October is Waste Reduction Month in Canada, and it's a great time to reflect on how everyday choices can reduce our environmental footprint, especially when it comes to period care products. Did you know that in North America, it’s estimated that 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are discarded every year? Most of these products contain synthetic materials that can take hundreds of years to decompose in landfills have the power to reduce waste, while still ensuring our period care choices support our bodies and lifestyles.
The Impact of Period Care Products on Waste
Traditional pads and tampons are primarily made with non-biodegradable, petroleum-based materials, which contribute to long-term environmental harm. These disposable period care products end up in landfills, where their decomposition can take hundreds of years. This situation creates a large waste burden, which is why shifting to more eco-friendly period products is crucial.
Can Biodegradable and Compostable Period Products Make a Difference?
Biodegradable and compostable disposable period care products are increasingly seen as a more sustainable option. However, the effectiveness of these products depends largely on how they are disposed of. If biodegradable pads and tampons are placed in landfills, they break down much more slowly than they would in composting facilities. Unfortunately, many municipalities don't accept soiled pads and tampons in their compost programs, limiting the potential environmental benefits. Still, you can campaign in your area to have these products accepted into composting systems, helping to speed up their decomposition and reducing landfill waste.
The Benefits and Challenges of Reusable Period Products
Reusable products, such as menstrual cups and period underwear, are often lauded for their sustainability. They help eliminate waste entirely by being reusable for years. However, reusables aren't always practical for everyone. For example, many people lack access to reliable cleaning facilities, making disposable products more convenient and hygienic. Additionally, disposable products are often a better fit for period care in public spaces, schools, or workplaces, where quick and discreet disposal is essential.
Supporting Bodily Agency with the Right Period Products
It's important to remember that period care is personal, and bodily agency should always be respected. While reusables are excellent for reducing waste, they aren’t the best option for everyone. Whether it’s due to lack of comfort, access to cleaning facilities, or simply personal preference, everyone has the right to use the products that best support their body and lifestyle. That’s why disposable products still play a key role in period care, especially for those who need flexibility or don’t feel comfortable using reusables.
Offering a Better Disposable Option
At joni, we aim to provide a better option for people who prefer disposable period care. Our pads are made from organic, plant-based ingredients, meaning they are better for both your body and the planet. Importantly, we don’t use petroleum-based materials in our pads, which helps reduce harmful environmental impacts.
Our commitment to sustainability goes even further through a closed-loop manufacturing process, where the materials and chemicals used to create our pads are never discarded into the environment. Instead, they are reused, lessening our overall impact.
Additionally, we use bamboo—a highly sustainable resource—because it grows rapidly and requires fewer resources to cultivate than cotton. For instance, while it takes 10,000 liters of water to produce one kilogram of cotton, bamboo needs just 2,500 liters for the same amount of fabric. Bamboo farming land more efficiently and helps prevent soil erosion, making it a more eco-friendly option for period care.
Empowering Waste Reduction Through Sustainable Choices
Waste Reduction Month is an excellent time to take small steps toward reducing your environmental impact without compromising your bodily agency or comfort. By choosing bamboo-based, organic pads, you're making a conscious choice to care for yourself while minimizing waste. You can also advocate for your local municipality to accept soiled pads and tampons in compost programs, further reducing waste sent to landfills.
Remember, the most sustainable choice is the one that aligns with your personal needs and values. Whether you choose reusable or eco-friendly disposable products, the key is to make informed decisions that support both your body and the environment. Empower yourself this Waste Reduction Month to explore how even small changes in your period care routine can make a significant difference.