Many people now live an organic lifestyle. While some people insist on visiting farmer's markets to receive their weekly allotment of fruits and veggies, others choose to wear and use organic cosmetics. It was just a matter of time before there were also organic alternatives to feminine hygiene items like pads and tampons.
Organic hygiene products are created from non-toxic, non-carcinogenic, and biodegradable components such unbleached cotton, compostable cellulose wood pulp, and plant starch. Additionally, because they are not bleached with chemicals like chlorine, they are safer.
However, it costs more than typical sanitary items (a packet of 10 organic pads costs upwards of Rs 300 approx, a packet of tampons costs upwards of Rs 400). In a nation where 70% of women apparently cannot afford sanitary napkins, it may serve as a deterrent (Sanitary Protection: Every Woman's Health Right, 2011).
Organic pads/tampons are superior to commercially available pads because they allow your skin to breathe, according to Dr. Suruchi Desai, consulting obstetrician and gynaecologist at Nanavati Super Speciality Hospital in Mumbai. Traditional sanitary pads contain a lot of plastic and might irritate skin and trigger allergic responses. Organic pads include a comfortable organic cotton layer that lets your skin breathe and an absorbent cellulose core that traps away menstrual fluid to keep you dry.
Organic Pads v/s Synthetic Pads:
Made up of: In the production of inorganic sanitary products, dioxin, one of the most harmful carcinogens connected to an increased risk of endometriosis, decreased fertility, cervical cancer, urinary tract infections, etc., is used. These goods further exacerbate the current environmental problems with the disposal of plastic garbage. Organic cotton is used to make pads, nevertheless. It is devoid of all toxic substances and plastic. Due to their exceptional quality, these sanitary pads are slightly more expensive than other pads sold in stores. Every person should switch to organic sanitary pads due to the absence of plastic and any other dangerous ingredients.
Risk of Infection: Synthetic pads composed of plastic and chemicals are more likely to cause infections, irritation, and rashes than organic pads, which are made of cotton and devoid of toxic chemicals & plastic.
Absorbency: Organic pads have a similar level of absorbency to synthetic pads, however they absorb slowly. A substance called sodium polyacrylate, which absorbs on touch and can hold hundreds of times its own weight, is a common component of synthetic pads. Additionally, it is very poisonous.
Breathable: Massive amounts of plastic are found in synthetic pads. Leaks are less likely to occur as a result, although it may also retain moisture next to the skin. Skin irritation and allergic responses are two dermatological symptoms that may be influenced by this. Conversely, organic pads keep you dry by enclosing menstrual fluid in a cellulose core that is absorbent. In addition, they include a comfortable organic cotton cover that lets your skin breathe.
Toxic Chemicals: Typically, hazardous chemicals like chlorine bleach are used to bleach synthetic pads. When such goods are used in or close to the vagina, it's possible for them to penetrate the skin and enter the body. There is no chance of vaginal exposure because organic sanitary pads are not created with any of these potentially dangerous chemical components.
Softness: Organic cotton has an unparalleled natural suppleness that even synthetic alternatives cannot match. The synthetic pads' surfaces are usually perforated for quicker absorption; as a result, they feel less smooth and more bumpy to the touch.
Eco-Friendly: Organic pads are created from biodegradable materials and do not cause pollution, in contrast to synthetic products. Additionally, producing period wear from organic cotton consumes 71% less water and emits 94% fewer greenhouse gases than conventional cotton production.
Harmful Effects of Inorganic Sanitary Pads:
The major drawback of using sanitary pads is the irritation they can cause when worn for extended periods of time.
Rashes on the skin can also result from not changing the pads frequently.
Users of pads are constantly at risk for allergies, which may be brought on by the chemicals in them.
Additionally, if not changed in a period of 4 to 5 hours, they could create a bad smell.
Due to the discomfort they cause, women who engage in severe physical activity find it inconvenient to utilise.
They are also toxic to the environment, wind up in landfills, and use largely non-biodegradable chemicals.
