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A Study into Public Awareness of the Environmental Impact of Menstrual Products and Product Choice

Author

Listed:
  • Elizabeth Peberdy

    (Global Sustainability Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge CB2 1PT, UK)

  • Aled Jones

    (Global Sustainability Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge CB2 1PT, UK)

  • Dannielle Green

    (Global Sustainability Institute, Anglia Ruskin University, East Road, Cambridge CB2 1PT, UK)

Abstract

This paper explores the level of awareness people have about the environmental impact of menstrual products. Currently the most popular types of product are also the most detrimental to the natural environment, particularly due to the amount of hidden plastic in disposable items. This research seeks to find out whether people realize that this is the case and whether those that are more aware of the damage are likely to make choices that are less harmful to the environment. A mixed method approach was taken, using online surveys and focus groups. The results of the study show that most participants were not aware at the amount of plastic in disposable menstrual products, and that there are other issues linked to their environmental impact that people are generally not aware of. Some participants were more aware of the issues than others and the research suggests that those with a higher awareness are more likely to choose products that are less harmful to the environment. Based on these findings, future actions and areas of further research are suggested.

Suggested Citation

  • Elizabeth Peberdy & Aled Jones & Dannielle Green, 2019. "A Study into Public Awareness of the Environmental Impact of Menstrual Products and Product Choice," Sustainability, MDPI, vol. 11(2), pages 1-16, January.
    • Handle: RePEc:gam:jsusta:v:11:y:2019:i:2:p:473-:d:198527
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Emily Oster & Rebecca Thornton, 2012. "Determinants Of Technology Adoption: Peer Effects In Menstrual Cup Take-Up," Journal of the European Economic Association, European Economic Association, vol. 10(6), pages 1263-1293, December.
    2. Edgar G. Hertwich, 2005. "Consumption and Industrial Ecology," Journal of Industrial Ecology, Yale University, vol. 9(1‐2), pages 1-6, January.
    3. Fisher, Robert J, 1993. "Social Desirability Bias and the Validity of Indirect Questioning," Journal of Consumer Research, Journal of Consumer Research Inc., vol. 20(2), pages 303-315, September.
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    Cited by:

    1. Jui-Che Tu & Ting-Yun Lo & Yi-Ting Lai, 2021. "Women’s Cognition and Attitude with Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products by Consumer Lifestyle," IJERPH, MDPI, vol. 18(11), pages 1-20, May.
    2. Supriya Garikipati, 2020. "Asymmetric Information in Menstrual Health and Implications for Sustainability: Insights from India," Working Papers 202015, University of Liverpool, Department of Economics.
    3. Delia Ojinnaka & Mame Marie Aw, 2020. "Micro and Nano Plastics- A Consumer Perception Study on the Environment, Food Safety Threat and Control Systems," Biomedical Journal of Scientific & Technical Research, Biomedical Research Network+, LLC, vol. 31(2), pages 23998-24012, October.

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