Did you know that a single person who menstruates may use and dispose of over 10,000 pads in their lifetime? This staggering number contributes to a massive global waste problem, with billions of disposable menstrual products piling up in landfills every year.

Earth Day, celebrated on April 22nd, serves as a crucial reminder of our collective responsibility. This year's theme, "Our Power, Our Planet," highlights that making conscious choices in our daily lives, including our period care routines, is a significant way to harness our power for a healthier planet. Opting for sustainable period products is not only beneficial for our bodies but also a positive step towards reducing environmental impact.

The Shocking Truth About Your Regular Pads (and Why It's Time to Switch)

Reflecting on Earth Day’s message of empowerment, it’s important to understand how our period care choices directly affect the planet.

Conventional disposable pads, while convenient, come with a hidden environmental cost. India has secured the top spot as biggest plastic polluter in the world, releasing 9.3 million tonnes annually, according to a new study. While this includes various sources, our period care choices contribute to this burden.

Typical sanitary pads are made of about 90% plastic—including the back sheet, absorbent layers, and top sheet—and are not biodegradable. They can take 500 to 800 years to degrade in landfills.

This leads to the accumulation of plastic waste, contributing to environmental pollution. Improper disposal worsens the problem. Flushing pads down the toilet can cause plumbing issues and contribute to marine pollution. Littering leads to environmental contamination and poses risks to dogs, cows, and wildlife. In India, menstrual waste often is burned, releasing toxic fumes.

Beyond the Bin: Potential Health Concerns in Regular Pads 

While the environmental impact is significant, it's also crucial to consider what conventional period products might contain and how those substances could affect your health. The sensitive skin of the vulva and vagina is highly permeable, meaning it can absorb chemicals more readily.

Let's take a closer look at some of the concerning substances often found in regular pads and their potential health effects:

1. Chlorine:

• Elemental chlorine is not as widely used for bleaching. However, some older manufacturing processes might still use it.

• Potential Health Impacts: Direct exposure to chlorine can cause irritation and burns. 

2. Dioxins

• Dioxins are primarily byproducts of chlorine-based bleaching processes used to purify wood pulp for rayon, a common material in tampons and pads. Trace amounts of dioxins can still be present as environmental contaminants in raw materials like cotton and wood pulp.

• Potential Health Impacts: May increase cancer risk, disrupt hormones, and harm the immune system.

3. Fragrances:

• Fragrances are added to some pads, tampons, and wipes to mask menstrual odor and create a feeling of freshness using chemicals like toluene and xylene.

• Potential Health Impacts: The sensitive skin of the vulva and vagina can be easily irritated by fragrance chemicals, leading to redness, itching, burning, and swelling.

4. Heavy Metals: 

• Trace amounts of metals like arsenic, mercury, and lead have been detected in some products.

• Potential Health Impacts: Can pose risks due to potential cumulative effects in the body over time.

Go Green with Your Flow: Your Easy Guide to Making the Switch

Switching to sustainable period care opens a world of options that are better for your body and the planet. Beyond conventional disposables, eco-friendly products cater to different needs, lifestyles, and comfort preferences.

Here are the main types of eco-friendly period products to consider:

• Menstrual Cups: Reusable cups made of medical-grade silicone or rubber that are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual flow. They can be worn for up to 10 hours, are washable, and can last for many years, creating minimal waste.

• Reusable Cloth Pads: Washable pads made from fabrics like organic cotton or bamboo, worn in your underwear just like a disposable pad. They come in various sizes and absorbencies.

• Period Underwear: Absorbent underwear designed with built-in layers to absorb menstrual flow. They work like regular underwear but with built-in protection, and you can wash and reuse them.

• Biodegradable Disposable Pads: Single-use pads made from natural, plant-based materials that are designed to break down more quickly than conventional plastic pads. They offer the convenience of a disposable while significantly reducing long-term environmental impact. Saathi is a pioneer in this category, using innovative natural fibers.

Choosing among these options is a personal journey! Consider what factors are most important to you – whether it's maximum waste reduction, the convenience of a disposable, or the feel of natural materials against your skin. Now that you're familiar with the range of eco-friendly options, let's address some common misconceptions.

