Menstrual waste in the backcountry Research Completed
Title
Menstrual waste in the backcountry
Lead Author
Lynch, P.
Organisation(s)
Department of Conservation
Publication Year
1996
Publisher
Department of Conservation
Contacts
Abstract
The literature on menstrual waste disposal methods is limited and consequently little is understood about women’s management of menstruation in the backcountry. This study investigated how women manage menstrual waste in the backcountry, in the light of potential environmental degradation. Personal interviews were conducted to determine the methods of menstrual waste disposal that are used in New Zealand’s backcountry alpine, bush and coastal terrain. Hygiene and discretion were identified as major factors of concern for women in dealing with menstruation, and lack of information about appropriate menstrual disposal practices in the outdoors was reported. Menstruation has a restraining effect on levels of enjoyment and comfort experienced during outdoor activities. Carrying home used products was considered the best method of menstrual waste disposal.
Keywords:
Outdoors, Hygiene, Waste
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Areas of Focus
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Provision (delivery type & infrastructure)
Topics
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1067
Added
July 11, 2012