As awareness about menstrual hygiene and period products grows, many are naturally gravitating toward sustainable alternatives that blend comfort, convenience, and care for the environment. Let's dive into the evolving world of menstrual hygiene and see what some of the most popular eco-friendly period products and best period underwear are today.
How Has the Menstrual Product Space Evolved?
The menstrual hygiene landscape has transformed significantly over the years. While pads have been traditional staples, growing awareness of its environmental impact has shifted focus toward greener alternatives like period underwear and menstrual cups. Grand View Research predicts continued growth in the global feminine hygiene market, driven by consumer demand for sustainability and safety. This comes mainly from the fact that disposed pads take 500 to 800 years to decompose which is especially concerning because each menstruator will use and dispose of between 5,000 to 15,000 pads and tampons in their lifetime.
This shift away from disposable products reflects broader societal changes. Many now seek practical, eco-friendly options to reduce plastic waste, as highlighted by The Ellen MacArthur Foundation, which notes the environmental toll of disposable pads and tampons. Choosing sustainable alternatives can help minimise ecological impact and improve menstrual health.
What is the Future of Disposable Period Products?
As environmental concerns continue to surge, the future of disposable period products is becoming increasingly uncertain. Use and throw period products are primarily made from synthetic material and plastics, which take hundreds of years to decompose. Research has estimated that pads and tampons make up for half of all that plastic waste, which is over 12 billion products annually. Such waste causes immense degradation of the environment and underlines the need for developing more sustainable menstrual hygiene options.
Disposable period products amount to half of the plastic waste in landfills.
A few eco-friendly alternatives that curb this enormous wastage are-
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1. Period Underwear
Comfortable and reusable, period underwear provides reliable absorption and drastically reduces plastic waste. It’s perfect for those who aren’t comfortable inserting period products in their vagina.
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2. Menstrual Cups
Made from medical-grade silicone, these are durable, cost-effective, and eliminate the need for disposable products. A quick insert into your vagina and the cup holds menstrual blood for 6 to 12 hours (this varies depending on the individual’s flow levels)
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3. Reusable Cloth Pads
Breathable and washable, they are a sustainable option that minimizes irritation and waste. These are similar to disposable pads except they’re reusable and pose much lesser risks for irritation and infections.
Which one suits you best?
The answer to this question lies in your budget, lifestyle and the amenities available at a moment’s notice. Although all 3 options are comparatively economic considering the longevity of each reusable option. However, having access to a clean and safe washroom to empty out a menstrual cup or dealing with a bloody cloth pad in case it has shifted in your underwear pose hurdles to a stress-free period experience.
This is where period underwear comes in!
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1. 100% Leakproof: Mahina’s period underwear is designed to provide complete protection against leaks, offering peace of mind and confidence during its use.
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2. Cost Effective: This product provides excellent value for money, saving users money in the long run compared to disposable alternatives.
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3. Reduces Plastic Waste: It is also a planet-friendly choice that helps minimize environmental impact by reducing the amount of plastic waste generated. One of Mahina’s period underwear can be used for up to 100 washes, making it an alternative for around 240 pads per year!
(Note- the number mentioned above is an estimate)
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4. Comfort and Convenience: Period underwear offers comfort and convenience like regular underwear but with the added benefit of menstrual protection. Slipping it on as regular underwear takes away the chance of stains as the underwear moves with your body.
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5. Hygienic and Safe: Period underwear is made of hypoallergenic breathable materials that meet the required hygiene standards. They have no toxic chemicals, therefore reducing infection risks.
Why Period Underwear is the Better Choice
Period underwear is a sustainable and comfortable choice in managing menstruation. This option addresses health and environmental concerns by providing a practical, planet-friendly alternative to traditional disposable products. Period underwear is the forerunner in changing the way we approach menstruation with growing awareness about menstrual hygiene and the need for sustainable products. It provides women with the ability to have a comfortable, safe and confident experience during menstruation, whilst being a part of the larger move towards planet-friendly period products!
Sources:
Grand View Research- Feminine Hygiene Products Market Size, Share & Trends Analysis Report By Product
WebMD- Eco-Friendly Options for Menstrual Products
Obstetrics & Gynaecology- Menstruation: Environmental impact and need for global health equity
