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For centuries, moss was used as a resourceful solution for managing menstruation. There have been sources connecting the use of this moss from the stone age, to ancient Egyptian, Greek, Roman, Viking, and even Native American societies. They could be wrapped in animal skin or linen.

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People in ancient Egypt would use softened papyrus to absorb menstrual blood. The oldest printed medical document (the Papyrus Ebers) mentions women in the 15th century BCE would roll up papyrus and use them as tampons.

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The Dogon people of Mali would use traditional menstrual huts, places where women would spend their menstrual cycles and give birth in. Women would spend 5 mandatory nights in these huts due to stigma surrounding menstruation.

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The Industrial Revolution and Single-Use Products

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The Industrial Revolution and Single-Use Products

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The Industrial Revolution marked the beginning of disposable menstruation products with the creation of Johnson & Johnson’s Lister’s Towels. This reflects a shift in resource consumption and the rise of waste.

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Environmental Impact of Menstrual Products

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Environmental Impact of Menstrual Products

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Today, the environmental footprint of plastic-based products mirrors the Anthropocene’s broader challenges of sustainability.

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Many people around the world are unable to access menstrual products due to financial constraints, leaving many to experience unhygienic conditions, social stigma, and missed educational or professional opportunities. The Red Box Project is a UK initiative where boxes filled with menstruation products are given for free in a non-judgmental way to students in need.

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Plants like sage would be burned like incense or steeped as tea for a natural remedy for menstrual pain in many Indigenous cultures. In Native American societies, they would be used as a medical tool, but were also parts of spiritual rituals.

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Humans in Cultural Relation with the Non-Human World

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Humans in Cultural Relation with the Non-Human World

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Art becomes a medium for reclaiming narratives about menstruation. It can be a powerful tool to destigmatize taboos, not only about cycles but also about bodily autonomy.

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These innovations mark a return to resource-conscious solutions, balancing progress with environmental care.

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Period.org is at the forefront of advocating for menstrual equity. They push for policy changes that provide free access to menstrual products, change the stigma surrounding periods, and promote sustainable solutions to all individuals.

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Days for Girls is an organization that delivers educational programs that not only provide management products, but teach sustainable health management methods, empowering individuals to understand their bodies.

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Innovative companies strive to address both environmental and social challenges through sustainable designs.

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Evolving Technologies like the Oura or Evie ring, which track physiological metrics to analyze and give you insights about your cycle, create questions about the future of menstrual technology.

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In the Anthropocene, menstrual products should be designed with sustainability in mind, while also prioritizing the comfort of the menstruating individual. Products like cardboard tampons are a lot better for the environment than their plastic counterparts, but people have reported discomfort and even pain while using them. There must be a discussion about finding this balance.

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A stigma-free world where menstruation is celebrated rather than hidden could redefine cultural norms, creating a future where menstrual health is openly discussed and its debates are tackled, the IUD sedation discussion for example.