Myths About Ecofriendly Products

It’s natural to have questions. Let’s debunk some common myths:

• Myth: They are expensive. 

• Fact: Though initial costs may be higher, reusable products save money over time.

• Myth: Menstrual cups can get lost inside you. 

• Fact: The vagina is a closed-ended canal, and the cervix prevents anything from going further. The cup is held in place by the vaginal walls.

• Myth: Eco-friendly pads made of natural materials are less absorbent and reliable than regular plastic pads.

• Fact: Saathi’s natural fibers like bamboo and banana are highly absorbent and reliable.

• Myth: Using a menstrual cup is messy and difficult.

• Fact: There is a learning curve, but with practice, using a menstrual cup becomes easy and mess-free. Many find it less messy than pads or tampons once they get the hang of it.

• Myth: Eco-friendly period products aren't readily available.

• Fact: Eco-friendly period products are increasingly available online, making them more accessible than ever before.

With these myths cleared up, let's look at how Saathi's innovative approach addresses both environmental concerns and personal comfort needs.

Saathi: A Sustainable Choice - Comparison and Benefits 

Let's compare a typical plastic pad with a Saathi pad, a sustainable alternative:

*Have you ever thought how this might impact sanitation workers? To learn more, check out this blog.

Let's take a closer look at how Saathi stands out and makes periods better for you and the planet. Saathi offers innovative products that combine personal comfort with environmental benefits: 

Saathi's menstrual cups:

• Made of 100% Medical Grade VI Silicone and worn internally like a tampon, but collects rather than absorbs your menstrual blood.

• Just wear, wash, sterilize and reuse.

Saathi's bamboo pads: 

• Made from biodegradable materials like bamboo fiber.

• Compostable within 6 months

• Fragrance-free, chemical-free, and unbleached, ensuring a rash-free comfort while being gentle on the Earth

• You can even subscribe to a Saathi subscription box to avoid period shopping stress.

We also have distributed over 2 million sanitary pads as part of our 10 Million Pad Initiative to provide underserved women and girls with access to sustainable menstrual hygiene and menstrual health education.

Still wondering if Saathi is right for you? Here’s what our customers have to say:

Gayathri J. “One of my friend suggested me about Saathi pads and I tried them. I felt comfortable and more than that it made me feel good that I am doing good to earth.”

Neha N. “These bio-degradable pads were just amazing & I love it . They are very comfortable & rash free. I love your stickers too. It gives confidence & acceptance ☺️ thank you”

Lakshmi K. “I tried many brands along with Saathi before deciding to stick with Saathi's bamboo pads. I have been using them for almost a year now and I have had no rashes. They are also very absorbent and hence feels very comfortable. I use their regular for day time and overnight while sleeping. And I don't think I will change a thing!”

Why Your Actions Matter:

Small changes, when adopted by many, create big impacts—like drops filling a bucket. One drop seems less, but many together creates volume. Small changes are easier to follow into daily routines and are more likely to become long-term habits. Starting with your own period care can inspire others and lead to community-wide improvements.

If you are ready to make a bigger splash, consider raising awareness about menstrual waste or organizing local cleanups to protect your environment. Share your sustainability journey with us on social media using #SaathiPads!

Conclusion 

The impact of conventional period products extends far beyond personal use. Each plastic pad lingers in the environment for centuries, worsening the waste crisis. By choosing sustainable alternatives like Saathi's biodegradable pads or reusable menstrual cups, you're not just experiencing the comfort of natural materials against your skin—you're actively participating in a solution. 

This Earth Day, remember that protecting our home starts with everyday choices. Your decision to switch to sustainable period care creates a ripple effect that benefits your community and the Earth. But understanding leads to better action. Have you ever wondered how plastic became such a pervasive problem? Or how climate change and our everyday choices connect? Our Terra Talks series tackles these questions, breaking down environmental concepts that empower you to make informed decisions. From carbon sequestration to biodegradability, we explore the science behind sustainability in bite-sized, engaging episodes.

Take your first step today. Whether it's trying a Saathi pad or cup, discussing sustainable options with friends, or tuning in to Terra Talks to deepen your environmental knowledge—your action matters. This Earth Day, harness "Our Power, Our Planet" by transforming your everyday choices into a force for good.

Because when it comes to protecting our home, every decision counts.