Ladies Without Plastic - Green Menstruation. Environmental challenge by Sofonie Dala, Angola. Day 2

Our Africa Educates her Campaign season 5 is on going. 

Green Menstruation - Day 2

Good afternoon ladies and gentlemen, 

Welcome to the second day of our environmental challenge Women Without Plastic - Key to reduce our carbon footprints! 

The main objective of this campaign is to educate women and girls on the benefits of green menstruation and empower them in making reusable pads.

Most menstrual pads are made from 90% plastic. Plastic products can take up to a thousand years to decompose in landfills or in the ocean. Considering the affordability and environmental impact of sanitary pads, cloth is an effective option.

Our guest today is Luquenia Rodrigues, she will tell us about her preferences regarding pads and personal hygiene.

Lady good afternoon!

Good afternoon, Thank you!

What's your name?

My name is Luquenia Rodrigues.

How old are you?

I am 18 years old.

Alright. Which of these pads do you use?

I use this one, the disposable.

Why?

Because I like this one more.

Why doesn't the washable pad appeal to you?

I feel distressed and not comfortable.

Have you ever used the cloth pad?

Yes once, but I didn't like the experience.

What concrete did you not like?

This caused me diaper rash, and I also don't feel good seeing and smelling smell of blood.

Ok, thank you!

One sanitary pad could take 500 to 800 years to decompose as the plastic used is non-biodegradable and can lead to health and environmental hazards. One sanitary pad has plastic equivalent to five plastic bags, so one woman is using menstrual hygiene products equivalent to 60,000 - 75,000 plastic bags.

Every household needs to ensure that sanitary waste should be properly wrapped. The rules say that sanitary waste should be kept in the dry waste bin and should be handed over separately.

What is Green Menstruation? 

Green menstruation is the term used where women use biodegradable menstrual hygiene products, green because they are environment friendly. The products include menstrual cups, organic cotton based pads, reusable cloth pads, and period panties. These options are not only environment friendly but also pocket friendly and really good for women's vaginal and reproductive health.

In a scenario, where safe menstruation for every female is imperative, the debate over sustainable menstruation is still far. This is the perfect time when along with period education we can make women aware about sustainable menstrual hygiene products and the impact on the environment.

Interesting Links: https://sofoniedala.blogspot.com/2021/11/live-cop26-ladies-without-plastic.html