We live in a world of plastic. In addition, these are toxic and harmful to the environment, even though some make packaging and transportation possible.

One of the best examples of these is sanitary pads, which contain a lot of plastic. One of the major selling points for many manufacturers is the ‘plastic shield’ that prevents moisture and blood from puddles. During periods, the plastic covers and shields do prevent embarrassing bloodstains, but at what cost?

Several reports state that 9000 tonnes of menstrual waste are generated in India every year, primarily from sanitary pads. As with other household waste, plastic-based sanitary pads are generally flushed down the toilet or thrown down the drain. Today, many women prefer organic sanitary pads India rather than plastic menstrual pads.

We grew up using sanitary napkins made of plastic without realizing how harmful they were.

Our bodies remove the blood and other body fluids during menstruation. Despite effectively retaining moisture, sanitary pads provide a breeding ground for bacteria and fungi. The plastic can cause irritation, allergic reactions, and inflammation in the vagina and vulva. It can also cause pelvic inflammatory diseases, such as cervical cancer, in some situations. Wearing the pads depends on the type of plastic and how long they last. Additionally, it can affect an individual’s reproductive health and negatively impact their fertility.

Change plastic-based pads frequently to avoid bacteria buildup. It rarely occurs because long journeys lack toilets, privacy, or proper disposal facilities. Using plastic-based sanitary pads has unknown long-term health consequences.

Sanitary napkins are often thrown into ponds, rivers, and lakes, contaminating the water and organisms there, and clogging drains, and fouling the soil.

While menstrual pads are not quickly biodegradable, the menstrual waste itself is a source of pollution that can cause illnesses. The bare hands of rag pickers can easily lead to HIV infection from these sanitary products.

Pathogens can get into the soil from a bloody pad, and this can also spread to the city and village water supplies, especially if the pipes are not insulated properly.

Dispose of menstrual waste separately from sanitary waste. Incineration of sanitary napkins is possible but rare. Despite warnings on packaging not to flush them down the toilet, even large multinational corporations rarely ensure that they are collected and disposed of properly.

The rural women use reusable cloth as sanitary pads, which is eco-friendly but not very hygienic. Sunlight acts as a natural sterilizer by washing and drying cloth napkins.

Using natural materials such as cotton, bamboo, and hemp to make reusable tampons is an ecologically friendly and sustainable alternative to commercial, mass-produced plastic sanitary pads. As well as bamboo charcoal, bamboo pulp and wood pulp pads are also safe and highly absorbent alternatives.

A growing number of rural women are now using banana tree fiber to make disposable pads, which last less than a year. Many entrepreneurs are now taking the initiative to make environmentally friendly organic pads. Menstrual pads from Pixie for her focus on sustainable menstruation, as well. Pixie for her pads contains corn starch and bamboo fiber, which are non-toxic and biodegradable. They are also safe for the user and the best organic sanitary pads in India.

It’s a good idea to switch to some natural, safer menstrual hygiene products that don’t contain harmful chemicals or artificial fibers, even though plastic menstrual hygiene products are abundant. Personal hygiene is just as important as any other Period.