Although periods are still taboo in some cultures, it has become more acceptable to talk about them in many circles. Periods can be an annoyance, a debilitating amount of pain, and costly in more ways than one. Though the monthly cycle may be a small hindrance to the lives of those with financial stability, they can be truly life altering for those living in or on the brink of poverty. Period poverty is something that has been largely overlooked in the past, but long-lasting period products like reusable pads, underwear, and menstrual cups can potentially serve as a solution, while also benefiting the environment. These aren’t necessarily solutions for everybody in poverty though.
Most traditional solutions to periods are single-use items, such as tampons and pads, which means a continuous expense for whoever chooses to take this route. Considering that the average number of tampons used in a lifetime is around 11,000, this is no small financial undertaking. In the U.S., tampons don’t even get covered as a medical expense that can receive a tax break, meaning that they are taxed twice – through payroll taxes and again when purchased. In Canada, although the tax was removed on July 1st, 2018, tariffs still remain on the imported products.
Those that can’t afford these products may be unable to attend school for the duration of their cycle or they may be forced to use whatever they have on hand. In August 2018, it was reported that one in seven Canadian girls has missed out on school because of a lack of menstrual products. Young women in Nunavut were forced to use socks as a solution to their menstrual woes because of the high costs associated with these products. Period poverty can therefore be a life-altering issue for women.
More sustainable solutions include the use of reusable pads, but problems still persist for those who do not have access to water. In these cases, trying to sufficiently clean a reusable product not only becomes a burden, but also a health risk (although traditional products like tampons are not necessarily healthier because of their connection to toxic syndrome caused by staphylococcus aureus bacteria). Other options include reusable underwear, such as those offered by Knix, a popular menstrual underwear brand. These undergarments have a built-in absorbent pad; however, they are costly ($26 for a standard pair of helpful undergarments), and so are only a solution for those that can afford it. They also fall victim to the same problem as reusable pads, requiring access to water for cleaning.
The menstrual cup is a more likely candidate for solving period poverty, because it only takes a small amount of water to clean and lasts up to ten years.. Menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina, where they use suction to collect blood rather than soaking it up. Like most things one puts in their body, there are some medical risks that come with their use, such as infection, irritation, and toxic shock syndrome. However, these are considered to be low risk compared to other products like tampons.
As a one-off expense, menstrual cups are more of an investment than reusable products. Both the Lunette and Diva Cup brands cost $40, but this expense is much more manageable compared to the ten year expense of tampons and pads. At London Drugs, a box of twenty tampons, which presumably lasts one to two periods for most women, costs around $5. So, depending on individual cycles, one could pay off the cost of a menstrual cup within a matter of months. As a bonus, its environmental impact is insignificant compared to the boxed products of tampons and pads. The latter may be made up of almost 90% plastic, often including plastic applicators and wrappers.
For the individuals that do live in an unstable financial position, the sustainable option of a menstrual cup is not only a durable solution but also a boon for our suffering environment. So, if you want to donate something that could change a woman’s life and help the environment, consider funding some organizations like the Cape Breton Center for Sexual Health and The Cup, which seek to provide women with long-term menstrual products. Organizations that provide single use products as well are also a great help for women that can’t feasibly use long-term solutions. You may even consider turning to some of these more sustainable alternatives yourself if you’re looking to downsize your own impact on the environment.
By Annalisse Crosswell
Please note that the opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect the views and values of The Blank Page.
