How Tackling Period Poverty Supports Sustainable Hygiene
- Natalie Leslie
- Dec 12, 2025
- 3 min read
Menstrual hygiene is a fundamental aspect of health and dignity for people who menstruate. However, many face challenges accessing affordable, safe, and sustainable menstrual products. This issue, often referred to as menstrual poverty, affects millions worldwide and has far-reaching consequences on health, education, and social inclusion. Addressing menstrual poverty is not only a matter of human rights but also a critical step towards promoting sustainable hygiene practices.
Understanding Menstrual Poverty and Its Impact
Menstrual poverty occurs when individuals cannot afford or access menstrual products, sanitation facilities, or education about menstrual health. This lack of resources forces many to use unsafe alternatives such as rags, leaves, or even newspapers, which can lead to infections and other health problems.
The impact of menstrual poverty extends beyond health. It affects education, as many girls miss school during their periods due to embarrassment or lack of facilities. It also influences economic participation, as adults may miss work or social activities. Addressing menstrual poverty means improving access to affordable, safe, and sustainable menstrual products and facilities.
Key consequences of menstrual poverty include:
Increased risk of reproductive tract infections
Reduced school attendance and academic performance
Social stigma and isolation
Environmental harm from non-sustainable product disposal
Addressing Menstrual Poverty Through Sustainable Solutions
To effectively address menstrual poverty, solutions must be sustainable, affordable, and culturally appropriate. Sustainable menstrual products such as reusable pads, menstrual cups, and biodegradable options reduce waste and long-term costs. These products empower users to manage their periods hygienically without harming the environment.
Governments, NGOs, and communities can collaborate to:
Increase awareness and education about menstrual health and hygiene.
Provide free or subsidised sustainable menstrual products in schools, workplaces, and public facilities.
Improve sanitation infrastructure to ensure privacy, water access, and safe disposal options.
Engage men and boys to reduce stigma and promote supportive environments.
By focusing on these areas, menstrual poverty can be reduced while promoting sustainable hygiene practices that benefit individuals and the planet.
The Role of Education in Promoting Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene
Education is a powerful tool in breaking the cycle of menstrual poverty. Comprehensive menstrual health education helps individuals understand their bodies, dispel myths, and learn how to use sustainable products effectively.
Schools and community programs should:
Include menstrual health in their curriculum.
Provide practical demonstrations on using reusable products.
Address cultural taboos and stigma openly.
Train teachers and health workers to support menstrual health education.
Educated individuals are more likely to adopt sustainable hygiene practices and advocate for better menstrual health policies in their communities.
Practical Steps for Individuals and Communities
Everyone can contribute to tackling menstrual poverty and supporting sustainable hygiene. Here are some actionable recommendations:
Choose sustainable menstrual products period knickers are great sustainable products.
Support local initiatives that provide menstrual products to those in need.
Advocate for policy changes that make menstrual products tax-free and accessible.
Create safe spaces for open conversations about menstruation to reduce stigma.
Encourage proper disposal and recycling of menstrual waste to protect the environment.
Communities that embrace these steps can foster healthier, more inclusive environments where menstrual hygiene is respected and supported.
Why Tackling Period Poverty Matters for Sustainable Hygiene
The connection between menstrual poverty and sustainable hygiene is clear. When people lack access to safe and sustainable menstrual products, they often resort to disposable or unsafe alternatives that harm their health and the environment. By tackling period poverty, we promote the use of eco-friendly products and improve sanitation infrastructure, which benefits both individuals and the planet.
Sustainable menstrual hygiene practices reduce waste, lower carbon footprints, and conserve resources. They also empower individuals to manage their periods with dignity and confidence, contributing to better health outcomes and social inclusion.
Addressing menstrual poverty is a vital part of achieving broader sustainability goals and ensuring that everyone can maintain good hygiene without compromising the environment.
Moving Forward: Building a Future with Sustainable Menstrual Hygiene
The journey to eradicate menstrual poverty and promote sustainable hygiene requires ongoing commitment from all sectors of society. Governments must prioritise menstrual health in public policy. Businesses can innovate and produce affordable, sustainable products. Communities need to foster supportive environments where menstruation is no longer a barrier to participation.
By working together, we can create a world where menstrual hygiene is accessible, sustainable, and stigma-free. This will improve health, education, and equality for millions, while protecting our planet for future generations.
Let us all play a part in this important movement towards sustainable menstrual hygiene and a healthier, more equitable world.
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