Campaign to Encourage Eco-Friendly Menstruation
KOCHI: In an effort to generate awareness regarding the damaging effects of plastic-coated sanitary pads on the environment and to encourage people to adopt eco-friendly measures. the School of Communication, Sacred Heart College Thevara, is launching an enviroment friendly menstrual training on March 8, International Women’s Day. Named ‘Celebrate Menstruation’ the programme aims to make periods eco-friendly, and gives training for it.
“We are not just speaking but giving options. There are cotton pads, pads that are reusable and menstrual cups. Reusable pads don’t mean old pads made from worn-out clothes, but those made from medical linen which is new and hygienic. Alternatives for plastic-coated pads are already available in the market. But we are influenced by advertisements, and the easy availablity of plastic coated pads prompt us to opt for them. It is easy to wrap and dispose used pads and most of us don’t spare a thought about where thrown-away pads go and what harm they would create,” says Shana Susan Ninen, lecturer of the School of Communication.
In order to dispel taboos, male students will also be participating in the training programme. The training is intended for young girls, but adults will also be sensitised to guide the girls in their initial periods.
‘Celebrate Menstruation’ is being launched under the ‘Surakshita Kochi’ scheme, a joint initiative of SH School of Communication and the district authority. The programme is being held in association with Anbodu Kochi and People for Animals (PFA).
“Actually the old method of using clothes is the best to make menstruation eco friendly. Since it is not practical in the present world, long-term attempts have to be made to stop using plastic-coated pads”, says Sally Kannan, animal welfare activist and national award winner for animal welfare.
“We are distributing pamphlets and notices for the campaign”, says Latha Indira of PFA. Sally Kannan, Dr C M Joy, environmentalist and Dr George Eeralil, the expert Gynaecologist will be present at the launching function. Anchor Ranjini Haridas will inaugurate.