Learn about the harmful implications of disposable menstrual pads and period poverty.
Learn More in Our Published Research Paper “Exploring Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products for Sustainability and Women's Health” Written by Jiwan Kim and Claire Lee
There are many unsafe materials included in the make-up of a disposable menstrual pad, such as chemicals like dioxin and styrene. These chemicals can seep out during use and cause serious health risks such as inflammatory diseases, skin irritation, dryness, worsened menstrual cramps and even cancer. Reusable menstrual pads have been proven to be much healthier for the body, since they are made up of organic materials such as cotton fleece.
The environmental impact is equally concerning. The industry for disposable menstrual products is massive, and the mass production of these products, especially disposable pads, establish serious environmental concerns. Since most pads are 90% made up of plastic, it takes around 500 to 800 years for a single disposable pad to break down. The average lifetime usage of disposable pads from a single woman creates about 28,000 pounds of waste. Since reusable pads can be used over and over again, they are much healthier for the environment. With proper care, these pads can last up to 2-4 years.
Why Reusable Pads?
Despite the availability of healthier reusable pads, many women are unaware of their benefits, and there’s a general resistance to change. The Pads4Change project is dedicated to changing that narrative. By providing accessible information and firsthand experiences, we aim to highlight the dual benefits of reusable pads: they’re not only better for the environment but also promote healthier menstrual practices. Our goal is to enlighten women about the advantages of switching to reusable pads. This initiative isn’t just about environmental conservation; it’s about improving menstrual health and offering women more freedom in their choices. Through education and experience, we aim to foster a shift towards more sustainable and health-conscious menstrual products.
