Sustainable and Cheap Periods: Menstrual Cups and Reusable Pads

According to an article by Supriya Garikipati, pads and menstrual products can actually be revolutionized into sustainable commodities. The only thing hindering this progress is the spread of information to other people. 

Pre-COVID pandemic, schools served as vital components of the supply chain, from which young girls could receive a pack of menstrual products. Due to several supply chain issues, during the COVID-19 pandemic, a mere 15% of the Indian population was able to afford disposable pads. In fact, in March 2020, the production of sanitary pads ceased due to lack of sufficient inventory in multiple stores. Reportedly, the supply has not recovered to pre-pandemic quantities. For this reason, multiple NGOs and non-profit organizations in India have started producing reusable period products and disseminating them among populations in need. 

For years, the notion that disposable pads are the only hygienic method through which to manage menstruation has been propagated by the government because traditional cloth is more difficult to maintain hygienically. Sustainable alternatives such as menstrual cups and reusable pads have not been receiving sufficient attention.

Environmental consciousness has been a quite well known “trend” since even before the COVID-19 pandemic. There has been an increase in the sustainable products available to women. Notably, as aforementioned, early 2000s companies such as Mooncup and GladRags have spearheaded the proliferation of these alternatives. Notably, Mooncup utilizes medical grade silicon, which is a non-porous material resistant to bacteria, and can last up to 10 years, an attribute quite popular among users. 

According to Garikpati, menstrual cups have less than 1.5% the environmental impact that disposables do at 10% of the cost. 

Lilypads and Safepad are two innovations that resemble what women used historically and are modern adaptations that are foldable and contain an antimicrobial top layer for improved hygiene. Essentially, the product is akin to underwear that absorbs menstrual blood and can be washed normally and reused. For women living in impoverished conditions, such products are especially vital and should be considered an environmentally-friendly, safe, and feasible win.