Menstruation and the Anthropocene by Paulina Pratt

Sphagnum Moss

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 20:43:08 UTC

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.

Pre-Anthropocene

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 20:43:30 UTC

Papyrus Tampons

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 20:45:30 UTC

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.

Dogon Punulu Hut

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 20:49:21 UTC

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.

The Industrial Revolution and Single-Use Products

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 20:51:14 UTC

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.

Issues in the Anthropocene

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 20:51:40 UTC

Environmental Impact of Menstrual Products

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 20:54:27 UTC

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

Period Poverty

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 20:55:39 UTC

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.

Medicinal Plants for Menstrual Health

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 20:58:08 UTC

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.

Humans in Cultural Relation with the Non-Human World

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 20:58:31 UTC

Art and Menstruation

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 21:00:39 UTC

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.

Eco-Friendly Products

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 21:02:05 UTC

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

Taking Action

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 21:02:40 UTC

Menstruation Equity Advocacy

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 21:03:37 UTC

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.

Educational Programs

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 21:04:35 UTC

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.

Innovative Biodegradable Products

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 21:05:54 UTC

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

Intelligent Trackers

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 21:08:30 UTC

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.

The Future of Humanity

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 21:08:36 UTC

Focus on Sustainability and Comfort

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 21:10:03 UTC

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.

A Shift in Cultural Perceptions

paulinapratt1129 — 2024-12-02 21:11:22 UTC

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.