What do you want your New Year's resolution to be for 2025? Still deciding? Okay, one thing first: it is high time for practical, effective New Year's resolutions. Goodbye fleeting fitness resolutions or unused gym memberships. How about going for an eco-friendly New Year's resolution instead? And where do you think is a better place to start? Well, I would say your monthly period routine. That is right, a green period resolution!
Sustainable menstruation is not only a brave step for the planet but also for your pocket and general health. Here is a guide to revamp your menstrual care with funny, practical, and environmental ideas.
New Year Resolution Ideas for a Greener Period Routine
Sustainability is not just a buzzword but a necessity. Period products are known for their environmental footprint. Did you know that one disposable pad contains as much plastic as four carrier bags? Add that to the estimated 12 billion pads discarded annually in India, and the picture is grim. Here’s a practical plan to achieve your green resolutions while embracing a green period:
1. Make the Switch to Reusable Menstrual Products
The future is here, and it’s reusable! So, start by incorporating eco-friendly menstrual products into your routine. These can be menstrual cups, cloth pads, or period underwear. (Fun fact- each reusable menstrual cup replaces over 240 tampons in its lifetime.)
Benefits:
- Reusable for as long as 10 years (menstrual cups).
- Environmentally friendly with zero plastic waste.
- Cost-effective.
2. Embrace Period Underwear
Ever wondered what the most environmentally friendly period product might be? Period underwear is an obvious answer, providing comfort through absorbency and style. If you’re unsure about where to start- try slipping on one of Mahina’s period underwear as you go to sleep and experience blissful and restful sleep. Or use it as a backup for those pre-period days when you could start bleeding any day, or supplement your cup with it!
3. Detox Your Routine with Organic Pads and Tampons
If reusable is not your choice, then look for some organic options. Organic tampons and pads are less toxic and thus safer not only for you but for the environment too. Organic materials decompose much quicker than synthetic ones, cutting down landfill waste drastically.
How to be even more sustainable in 2025?
It starts from dealing with waste. Disposable pads take as long as about 500 years to break down. Switching for some green New Year resolutions means not only contributing to waste reduction but cleaner oceans and healthier ecosystems altogether.
Achievable New Year Resolutions for a Greener You
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1. Teach Yourself and Other people- Use the first year to familiarize yourself and friends. Learn about environmentally friendly items and share that knowledge to motivate friends because New Year's resolutions easily need motivating.
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2. Follow Progress- Have goals that you can measure: 50 percent reduction of use disposable product at a mid-year point.
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3. Give Gifts related to Sustainable Resources- Thinking of New Year gifts or Christmas gift ideas? Well, here are some reusable products that you can consider as thoughtful, unique gift ideas for this season. They are practical and also show you care about the recipient's health and the environment.
Gifting your loved ones eco-conscious gifts like period underwear is thoughtful and sustainable!
Creative and Eco-Friendly Gifting Ideas
There is no need for un-exciting sustainable gifting. Here are some clever gifts that are practical, planet-friendly, and truly special presents:
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1. Period Starter Kits- Perfect for teens or when a person is looking forward to switching to eco friendly products.
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2. Reusable Menstrual Cups- Sleek, efficient and durable.
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3. Period Underwear in India- An evolving trend with many local stores available now.
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4. Eco-friendly Gift Boxes- Pairing cloth pads, period underwear, and calming teas together is the ultimate care gift.
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5. Books and Resources- Books on sustainability, empowering women to find out more about their own bodies and the planet.
Make 2025 the Year of Change
From lists of period products to unusual holiday gifts, there is no lack of things that can be done toward being more sustainable. Make this the year about something bigger than self-care. It has to be about planet care. As you write down your New Year resolutions ideas, ask yourself: What is the environmental impact of my decisions? How can I inspire others to be part of the movement?
Embrace a greener period routine this New Year because change begins with you!
Sources :
Menstrual Product Environmental Impact: National Geographic
Benefits of Period Underwear: Healthline
Organic Tampons and Pads: The Guardian
Reusable Menstrual Products Statistics: BBC Earth
Sustainable Menstruation Movement: UN Environment Programme
