Jeannie Yandel talks with Village Volunteers founder Shana Greene about creating biodegradable sanitary pads out of water hyacinth for women who don't have reliable access to menstrual supplies.
Making Sanitary Pads From Invasive Plants
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Lake Victoria in Africa is among many bodies of water that have been consumed by the water hyacinth. A Seattle group has figured out how to convert the invasive aquatic plant into a sanitary napkin.
Courtesy Shana Greene
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In parts of India, young women don't have easy access to sanitary napkins. The water hyacinth pad gives purpose to an invasive plant species while helping girls feel comfortable attending school.
Courtesy Shana Greene
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A machine to make the biodegradable sanitary napkins. Village Volunteers also hopes that making pads will create more jobs for those regions.
Courtesy Shana Greene
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Village Volunteers also started a hyacinth plant sanitary napkin project in Kenya, where girls also face problems obtaining menstrual hygiene products.
Courtesy Shana Greene
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The project, which will be owned and operated by a women’s cooperative, will train women to make low-cost, biodegradable sanitary pads. ";
Courtesy Shana Greene
