Menstrual health awareness is crucial in addressing period poverty and its environmental consequences. As Madan Mohit Bhardwaj highlights, various organizations, including the Government of India, state governments, NGOs, and corporate entities, have collaborated to distribute free sanitary pads. However, this well-intended initiative has led to a new challenge — plastic pollution. Non-biodegradable sanitary pads are extensively distributed across government stores, village Panchayats, and schools, contributing to a growing environmental crisis.

SheWings: A Step Towards Menstrual Health Awareness

Recognizing the urgent need for sustainable solutions, SheWings launched the #DonateOldBra&Panty campaign in 2021. This initiative aimed to raise menstrual health awareness while promoting eco-friendly period products. The campaign gained momentum, especially during the Covid-accelerated shadow pandemic, which intensified period poverty. By reaching out to rural and remote areas, including the Garhwal region, SheWings encouraged womens and girls to embrace hygenic practices despite longstanding cultural taboos.

Sustainable menstrual hygiene aligns with global objectives. Climate action, gender equality, and Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) are three of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). These SDGs emphasize the importance of collective action toward a healthier planet and improved well-being. SheWings actively promotes shifting consumer preferences toward sustainable menstrual health and hygiene practices.

According to EconomicTimes.com, each menstruating woman generates approximately 120 kg of plastic waste over her lifetime. In India alone, nearly 121 million women and girls use an average of eight disposable, non-compostable pads per month. This results in a staggering 1.021 billion pads discarded monthly, 12.3 billion annually, and 113,000 metric tons of menstrual waste each year. These figures highlight the urgency of adopting sustainable menstrual health solutions.

Madan Mohit Bhardwaj, the founder of SheWings Personal Care, underscores the importance of moving away from plastic-based menstrual products. Since its establishment in 2019, SheWings has been at the forefront of promoting plastic-free menstrual solutions to reduce environmental impact. Each SheWings pad comes with a biodegradable sanitary waste pouch, making disposal easier, more convenient, and environmentally responsible.

The Path Forward: Sustainable Menstrual Health

Moreover,Addressing menstrual waste pollution requires a collective effort. Governments, businesses, and individuals must work together to prioritize sustainable menstrual health. By advocating for biodegradable and reusable alternatives, raising awareness, and encouraging responsible disposal methods, society can make significant strides toward a greener and healthier future. SheWings remains dedicated to leading this transformation, ensuring that future generations inherit a cleaner and more sustainable world.