Solutions for Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene: A strategic blueprint for environmental resilience and empowerment

Circular economy is an economic model designed to minimize waste and make the most of resources by promoting sustainability and longevity in product life cycles. In a traditional linear economy, goods are produced, used, and then discarded as waste. In contrast, a circular economy aims to close the loop, emphasizing the continual use, refurbishment, and recycling of products to extend their lifespan and reduce environmental impact. This approach encourages the design of products with recyclability in mind, efficient waste management, and the development of sustainable business practices. By shifting from the linear “take, make, dispose” model to a circular one, the goal is to create a more resilient and regenerative system that fosters environmental stewardship and economic prosperity.

Circular economy principles can play a crucial role in revolutionizing Menstrual Hygiene Management (MHM), addressing both environmental and social aspects. The conventional menstrual products, such as disposable pads and tampons, contribute significantly to environmental pollution due to their non-biodegradable nature. Adopting circular economy practices in MHM involves transitioning from single-use, disposable products to reusable and recyclable alternatives. Reusable menstrual products like cloth pads and menstrual cups align with the circular economy concept by offering an extended product life cycle, reducing the overall environmental impact, and minimizing the amount of menstrual waste generated.

Furthermore, circular economy principles can empower women economically. By promoting the production and use of durable, reusable menstrual products, a sustainable MHM approach contributes to a circular supply chain that involves manufacturing, distribution, and maintenance of these products. This can stimulate local economies, generate employment opportunities, and empower women through involvement in sustainable business practices. Additionally, educational initiatives on menstrual health and the use of reusable products can foster awareness and create a positive impact on women’s health, hygiene, and overall well-being.

Circular economy in MHM not only addresses environmental concerns and economic empowerment but also contributes to breaking taboos surrounding menstruation. By embracing sustainable and reusable options, society can challenge the stigma associated with menstrual hygiene and foster a more inclusive, open dialogue about women’s health. Overall, integrating circular economy principles into Menstrual Hygiene Management holds the potential to create a more sustainable, equitable, and socially responsible approach to women’s health and well-being.

• Promote Awareness and Education: Launch comprehensive awareness campaigns to educate communities, schools, and individuals about the environmental impact of menstrual waste and the benefits of adopting circular economy practices. Empower women and girls with information about sustainable menstrual hygiene options, including reusable products like menstrual cups, cloth pads, and period underwear. Education plays a crucial role in changing consumer behavior and fostering a positive attitude towards adopting circular practices in menstrual hygiene.
• Invest in Research and Development: Support research and development initiatives to improve the design, efficiency, and accessibility of reusable menstrual products. Encourage innovation in materials and manufacturing processes to create affordable, comfortable, and long-lasting alternatives. Collaborate with businesses, research institutions, and NGOs to drive innovation in the menstrual hygiene industry, promoting products that align with circular economy principles.
• Implement Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Programs: Enforce Extended Producer Responsibility programs that make manufacturers accountable for the entire life cycle of their products, including proper disposal and recycling. Implement regulations that encourage manufacturers to design products with recyclability in mind and establish systems for the collection and recycling of menstrual waste. EPR programs can create a circular supply chain, ensuring that producers actively participate in reducing the environmental impact of their products.
• Support Circular Business Models: Encourage businesses to adopt circular business models in the menstrual hygiene sector. This can include the development of product-as-a-service models, where companies lease or provide reusable menstrual products, collecting, sanitizing, and redistributing them after use. Such models promote the longevity of products, reduce waste, and create a sustainable revenue stream for businesses. Financial incentives or subsidies can be provided to companies adopting circular business practices.
• Collaborate with Stakeholders: Foster collaboration between government agencies, non-profit organizations, private businesses, and local communities to create a holistic approach to menstrual waste management. Establish partnerships to set up collection and recycling facilities, ensure proper waste disposal infrastructure, and provide accessible menstrual hygiene education and products. Collaborative efforts can leverage the strengths of various stakeholders to create a more effective and sustainable menstrual waste management system grounded in circular economy principles.

Embracing circular economy principles in menstrual hygiene management offers a multifaceted solution. By raising awareness, fostering innovation, implementing extended producer responsibility, supporting circular business models, and promoting collaborative efforts, we can mitigate the environmental impact of menstrual waste. This paradigm shift not only addresses sustainability challenges but also empowers women economically, enhances product accessibility, and dismantles societal taboos surrounding menstruation. Through a concerted commitment to circularity, we can revolutionize menstrual hygiene practices, creating a more resilient and equitable system that prioritizes both the well-being of individuals and the health of our planet.

Opinion and Edited by Praveenkumar Pawar (WASH, DRR & Climate Action Expert)