on cotton, sheep's wool, and cloth pieces in their underwear to manage their periods. While reusable cloth options were affordable and environmentally friendly, the lack of access to water and hygienic cleaning methods posed challenges, particularly in regions facing water scarcity.

The advent of disposable pads in the 1980s brought convenience for women, allowing them to use clean pads and carry on with their daily activities during their periods. However, when considering eco-friendly alternatives, disposable pads present several drawbacks. Women typically menstruate for over 20 years, approximately five days a month, using more than five pads per day. This accumulates to an astonishing 6000 wasted pads per woman. Sanitary pads are primarily made from plastic, ranging from leak-proof base to synthetic materials, all the way to the packaging. Thus, disposable pads stand out for their significant environmental impact and the sheer volume of waste they generate.

As more sanitary products were introduced to the market to suit all women's needs, tampons were added beside the sanitary pads; however, they are more harmful to the environment. Tampons, which are inserted inside the vagina, became more popular among women who don't prefer sanitary pads, as they allow women to swim and do other similar activities. Tampons often consist of absorbent materials like plastic, rayon, or a mix of cotton and rayon, which can take ages to decompose. Some types of tampons can be wasted by being flushed in toilets, which is harmful to wildlife. Marine litter, which includes tampons, has been responsible for the deaths of numerous marine animals due to ingestion.

In light of the ongoing global conversation surrounding the adoption of eco-friendly practices, the significance of raising awareness about sustainable sanitary products cannot be understated. Among the recommended alternatives, reusable menstrual cups, made of silicone and inserted into the vagina, have gained popularity among environmental activists. Notably, these menstrual cups can be used for up to 10 years with proper care, making them a cost-effective choice compared to traditional pads and tampons. However, this option is still feared by some women due to misinformation that the product can harm women's virginity.

Furthermore, reusable menstrual pads and underwear are also considered sustainable options, but they require thorough cleaning to eliminate bacteria that could potentially lead to infections. As the call for environmentally conscious choices grows louder, exploring and promoting these sustainable options for menstrual hygiene is crucial in our collective efforts to protect the planet and safeguard public health.

Advocating for the increased use of sustainable sanitary products should not disregard women in marginalized communities who experience period poverty, defined as the lack of access to affordable sanitary and hygienic products. Therefore, it is essential for sustainable alternatives to be both accessible and affordable for all women. This necessitates ensuring that such products are not burdened with taxes, enabling them to be more economical options for every individual, known as menstrual equality.

To create a community where women are well-informed about sustainable sanitary products, it is crucial to combat the stigma surrounding menstruation. Only by breaking down this stigma can we build an inclusive community that is knowledgeable about and embraces sustainable practices.