From electric vehicles to reusable shopping bags, the need for sustainability is skyrocketing at a commendable pace. Eco-aware individuals are going beyond leaps and bounds to reduce their carbon footprint, and women are in no way behind. In India, most women prefer sanitary pads to manage their periods, but their perception towards menstrual hygiene is inclining significantly towards a reusable menstrual cup for better sustainability. Why?

Did you know every year, India witnesses around 12.3 billion sanitary pads dumped in landfills? Each sanitary pad is equivalent to four plastic bags, which is why every used sanitary pad takes 250-800 years to decompose, and some pads may never decompose at all! 

Reducing the Environmental Impact

One of the key advantages of menstrual cups is their minimal environmental impact. Did you know that the average woman uses around 11,000 disposable menstrual products in her lifetime? This staggering number leads to an enormous amount of waste, as most of these products end up in landfills or water bodies. In contrast, a single menstrual cup can last up to ten years, significantly reducing waste generation. By switching to menstrual cups, women can play an active role in reducing their carbon footprint and contributing to a healthier planet.

Apart from being environmentally friendly, menstrual cups offer economic benefits as well. While the upfront cost of a menstrual cup may seem higher, compared to a pack of disposable pads or tampons, the long-term savings are substantial. 

Health and Comfort

Menstrual cups are safe and comfortable for prolonged usage. They are made from high-quality, medical-grade, hypoallergenic materials and do not contain harmful chemicals. Additionally, menstrual cups do not disrupt the natural pH balance of the vagina, reducing the risk of infections and discomfort associated with prolonged use of disposable products. Many women find menstrual cups more comfortable to wear, unlike traditional pads or tampons, as they provide greater freedom of movement and can be worn for up to 8-12 hours without needing to be emptied.

Overcoming Taboos and Misconceptions

Although menstrual cups have gained popularity in recent years, they are still relatively unknown to many women. Taboos and misconceptions surrounding menstrual cups often hinder their adoption. However, with increasing awareness and education, these barriers are gradually being broken down. Organizations and initiatives worldwide are working persistently to provide information, dispel myths, and encourage open conversations about menstrual hygiene and health. 

Conclusion:

We live in a country where sanitary napkins constitute around 90% of the plastic. While small-scale incinerators have stepped up as the preferred technology for of disposing disposable sanitary products like pads and tampons, they generate toxic fumes, hence harming the environment and our overall health. The wise move here is to shift to menstrual cups. Instead of circling questions like “Is menstrual cup safe for me” or How to insert a menstrual cup,  you can always shift to the cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to do your part in saving the environment. 

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