Menstrual Products and Pollution: The Push for Eco-Friendly and Accessible Alternatives

The widespread use of single-use menstrual products has led to significant environmental and health concerns, with billions of plastic-based pads and tampons contributing to pollution and toxic exposure. Governments and activists are advocating for sustainable alternatives, but accessibility, affordability, and menstrual stigma remain major challenges.

The World Health Organization, in collaboration with researchers from the University of Toronto, Wageningen University, and the International Hub Against Plastic Pollution, has published a groundbreaking study on the environmental impact of menstrual hygiene products. While single-use sanitary pads and tampons have become the standard in high-income nations, their widespread use has had significant environmental and economic consequences. These products offer convenience but also contribute to plastic pollution and toxic waste accumulation. Millions of menstruators worldwide still struggle to access safe and hygienic products, with the World Bank estimating that 500 million women lack proper menstrual hygiene management. This lack of access affects health, dignity, education, and economic participation. In response, many governments have introduced policies to make menstrual products more accessible, with Kenya leading the way in 2004 by eliminating the value-added tax on sanitary products. Today, 48 countries have followed suit, while Scotland has gone a step further by providing free menstrual products, including sustainable options such as reusable cups and cloth pads. New Zealand has also expanded access to environmentally friendly products in schools, ensuring that young menstruators have better choices.

An Environmental Crisis in Disguise

Despite these progressive steps, little attention has been given to the environmental impact of single-use menstrual products. The global menstrual hygiene market is valued at an astounding $22 billion, with the European Union alone consuming 49 billion single-use menstrual products annually. Over a lifetime, the average menstruator uses approximately 10,000 period products, with most being composed of over 90% plastic. The environmental toll is staggering, with the United Kingdom alone generating more than 200,000 metric tons of menstrual product waste each year. Unlike medical waste, used menstrual products are not classified as hazardous, making them difficult to recycle. Instead, they either end up in landfills, where they take centuries to decompose, or pollute water systems. Every day in the UK, an estimated 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million pads are flushed down toilets, worsening sewage issues and marine pollution. These alarming statistics have led the World Health Assembly to acknowledge the dangers of plastic waste on health and the environment. In response, discussions on a Global Plastics Treaty are underway to limit the environmental damage caused by disposable menstrual products.

The Hidden Dangers of Single-Use Products

Beyond environmental concerns, the chemicals used in many menstrual products pose significant health risks. Research has found that tampons and pads may contain hazardous substances such as cadmium, lead, mercury, and bleaching agents, all of which can be absorbed into the body. Prolonged exposure to these chemicals has been linked to kidney disease, cardiovascular issues, and inflammation. The presence of microplastics in menstrual products further complicates the issue, with recent studies indicating that these materials may contribute to hormonal disruptions. Despite the growing awareness of these health risks, there is little regulatory oversight regarding the chemical composition of menstrual products. The absence of stringent guidelines means that consumers are often unaware of the potential dangers associated with the products they use. Advocacy groups and researchers continue to call for better transparency in manufacturing, ensuring that menstruators have access to safer alternatives.

Sustainable Alternatives: A Step in the Right Direction

With rising environmental awareness, activists and companies are pushing for more sustainable menstrual products. Reusable options such as menstrual cups, washable pads, menstrual underwear, and biodegradable single-use products are becoming increasingly popular. These alternatives not only reduce waste but also offer financial benefits, as a single menstrual cup can last up to ten years, significantly lowering long-term costs. However, sustainable options are not without challenges. Biodegradable menstrual products often have higher production costs, and even organic single-use alternatives require significant resources, such as water-intensive cotton farming. Additionally, reusable products demand access to clean water and hygiene facilities, which remain unavailable in many low-income and rural areas. While companies are developing more environmentally friendly menstrual care options, broader systemic changes are necessary to ensure that sustainable alternatives are affordable and accessible to all.

Overcoming Stigma for a Better Future

Menstruation remains highly stigmatized in many cultures, making it difficult to promote sustainable menstrual practices. In several societies, menstrual blood is considered impure, leading to discomfort in handling reusable products. This stigma is particularly prevalent in communities where traditional beliefs dictate strict menstrual taboos. For many, the fear of public scrutiny discourages the washing and drying of reusable menstrual items, reinforcing the dependence on disposable products. Overcoming these barriers requires a cultural shift, where menstruation is normalized and openly discussed. Schools, workplaces, and policymakers must work together to provide comprehensive menstrual education, dismantling misconceptions and empowering menstruators to make informed choices. Beyond access to sustainable menstrual products, addressing menstrual stigma opens the door for broader discussions on sexual and reproductive health, bodily autonomy, and gender equality. Governments, health organizations, and advocacy groups must work collectively to ensure that menstrual care is not just accessible and sustainable but also free from societal shame.

The widespread use of single-use menstrual products has been a defining feature of modern menstrual care, offering convenience but at a steep environmental and health cost. Governments and policymakers must prioritize not only access to affordable menstrual care but also the reduction of its environmental footprint. Strengthening regulations, improving transparency in product manufacturing, and investing in sustainable alternatives will be crucial in mitigating the damage caused by disposable products. Consumers, too, play a vital role by making informed choices that balance personal needs with environmental responsibility. As the movement for menstrual equity gains momentum, it is clear that a sustainable and inclusive future requires collaboration between policymakers, businesses, and communities. Whether through policy reforms, innovations in product design, or a shift in societal attitudes, the future of menstrual care must prioritize both people and the planet.