New Reusable Menstrual Pad Cuts Plastic Pollution From Tampons, Single Use Sanitary Pads
Single-use products are considered the sworn enemies of environmental consciousness, especially when oceans are reporting garbage patches and landfills are running out of space.?
One of the biggest pollutants in the world is single-use plastic which is used in many personal hygiene products like disposable pads and tampons for menstruating women.
A start-up called LastObject from Denmark wants to end the single-use industry by providing reusable alternatives to products like sanitary pads and tampons. For its next innovation, the start-up is focusing on the menstrual pad.?
The LastPad
LastObject launched its first reusable product in 2019 in the form of a cotton swab. Recently, the market for reusable menstrual products has boomed in the form of menstrual cups which may be washed and reused for years.?
Period underwear is also gaining mainstream attention as pro-environment groups urge companies to find long-term solution to single-use plastics. Such underwear is designed to absorb blood and can then be reused.The start-up's fresh design is called LastPad and comes with antibacterial properties with a breathable design made from polyester.?
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In addition, its middle layer is derived from bamboo fabric, while the bottom layer keeps leaks at bay.According to FastCompany, the pad took two years to design. And the number of similar innovations in the health and hygiene industry are expected to pop up with support from governments that are pushing for alternatives to plastics, especially in Europe.?
The dangers of single-use plastics
Apparently LastPad received funding on Kickstarter within hours after the listing was posted. Single-use plastics cause a lot of pollution around the world. In the US, about 50 billion single-use tampons and pads end up in landfills.?
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The situation is much worse in China, where 140 billion-plus pads go into landfills each year.These reusable methods also help extend healthcare and hygiene to women in India, where only 20 per cent women use sanitary pads.?
In urban areas, the number stands at 52 per cent. Unhygienic methods of care during periods can cause health issues.Such reusable methods are the future. Do you agree? Let us know in the comments and keep reading Indiatimes.com.
