While disposable period care products are a necessity for addressing urgent workplace menstrual needs, there's a growing awareness of their environmental impact and the potential health risks associated with conventional plastic-based options.
Let’s advocate for a shift towards sustainable period care solutions that not only prioritize equity and the health and well-being of employees but also contribute to your organization’s sustainability efforts. Here's why making the switch to biodegradable pads and tampons is essential now more than ever:
1. Environmental Impact
Mainstream disposable pads and tampons are predominantly made from petroleum-based plastics, requiring a non-reusable resource and taking centuries to decompose, while contributing significantly to pollution and landfill waste.
By transitioning to biodegradable alternatives, companies can reduce their carbon footprint and minimize their impact on the environment.
Biodegradable pads and tampons are made from renewable plant-based materials that break down naturally, offering a sustainable solution to menstrual care. joni’s pads and tampons, for example, break down by 97% within 12 months in the right environment.
2. Employee Health and Comfort
Whether you’re required to supply period care products in your organization’s washrooms to comply with the federal labour code or want to support employees (or both), choosing organic products are best for health.
Synthetic materials and chemicals found in conventional period care products can cause discomfort, irritation, rashes, and even infections. While providing free workplace period care can reduce absenteeism (by keeping employees at work if they’re caught off guard without products on hand), providing inferior products may have the opposite effect.
Biodegradable pads and tampons made from organic, non-toxic materials, are gentle on the skin and reduce the risk of allergic reactions or irritation. By providing employees with organic period care options, you’ll foster a supportive work environment while reducing absenteeism.
3. Corporate Sustainability Efforts
Does your organization have Environmental, Social, and Governance initiatives?
Making the switch to biodegradable period care products aligns with broader corporate sustainability initiatives. By investing in biodegradable options, organizations can showcase their commitment to environmental stewardship and inspire positive change within their communities while simultaneously supporting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion policies.
Pro tip: Choosing joni products and dispensers for your organization supports four of the UN’s 17 Sustainable Goals.
4. Addressing Urgent Menstrual Needs
Did you know that 86% of employees who menstruate are caught off guard at work without products on hand? Of those, 34% leave work to find what they need.
While providing reusable menstrual products offer sustainable alternatives, they may not always be suitable for addressing urgent menstrual needs in workplace settings.
Biodegradable pads and tampons provide a practical solution for employees who require immediate access to disposable period care products. By offering biodegradable options alongside reusable alternatives, companies can accommodate diverse menstrual needs while promoting sustainability and environmental responsibility.
Sustainable period care in the workplace is a year-round commitment to promoting health, environmental stewardship, and corporate sustainability. By prioritizing biodegradable pads and tampons, companies can minimize their environmental impact, support employee health and comfort, and contribute to a more sustainable future for all.
At joni, we're dedicated to empowering workplaces with sustainable period care solutions that prioritize the planet and the well-being of employees. Join us in embracing a more eco-conscious approach to menstruation care and making a positive difference, one period at a time.