Manresa to Debate Use of Sea Sponges instead of Tampons

 

Council politicians in the Catalonian city of Manresa are due to debate the use of alternative sanitary products such as menstrual cups, re-usable cloth sanitary towels and menstrual sponges – AKA Sea Sponges.

The motion, proposed by the left-wing CUP party, is to debate officially encouraging the use of healthier, cost effective and environmentally friendly sanitary alternatives instead of more traditional items such as disposable tampons and towels.

Described in the motion, Catalan Pro-independence CUP wrote “Many products are harmful to women’s health, environmentally unsustainable and overpriced for such a basic need”.

Under the proposal, local helps centres – “SAID” (Information and Services for Women) will be called upon to stock alternative sanitary products, however the CUP has stressed this not an attempt to ban regular sanitary items but to inform women of the alternatives and help address the negative environmental impact traditional products pose.

Menstrual sponges are re-usable and made from sea sponge, a marine animal, which is more commonly used in the bath or shower. This natural alternative could significantly reduce waste and is believed to be healthier. The idea is to wash menstrual sponges after use and with care, can last as much as 6 months.

The proposals also call on SAID to lead school workshops teaching boys and girls about menstrual cycles. It is hoped, SAID will introduce young women to these sanitary alternatives at an early age and explain the health, environmental and cost benefits they offer.

Traditionally, workshops have been dominated by big brand sanitary products which CUP believes is not a good way to educate young people. The CUP also hope to be able to introduce the proposals throughout Catalonia.