Benefits of Organic Sanitary Pads:
Better For Your Body: The bleaching procedure used to make the cloth look white results in compounds called dioxins, which are present in traditional period pads. It's concerning. A increased risk of developing cancer has been linked to exposure to these substances. Dioxins can also affect hormones, the immune system, development, and reproduction, leading to endometriosis, painful periods, and even infertility, according to the World Health Organization. The absorbent tissues of the vagina can let these dangerous chemicals into your circulation when you use period products that contain dioxins. Hormone imbalance and discomfort can also result from fragrances and other compounds found in common pads and tampons.
Organic Pads Are Breathable: Contrary to pads made of synthetic materials, cotton organic pads have an absorbent cellulose core that keeps you dry while allowing the skin to breathe. The risk of allergies and skin irritation that can be brought on by the plastic component of regular pads is also decreased by this softer substance. When airflow is restricted to this delicate area, you'll also be at a decreased risk for the bacterial and fungal illnesses that can develop from it.
Stay Comfortable All Day Long: Standard pads contain little to no cotton and are primarily comprised of plastic. The end resultant fabric might irritate the skin and cause rashes and itching. Organic cotton pads may be a preferable option for all-day wear, including overnight, if you find standard pads uncomfortable. These soft, sleek items are everything but bulky; they won't show through your clothing and won't even be felt as you go about your busy day. When used effectively at bedtime, styles with wings prevent leaks that ruin your clothes. Expanded versions are also available.
Healthy & Affordable: Organic cotton sanitary pads cost about the same as regular sanitary pads, but without the alarming environmental harm and the possibility for skin irritation! Many users of these goods discover that they use fewer products per period since organic cotton is extremely absorbent. This makes using organic cotton pads for your monthly routine a sensible financial decision.
Organic Pads are Safer For Wildlife: Eco-friendly period goods, such as organic cotton pads, can have a significant positive effect on the condition of the planet. Experts claim that non-organic sanitary napkins can take up to 800 to 1,000,000 years to completely degrade, as opposed to merely 2 years for organic cotton napkins. Additionally, organic cotton growing does not necessitate the use of pesticides that eradicate local bees, insects, and birds that are essential components of our ecosystem. Some of these dangerous pesticides can also degrade into synthetic oestrogen, which has been linked to infertility and reproductive problems. The production of organic pads consumes substantially less energy and water than the production of conventional pads, and many varieties are disposable and biodegradable.
Organic Pads are Better For The Environment: The main ingredient of organic pads is organic cotton! Organic cotton growing cooperates with nature rather than against it. Because harmful pesticides, insecticides, and herbicides are not employed, soil life is effectively safeguarded and hazardous chemicals are kept out of waterways.
Organic Pads are Fully Biodegradable: Organic sanitary products are completely biodegradable because they are made entirely of natural cotton. You can dispose of your used organic pad in the garbage after usage without worrying that it will release any harmful chemicals or plastic debris into the environment.
Safe and Hygienic Menstruation: The most absorbent region of your body, the vagina, is particularly hazardous to the chemicals included in a typical napkin. Compared to traditional sanitary pads, which have top layers comprised of synthetic plastics, these top layers are exceptionally soft. As a result, the organic sanitary pads prevent skin allergies, rashes, and irritation in your vagina. When using these natural pads, there is virtually little chance of contracting an infection caused by bacteria. Additionally, because the organic pads are comprised of plant-based materials, they allow for improved air flow, which enables the trapped heat and moisture to dissipate. This enables the delicate skin of your vagina to breathe easily.
Brands of Organic Sanitary Pads:
Saathi Pads: Graduates of MIT, Harvard, and Nirma University, co-founders Kristin Kagetsu, Tarun Bothra, Amrita Saigal, and Grace Kane sought to address challenges including menstrual taboos and limited access to pads in rural India. They were also interested about creating sustainable products, and Kagestu had already introduced natural-dye crayons created by Uttarakhand craftsmen. The four entrepreneurs combined their skills to produce sanitary napkins from highly absorbent banana fibre, an agricultural byproduct that uses no additional water or land. The business sources and manufactures all of its products in Gujarat, and its environmentally friendly, compostable sanitary napkin pads are free of chemicals like bleach that release toxins into the environment when discarded. Saathi pads are comfortable for the user and free of rashes or chronic illnesses thanks to their all-natural construction. They even use recycled hygiene paper for their packaging, and they have created a new sleeping pad that will be made accessible on their website soon.
