Menstruation & The Environment

Is a relationship between the environment and menstruation?

Menstruation

“It is a very personal term.”

Menstruation has always been very personal to me due the constant phase of fighting back the pre-determined stigmas attached to it. In India, women still struggle with the issue of pad disposal.

My Personal Experience

I have myself witnessed how women close to me used to throw pads in the open pits or drainage instead of their homes, which was somehow damaging the environment and leading to the cause of many environmental issues directly or indirectly. Thus, both menstruation and the environment are very closely knitted together with each other in a cycle.

Aspirations of a Pad Designer

Nili Sahimi: Designer of Reusable Pads

About my story on designing environmentally friendly period products

Hindsight

“I want to create a design that wouldn't use up a lot of resources.”

I have only recently learned about menstrual poverty, as I worked on the subject with my Girl Scout Gold Award project. In hindsight, it was assembling hygiene kits filled with all sorts of personal hygiene items such as toothbrushes, toothpastes, lotion, combs, shampoo, etc.

Focus

But the main thing I focused on was reusable pads made with soft linen fabric as I wanted to use something that would last a lot longer than just throwing away pads and tampons. I also wanted to create a design that wouldn't use up a lot of resources that is harmful for the environment. It worked out very well in the end, as I was able to make over 200 pads in a couple of months and also hosted a workshop for my city's church group to teach them as well.

Aspirations

“I realized the prevalence of the problem.”

At the same time, I realized the prevalence of how much the problem was so widespread when I noticed in some parts of my community, particularly in the lower-income side, many menstruates did not go to school because it was too expensive. This was when I knew I had to take action with my hygiene kits and hopefully empower someone in the process.

The Art in Periods

Hannah Tashiro: Painter and Artist, Menstrual Advocate

"My favorite book is “The song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller!"

My Relationship with Periods and Art

“My thoughts and Ideas about periods are incorporated into this pice.”