Eco-friendly feminine care products boast reduced environmental footprint compared to their disposable counterparts, from menstrual cups and reusable pads to organic tampons – offering effective yet cost-effective options that won’t break the bank!
Not quite ready to jump on board with reusing? Several sustainable tampon options can be found with non-applicator applicators; these may be more costly than their traditional counterparts.
WUKA
WUKA (which stands for Wake Up, Kick Ass!) was created by Ruby Raut as a sustainable brand to empower women through fashion. They use environmentally-friendly fabrics in their supply chain with no carbon emissions created; and donate 2% of profits towards Day for Girls International to combat period poverty.
WUKA period pants offer an eco-friendly alternative to disposable pads and tampons, which generate 200 tonnes of waste annually. Plus, one pair can last two years, so they’re more cost-effective than buying pads each month.
Tencel Modal period underwear from this company feels amazing against your skin while remaining biodegradable and free of chemicals – and is PETA approved! They use minimal dyes as well, to minimize environmental impact!
Saalt
Saalt was founded by an advocate for women’s health in the USA. They are certified B-Corp and donate 2% of their revenue towards improving period care to regions in need, girls education programs and environmental sustainability initiatives.
One Saalt cup can last for 10 years and reduce landfill waste significantly, unlike conventional pads and tampons which typically end up as waste. Constructed from soft medical-grade silicone, its chemical free properties, natural hypoallergenicity, and non-toxicity make it perfect for anyone.
It’s odor free, leak proof, and comes with an adorable travel pouch! Before use, be sure to sanitize the cup by boiling or wiping with 70% isopropyl alcohol; an option available through Saalt Steamers makes this process even simpler.
DAME
The Dame brand is a leading sustainable menstrual care company founded in 2018. Their goal is to empower women to make informed choices when selecting eco-friendly period products while simultaneously minimising waste and improving women’s health. Their product selection includes organic tampons, reusable pads, and sanitary underwear.
This company uses organic cotton that has been grown without synthetic fertilizers or pesticides, thus lowering risk of exposure to toxic substances. Their tampons are free from chemicals, perfume, and dyes as well as offering various absorbencies from light to heavy for your convenience.
Diposable tampons can be an excellent alternative to disposable ones that end up in landfills where they degrade into microplastics that contaminate our waterways, making them an attractive option for women looking to reduce their plastic footprint. As such, cloth tampons have become an increasingly popular choice among women seeking to decrease their plastic usage footprint.
Play It Green
The sanitary hygiene market has recently become a hub of innovation as companies attempt to break from conventional manufacturers’ dominance, leading to new, smaller brands emerging online via direct-to-consumer channels and becoming successful businesses themselves. Furthermore, innovation in fibers and formats as well as more eco-friendly options is prevalent within this sector of industry.
As more consumers become more conscious of the environmental impacts associated with conventional sanitary products, more are opting for eco-friendly solutions such as menstrual cups that reduce waste significantly while eliminating disposable pads and tampons altogether.
Pharmacy teams can start supporting eco-friendly feminine care by educating customers on proper disposal of period products. This will prevent them from flushing them down the toilet, which could potentially clog sewers and release microplastics into the sea. In addition, pharmacy teams could suggest products like Saalt’s ethical menstrual cup that’s both comfortable and ethical for use during menstruation cycles.
