Introduction:

Hello, folks. We hope you enjoyed Part-3 where we discussed microplastics, their impact on the ocean, on life, and on us. We are back with Part-4 of the Ocean Series started by Saathi to help explore menstrual waste, ocean pollution, ocean plastics, and how it impacts us. In this blog, we will talk about sustainable products, sustainable periods, what makes them expensive, and how they reduce the problem of ocean pollution.

You must be wondering what are these sustainable products that we have been talking about? Sustainable products are things that are made of renewable resources and can either be used for a long time or be composted. These products neither deplete our natural resources nor cause any harm to nature by their production, use, or disposal. Let’s take the example of sustainable periods. Sustainable periods mean using sanitary pads or any other menstrual products that are either reusable and washable or compostable. There are a number of products available, some examples include 100% biodegradable and compostable sanitary pads and reusable menstrual cups. 

We discussed the implication of using regular plastic disposable sanitary pads and tampons in Part-3. But, how and why do we switch to a better alternative? Let’s see how these products are more sustainable and are part of the solution. Menstrual cups are silicone-based reusable cups that last for years. They are budget-friendly as well as compact in size. Biodegradable pads like Saathi’s are made of natural materials like bamboo and banana fibers that decompose within 3-6 months. These sanitary pads are also good for our bodies as they do not cause any irritation or rashes like plastic sanitary pads. These sustainable products reduce the amount of plastics in the surroundings and ultimately helping to reduce ocean pollution as they are plastic-free. 

Sustainable Solution for Ocean Pollution:

In Part-1 and Part-2 of this series, we saw how plastic products increase ocean pollution. The basic question that arises is how do we stop it? What is the solution to this problem? Replacing plastic bags with plastic-free alternatives or plastic straws with metal straws are small but important steps towards a plastic-free planet. We need to reduce the 17.6 billion pounds of plastic waste that ends up in the ocean every year. Asking for plastic alternatives from manufacturers and the government is a big step towards a cleaner world. There are things like tea bags, facial scrubs, and many other day-to-day items filled with plastic that we tend to forget about. Identifying the items that contain plastic and replacing them with a sustainable option is one of the ways to overcome this problem. Switching to sustainable periods is a valuable step towards decreasing ocean pollution as eco-friendly period products are pollution-free. 

Why are sustainable products costly and what can we do about them?

But, what is stopping us from making this switch? One of the biggest reasons is the cost of a sustainable product. You might say that a bamboo toothbrush is more expensive than a plastic one. Even eco-friendly sanitary pads may seem more costly than plastic-made sanitary pads. But, why are they more expensive? Conventional sanitary pads are commercial-level industry-based products that are abundantly produced from petroleum-based plastic and hence are cheaper than eco-friendly pads. Sanitary pads made of banana and bamboo fibers are not yet produced with enough volume to bring down the cost. But can they be cheaper? Yes, they can. People can put a petition in front of the government to tax sustainable products less and plastic products more. The demand for more sustainable products will help decrease the cost and increase the supply of such products. Also, if the government gives incentives to the manufacturers of sustainable products then the price will surely go down. 

Conclusion:

Sustainability can help us retain natural resources so that we and future generations have a place to stay. It ensures proper use of resources in a way that does not harm the planet or us. It is the proper use of resources that makes a certain product more sustainable. Using something which is usually thrown away like banana waste to create sanitary pads is more sustainable than using organic cotton. Saathi pads are totally sustainable as they use agri-byproduct to create sustainable sanitary pads. By switching to such eco-friendly products, we not only save the environment from getting polluted but help us live a healthier life. Burning regular plastic sanitary pads causes air pollution which in turn harms our lungs. Throwing plastic bags into the ocean when ingested by fish ends up in our seafood and damages our bodies only. Hence, it is our responsibility that we use things that are good for our body, community, and environment.

We are glad that you stuck with us throughout this series and we hope this blog sheds some light on how we can be a part of the sustainable solution. Comment below about how you are trying to be a part of the sustainable solution. #saathioceanseries Read Part-5, the last blog of the Ocean Series about the social injustice and environmental injustice of period poverty and inaccessibility to sustainable menstrual products, and Saathi’s work to address these issues.

Continue reading…

1. Nuskhe from Granny’s time for sustainable living!!
2. Plastics: A Boon Turned Curse 
3. Our New Saathi Menstrual Cups - Don’t be scared, we are easy to use!
4. In conversation with You!
5. Female Athletes & Menstruation

About Saathi: 

Saathi, an award-winning social venture has patented technology to convert agri-waste into absorbent materials. It is known for its 100% biodegradable and compostable sanitary pads made from banana and bamboo fibers. Saathi pads are better for the body🩸, community 🌎 and environment 🌱. We are on a mission to make products sustainably and responsibly. 

We are recognized by the New York Times Climate Hub, UNESCO Green Citizens project, University of St. Andrews, Solar Impulse Foundation, and Global Cleantech Innovation Program among others for our innovative, social impact, and sustainable work. We are working towards 8 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). 

Check out a short video of our story here and follow us at @saathipads on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Linkedin, and Youtube to know how menstruation can be sustainable and stigma-free.