The very first time I saw a menstrual pad. It was 1988, I was 7 and the pad belonged to my big sister. It was very plain, no wings, very hard and looked very uncomfortable. Since then the menstrual pad has evolved to include a myriad of styles, sizes, fits and absorbencies. Today aisles in supermarkets and pharmacies are filled with several options designed for the discerning consumer looking for the perfect product to meet their menstrual needs. The options were mostly disposable – pads and tampons – products that are 1-time use and disposed after.
Over the last decade, however, we have seen the development of reusable menstrual products. These products include menstrual cups, cloth pads, period panties and even an alternative to tampons made from coral – a sea sponge. All these products are designed for multiple use. They can be cleaned and reused. These products have shot up in popularity as the conversation about finding more environmentally friendly menstrual products. Reusable products also have other advantages that many consumers are willing to explore:
They’re cost effective – After buying a reusable product, there is no need to replace it every month, the way we would disposable ones. So after that initial investment, no purchase is necessary for at least 2 years depending on how well the product is cared for.
They work – Reusable products are comfortable, hassle free and they are very easy to use. The period panties, for example, can just be worn like regular underwear, except they are absorbent and leak proof. They are also made from sustainable materials like bamboo and charcoal which also make them machine washable. So one can wear, wash and wear them again with ease.
They’re sustainable – As the technology for reusable products improve, the focus is to make them better, more comfortable and durable so they do less damage to the environment.
They’re healthy – Many people complain about the irritation they experience with some of the disposable products on the market because of the materials used to manufacture them. With the reusable products the materials are less irritating to the user and they do not experience the same discomfort.
They’re easy to use – Except for the menstrual cup, most of the reusable products are pretty straight forward. The cup requires some instructions because it is a totally new concept. This product is also one of the fastest growing menstrual product on the market, so people like them.
Not everyone is jumping on the reusable product bandwagon, but there is certainly a growing market for some of the products. If we are seriously going to consider a permanent solution to Period Poverty, perhaps we should take a closer look at these products. After all 1 pack of reusable products can last for 2 years as opposed to the disposable products which need to be replenished every month. Feel free to give one a try, and see how you like it.