Termed "Luxury Goods" for decades, Sanitary Pads are free in Scotland.

Imagine yourself as a part of that "untouchable" group of humans towards whom the regulators of tax legislation pay no heed when presenting their documents on table where these documents become an understood cost implementation for revenue generation. Ask yourself, do these professionals before making a tax proposal ever visit the remotest rural areas of Nepal where "chhaupadi" continue to be practised? In this Hindu tradition a menstruating girls and women are isolated in mud huts functioning as sheds specially for this dreadful tradition. This practise existing in 21st century is proof enough of the long road we must continue in our journey to eradicate such repugnance. Our vision of equality fails in the remotest of unheard voices. According to Plan International report of 2017 from The United Kingdom, one out of ten girls and women between the age of 14 to 21 are unable to afford sanitary products. It gets even worse when the data mentions that 12 percent of them used makeshift menstrual products made from household items like socks, toilet paper and even newspaper.This shocking and prevailing condition has been termed as "Period Poverty"- struggle to afford safe and hygienic menstrual products. 

The United Nations has listed important Sustainable Development goals and elimination of period poverty and access to safe menstrual products is an urgent factor for sustainable development. Processes must be observed and platforms given to the regional authorities for implementation of standard protocol so that every citizen can enjoy the highest levels of hygiene, and not become a silent spectator on access to menstrual hygiene on a global scale, not when Scottish Parliament has approved free sanitary products for all women. 

Another major hurdle under gender-based discrimination for menstrual products is that of unjust taxation of the same when periods are not something of luxury, not even feels like it and yet highly taxed. Additionally, the recent problems to our planet Earth has been the lack of awareness on practices for menstrual waste. 

Developed nations are not worried on issues of waste sanitation. Proper sanitary waste disposal procedures are in place across offices, schools and homes in these countries. Most importantly, the waste bins are never overflowing due to strict legislation controlling the way people should inhabit a society of civilized citizens.  In Asian countries this is not the scenario. Sanitary waste disposal is a matter of concern with the rising population. More than creating awareness for safe sanitary disposal there is another bigger challenge involved with breaking the taboo and stigma involved with this complex issue. This has led to added threat to the environment due to lack of safe disposal. 

Daily, millions of women and girls undergo the menstrual cycle and hide the condition because of being ashamed about it, and therefore, undertaking dangerous and harmful methods to using sanitary products as well as its disposal. More than 400 million sanitary pads is being generated as waste solely in India annually. A large percentage of additional sanitary waste is either flushed down the toilet or find its way to landfill of dumped garbage. 

Today, Sanitary waste is a matter of concern not just for safe disposal through waste management, but also health and human rights issue. Lack of infrastructure for safe disposal of sanitary products have become the recent threat to air pollution, water pollution and soil pollution. These waste become breeding ground for bacteria that can cause infections, which if not treated properly can become fatal. 

In India tax on Sanitary pads comes under GOODS AND SERVICES TAX. High cost of these sanitary products not affordable regularly by all women and girls of the developing country has led them to go for alternative choices which are harmful. SheSays is an organisation which highlighted this plight through their campaign "Lahu Ka Lagaan" (tax on blood). The motive of the effort was to put an end to tax on sanitary pads. 

It is to be noted that unless there is an infrastructure for proper disposal of sanitary waste, it will be difficult to curb the rising waste of sanitary products from increased buying capacity. Incineration is one way to manage the waste sanitary products but it comes with added emissions which are not appropriately controlled and maintained. This has led to air pollution from toxic fumes and can cause severe health issues in the long run. 

The choicest and safe options is to develop an infrastructure of manufacturing, selling and waste disposal of eco friendly sanitary products. Additionally, zero-waste options that are low priced will become the investment for future. Good for society and also our planet Earth.  

Cloth pad made from natural materials by Eco Femme is an a safe alternative to disposable pads. These pads can be washed 75 times, which means one does not have to use 75 single-use disposable pad. Of recent, another breakthrough in the menstrual health and hygiene department is the manufacturing and investment into 'Menstrual Cup'. These are reusable cups. Shaped like a bell, and worn internally. and one can also sleep comfortably wearing it during menstrual cycle. This bell shaped cup can we cleaned easily and worn again without hassle. 

Another ecofriendly sanitary product is the Bio-degradable sanitary napkins from a manufacturer named 'Anandi'. 

Ice Earth believes that social taboo, social stigma and social hindrances will always exists when 'Warriors of Change' will take upon themselves to creating awareness for maximum spread of information. But it is worth the cause when you imagine deep, of all the harm sanitary products/napkins and disposable pads/products can do to the surroundings- air, water, soil, forest and the areas people and other living beings inhabit? 

Search online for alternative AND ENVIRONMENT FRIENDLY sanitary product options and reap the rewards by protecting our environment and planet, and safeguard the future from global warming, due to waste mismanagement. If not for the present, at least one can be the change for the young ones who will be the future generations, and your feelings will be proud when down the years you hear them say, "Thank you for protecting our future." 

The women and girls of today are already in the race to lead in many profession. This is a part of their journey to achieve the same with all the past struggles through stigma and taboo. Let's all win together, for our planet's hospitable future.

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