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What’s impeding an eco-friendly shift in menstrual waste disposal? Stigma, ignorance, and accessibility

Considering the global population and the widespread use of disposable menstrual products, the cumulative impact on landfill waste is substantial. To put it into perspective, a rough estimate suggests that globally, billions of disposable menstrual products, including sanitary pads, end up in landfills each year. We can create an environment that encourages open discussions and normalizes sustainable menstrual waste management. Educating individuals about the environmental impact of traditional products and promoting the advantages of eco-friendly alternatives will help increase awareness and motivate people to make sustainable choices.

The Times Of India

Menstruation: Environmental impact and need for global health equity

Menstrual health hygiene equity involves increasing awareness about the global environmental impact of disposable menstrual products and creating equitable opportunity for healthy hygiene products.

Research has shown that period poverty is a significant concern in lower- and middle–income countries (LMICs), with many areas frequently lacking “water, sanitation, and hygiene” facilities, sometimes referred to as WASH facilities. Additionally, access to menstrual products in many LMICs is poor and/or inconsistent

India’s landfills add 113k tonnes of menstrual waste each year: Report

Around 12.3 billion sanitary napkins, amounting to 113,000 tonnes of waste, reached India’s landfills every year, according to a new study. Improper disposal and non-segregation from household waste leads to unhygienic working condition for waste workers, the report said.

Commonly available sanitary napkins constitute 90 per cent plastic, the report claimed. India generates 3.3 million tonnes of plastic waste every year, according to a Central Pollution Control Board report (2018-19).

Menstrual Hygiene Management and Waste Disposal in Low and Middle Income Countries—A Review of the Literature

Poor menstrual hygiene practices, specifically unhygienic use of menstrual hygiene products, can pose risks to women’s health, such as increased risk of urogenital infections, though scientific evidence of this link is limited and does not provide concrete evidence of an association between poor MHM and adverse health outcomes

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Environmental Effects of Menstrual Waste Management

Management of menstrual waste is a critical topic that touches both environmental and public health issues. It is critical to address the environmental impact of the items we use, especially those for menstrual hygiene, as we work towards a more sustainable future. In this blog, we'll examine the significance of ethical menstrual waste management and consider the wide-ranging effects it has on the ecosystem.

The Challenge of Menstrual Waste:

The typical menstrual individual spends a sizable chunk of their lives using disposable sanitary items like pads and tampons. While these goods offer convenience and comfort, they also add to the growing waste problem. Each year, an astounding amount of menstrual waste is disposed of in landfills and incinerators, causing harmful emissions and chemicals to be released into the atmosphere and environment.

Environmental Effects:

1. Pollution from plastics Many sanitary items are made of plastic, which takes hundreds of years to degrade. These goods generate plastic trash that damages ecosystems and adds to the catastrophe of global plastic pollution.

2. Carbon impact: Disposable menstruation products have a substantial carbon impact during their manufacture, distribution, and disposal. Transportation and the energy-intensive manufacturing process both increase greenhouse gas emissions, accelerating climate change.

3. Toxic substances: Traditional menstruation products often include synthetic and chemical ingredients. These substances can leak into the environment if incorrectly disposed of, damaging soil and water supplies.

4. Deforestation: The manufacture of throwaway goods necessitates the use of materials like wood pulp. The unsustainable procurement of these materials adds to habitat disruption, biodiversity loss, and deforestation.

5. Waste Management Challenges: Waste management systems are burdened by improper disposal of menstrual waste. Communities are exposed to health risks due to overflowing dumps and clogged sewage systems.

Ecologically sound Options:

1. Reusable menstrual products: Reusable alternatives that considerably cut waste include menstrual cups, cloth pads and period pants. They also provide financial savings and lessen the environmental impact of disposable products.

2. Biodegradable Alternatives: Some companies are now manufacturing organic and plant-based biodegradable pads and tampons that decompose more swiftly in the environment.

3. Education and Information: It is crucial to spread knowledge about sustainable solutions and appropriate disposal techniques. People may make decisions that are good for their health and the environment when they are properly educated.

Fourth, policy initiatives Governments and other organizations can contribute by putting in place rules that promote the use of environmentally friendly menstruation products and offer a suitable infrastructure for waste disposal.

Conclusion:

Management of menstrual waste is an issue for the environment on a worldwide scale, not just for individuals. We can all work together to lessen the environmental impact of menstrual waste by adopting reusable and biodegradable alternatives, pushing for legislation reforms, and raising awareness. Every little action taken in the direction of sustainable menstruation hygiene benefits the environment and future generations. Let's take action now to create a greener future.