The Ecological Impact of Feminine Hygiene Products
Close to 20 billion sanitary napkins, tampons, and applicators are dumped into North American landfills every year.
When wrapped in plastic bags, feminine hygiene waste can take centuries to biodegrade. The average woman uses over 11,000 tampons over her lifetime, leaving behind residue far beyond her lifespan.
This colossal waste burden, however, isn’t the only environmental impact of disposable feminine hygiene products. A year’s worth of a typical feminine hygiene product leaves acarbon footprint of 5.3 kg CO2 equivalents.
Over 50% of the world’s population menstruates, and yet conversations about feminine hygiene and the ecological impact of product choices women make in the space weren’t spoken about. In fact, the taboo surrounding menstrual periods stunted the development of new products in the space with little to no innovations for over 80 years.
Ultimately, driven by profit motives, it seems unlikely the major companies would shift towards a reusable product line. Menstrual cups, reusable pads, and sponges are readily available but haven’t gained much traction so far.
Reasons to switch to a menstrual cup
Features:
Material:100% Medical Grade Silicone
Zero Side effects
Tampons offer just eight hours before TSS becomes a possibility. With menstrual cups, you can go up to 12 hours in between emptyings.
Not sliding sideways
No smell
Comfortable, no foreign body sensation
It is reusable and it can last for up to 10 years
Certifications: CE,FDA,ROHS
Also convenient to use when you are at the beach, pool, sauna, etc.
Built-in-isolation, air, bacteria cannot breed
Eco-friendly
Economical
A normal tampon holds between six and nine grams of liquid. Menstrual cups hold almost five times that amount, capable of up to one ounce (about 28 grams).
Cups don't contain latex, BPA, dye, or other creepy additives. Not to mention, almost all tampons contain bleached rayon—a material that creates the possibly carcinogenic byproduct dioxin. Plus, that is BLEACH you're shoving up there. Menstrual pads aren't any less innocent, only slightly less invasive.
With proper insertion, your menstrual cup should form a suction. Meaning, all liquid should pool directly into it without a hitch. When a tampon shifts or becomes saturated, that's when leaks can happen.
Decrease your chances of TSS( TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome) is a bacteria-spurred illness that can kill you)
Easy to clean, you can also boil it in water for disinfection
Discharge Valve Designmakes it easier to empty, simply by pressing the valve. It's hygienic and convenient, especially when you're traveling.