Vivanion: This organic, "three-in-one," sanitary napkin makes the claim that it is anion-powered. The negative ions from the strip flow up the womb through the vagina, boosting blood circulation, according to the company's website. This makes womb healing and the smooth outflow of blood clots from the vagina possible. According to them, doing so increases bacterial resistance and reduces inflammation. Herbal and organic products, scientific innovation, and a pack of pads in various sizes for the complete cycle. These sanitary napkins can be purchased online.
Carmesi: Tanvi Johri, the co-founder, began having allergies as soon as she started having periods and found that disposing of pads with newspapers and polythene bags was inconvenient. Further investigation revealed that sanitary napkin manufacturers are not required to reveal the components used in the pads sold in India. Her decision to establish Carmesi, an all-natural and completely biodegradable brand of sanitary napkins manufactured from maize starch, bamboo fibre, and compostable bio-plastic, was a turning point in her life. The premium pads also come in fully biodegradable disposal bags, so women can menstruate without fuss while simultaneously protecting the environment.
Heyday: The menstrual hygiene industry was entirely monopolised and lacked innovation when I abandoned my work in the United States and moved back to India, according to entrepreneur Deepanjali Dalmia. Women experienced UTIs, skin infections, and rashes during their periods, and there didn't seem to be a better, more environmentally friendly solution. With a product that was not only better for a woman's body and the environment, but also reasonably priced, I intended to disrupt this market. She developed two types of biodegradable pads: Ultra Thin (very slim) and Maxi Fluff (thick and bouncy). Both feature seven core sheets that are extremely absorbent and constructed of bamboo or other plant-based fibres that have been mixed with corn starch for a very soft texture. Each napkin has a unique cover comprised of biodegradable, bioactive lactide and corn starch. Users are advised by Dalmia to dispose of HeyDay pads with other household garbage or, for speedier results, to let them degrade in their own compost pits.
Everteen: Everteen, the first intimate hygiene brand in India, offers a wide range of eco-friendly goods including cotton-top sanitary pads, pantyliners, crème hair removal for the bikini line, feminine hygiene wash, intimate wipes, and a vaginal tightening and revitalising gel. The company's founder, Hariom Tyagi, is deeply committed to minimising their carbon impact, which is why the items are produced in green-certified facilities, the packaging is made of cardboard, and 75% of the workforce, including senior management, commutes to work using public transportation. Their high-end sanitary napkins have a top made of 100% cotton, biodegradable polymer gel, sterilised air-laid paper, a negative ion anti-bacterial strip, and non-toxic medical adhesive.
Nua: The finest feature of this firm, aside from their creativity and superior product design, is the extensive amount of customization they provide, hence raising the bar for feminine care. Depending on your flow, either mild, medium, or heavy, choose your own choice of pads. You can also choose their subscription, in this case you simply need to disclose the specifics of your period and pads will be sent on time. No unexpected emergencies, then. You can choose one-time delivery or cancel your membership at any time. The best features of these pads are hassle-free disposal, better-designed pads, customised packages, wonderful packing, and rash-free surfaces.
Bliss Naturals: The material used to make Bliss Natural Pads is kenaf, which is taken from the stem of the gongura greens plant. This fibre has natural anti-microbial qualities and functions as an absorbent. Herbal Bliss Pads provide a high level of rot and mildew resistance. As a result, they are exceptionally soft, lightweight, pleasant, and offer a menstrual period without rashes. Bliss Pads are biodegradable and require only six months to break down because they are made of plant-based materials. For a more sustainable and better environment, consider bliss pads. Bliss natural pads are chemical and plastic-free because they are organic sanitary products.
In order to ensure irritation-free periods, deodorants and synthetic perfumes are avoided. Everyone should have access to proper menstrual hygiene, regardless of circumstance. With a pack of 12 herbal sanitary pads costing just Rs.99, Bliss Pads are the only organic sanitary products offered in India.
✒Staff Writer
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