We are slowly turning into an environment conscious planet for reasons that do not need an explanation. In the effort to make our planet sustainable, we have managed to come up with eco-friendly ways to save it from dying a slow death. The introduction of menstrual cups is a perfect example. On an average, a woman uses 9,600 sanitary napkins during her lifetime. Now, this is just an estimate and remember, we’re talking about one woman. There are more than 3 billion women on this planet, each using sanitary napkins. Can you imagine the turnover of sanitary napkin waste every year? A lot, we know! The menstrual cup cuts the wastage in half, if not more.
Menstrual cups are a blessing in disguise. It is the only environmentally-friendly alternative to sanitary napkins or cloth pads. And it is the best way women can help save the planet from disaster. While the world is yet to embrace its efficiency because of the taboos and stereotypes around menstruation, there are some countries and states that have promoted its usage. The Alappuzha municipality is one such example.
During the 2018 Kerala floods, the municipality realised that there was a lot of sanitary napkin waste coming directly from the relief camps. Not only was it piling up on the already existing plastic pile of garbage, it was proving it to be really unhygienic. Talks of bringing forth an alternative began since then. On Saturday, in an attempt to promote sustainable living, Minister Thomas Isaac laid the foundations of the Thinkal Menstrual Cup project in Alappuzha. He also mentioned that 5000 menstrual cups will be given to women for free on a first come first basis.
Alappuzha’s Municipal Secretary shared, “We had at first thought of promoting cloth napkins but it will not be practical in a state like Kerala where it rains for six months a year and the washed clothes will not dry on time. When we thought of the idea of menstrual cups, it was difficult at first, because there were no branded ones, no companies making it here. The women using it were mostly depending on online marketing sites. Then we spoke to Hindustan Latex Ltd and they were ready to make the product. Cola India Ltd came forward to fund it through their CSR…In addition, we are training the counsellors and Kudumbashree workers on using the cup and they will then be spreading awareness about it among other women.”
So dear women, if you want to get hold off a menstrual cup, it will be up for grabs at Alappuzha municipality’s front office or with the with the marriage registrar. All you have to do is register with your phone number. Don’t worry if you’re a first time user. You will be extensively detailed about its usage by the authorities.
You can always check out Nayana Premnath’s #CupTheFlow series on YouTube to get all the information you need about menstrual cups . Take a look at it right below.
As a menstrual cup user myself, I can guarantee that it will make your life efficient.
One response to “Alappuzha Gives 5000 Menstrual Cups For Free – A Step Towards Sustainability”
[…] also another safe and convenient option which can be used to collect the menstrual fluid. In fact, Thinkal, which is an initiative by the Alappuzha municipality in Kerala gave away 5000 menstrual cup… and had Kudumbasree workers training them on how to use it. It is also remarkable that the Muhamma […]