Why Sustainable Period Care is the Best Choice for You
Sakshi GargShare
A Beginner’s Guide to Sustainable Period Care
Ah, periods. The monthly guest we didn’t invite but have to accommodate anyway. Some people call it "that time of the month," others use euphemisms like "down" or "chumming," but whatever you call it, the menstrual cycle is a reality for over half the population. And let’s face it: periods can be messy, inconvenient, and—if you’re still stuck with disposable pads and tampons—environmental-ly catastrophic. (Yes, those plastic-wrapped, non-biodegradable little devils are haunting our planet.)
But don’t worry, my environmentally conscious friends! There’s a more sustainable way to deal with menstruation. In this guide, we’ll explore the eco-friendly options available, debunk myths, and make you laugh along the way. So grab a chai, and let’s dive into the world of sustainable period care—desi style!
Why Go Sustainable?
Before we start, let’s address the most obvious question: kyun?
Here’s why:
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The Planet Needs a Break: The average person with a uterus uses about 11,000 disposable pads or tampons in their lifetime. Most of these products contain plastic, and let’s be real, they’re not exactly decomposing anytime soon. It takes roughly over 500 years to dispose of one plastic pad. Just imagine a pad which was used while construction of Qutub Minar would still be lying around somewhere today.
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Cost-Effective: Sustainable period products save you money in the long run. A menstrual cup or reusable pad might seem expensive at first, but over time, they’re cheaper than restocking your stash every month.
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Healthier: Many disposable products contain chemicals like dioxins and synthetic fragrances. Sustainable alternatives are often made with safer materials.
And, of course, it’s a chance to feel like an eco-warrior, saving the planet one period at a time. (Cue dramatic Bollywood background music.)
Shop now Zorb Menstrual Cup just at the price of Rs 250. And its available in Pink also!!
The Sustainable Squad: Your Options
Let’s meet the eco-friendly heroes of the period world. Each has its quirks, much like your favorite Bollywood character.
1. The Menstrual Cup
Think of the menstrual cup as the Shah Rukh Khan of sustainable period care: charming, reliable, and a little intimidating at first. Made from medical-grade silicone, these cups collect your period blood rather than absorbing it. You fold it, insert it, and… voila! It’s good to go for up to 12 hours.
Pros:
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Long-lasting (up to 10 years!)
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Minimal leakage
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Great for heavy flow days
Cons:
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Insertion can be tricky initially (cue awkward bathroom yoga poses)
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Requires boiling for sterilization between cycles
Pro Tip: Practice inserting it when you’re NOT on your period. Trust me, it’s less stressful.
Buy QNIX Menstrual Cup which comes with a long Stem which makes it very easy to use.
2. Reusable Cloth Pads
Remember those ads with women doing cartwheels in white pants? Well, imagine the same scene, but sustainable. Cloth pads are washable, reusable, and often come in colorful patterns that scream, "I care about the environment and my vay-vay!"
Pros:
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Comfortable and breathable
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Great for light to medium flow days
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Easy to wash (soak, scrub, and dry in the sun)
Cons:
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Can feel bulky
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Washing them might make you feel like a 19th-century laundress
Pro Tip: If drying them outside embarrasses you, just call them "designer hankies" to nosy neighbors. Problem solved.
Buy a pack of three and forget all about rashes.
3. Period Underwear
Period panties are like the Alia Bhat of sustainable options: modern, chic, and low-maintenance. These are leak-proof undies designed to absorb your flow. Just wear them and go about your day—no additional layers needed.
Pros:
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Super convenient
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Perfect for light days or as backup on heavy days
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Machine washable
Cons:
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Requires multiple pairs if you have a long cycle
Pro Tip: Invest in a pair or two for lazy days when you’d rather binge-watch Koffee with Karan than deal with your period.
Oh they are also available in lace to make you feel like the Heroine that you are. Buy Now.
4. Biodegradable Pads
If you’re not ready to ditch disposables entirely, biodegradable pads are a great compromise. These are made from organic and plant-based materials, so they’re easier on the environment.
Pros:
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Familiar and easy to use
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Good for travel
Cons:
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Slightly pricier than regular pads
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Not reusable (still generates waste, albeit less harmful)
Pro Tip: Look for Indian brands like BeMe or Papaya or Purpleef to support local businesses. They are just a Click away.
Breaking the Myths
Now that you know your options, let’s tackle some common myths:
Myth 1: “Reusable products are unhygienic.”
Reality: If washed and sterilized properly, reusable products are completely safe. Plus, they don’t come with the chemical cocktail found in many disposables.
Myth 2: “Sustainable options are only for women with light periods.”
Reality: Menstrual cups and certain period underwear can handle heavy flows like a pro. Trust the science, not that overconfident friend.
And Qnix Boxer Period Panty is perfect for those heavy days or for girls going through PCOD, PCOS or Postpartum.
Myth 3: “It’s too expensive.”
Reality: Yes, the initial cost might be higher, but over time, you’ll save money. Think of it as an investment—like your Netflix subscription, but for your uterus.
Sustainable Period Care in India: Practical Tips
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Start Small: Don’t overhaul your routine overnight. Try one product at a time to see what works best for you.
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Get Over the Taboo: Yes, your nani might faint if she sees a menstrual cup on your bathroom shelf. Educate her and yourself about the benefits.
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Support Local Brands: Indian companies like Zorb, Soch Green, and iCare are doing amazing work in this space. Give them a shot available at our website. Click anywhere as you are already here.
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Carry a Kit: If you’re traveling, pack a small wet bag for storing used products and a mild soap for washing.
The Lighter Side of Period Care
Let’s not forget to laugh at our period struggles. Remember the first time you saw a menstrual cup? You probably thought, "Is this a designer shot glass?" Or the time you tried to explain a cloth pad to your husband, only for him to offer to buy you "normal pads" from the chemist?
Embracing sustainable period care can be a journey filled with awkward moments and funny stories. And that’s okay! After all, isn’t laughing through our struggles the Indian way?
Conclusion
Switching to sustainable period care is like learning to make perfect dosa batter, it takes a bit of practice but is totally worth it. By making the switch, you’re not just helping the planet but also treating your body better and saving money. So why not give it a try?
Your periods might never become fun (because, let’s be honest, cramps are the worst), but they can be guilt-free. And if saving the environment isn’t motivation enough, just think about all the plastic waste that has been already dumped into our landfills. It’s time to break up with disposables and swipe right on sustainability.
Happy sustainable bleeding, folks! 😉