Reach both health and sustainability simultaneously by opting for eco-friendly feminine care options such as menstrual cups and reusable cloth pads over disposable tampons.
Cups can help reduce period waste considerably by eliminating plastic applicators, and one cup can last years as opposed to one box of tampons that will only ever get one use. Here are three brands leading the way in sustainable menstrual products.
Reusable pads
Reusable menstrual products don’t leave any waste behind compared to disposable pads and tampons which have an enormous environmental footprint (around 45 billion end up in landfill every year), because they’re made from sustainable materials like cotton and organic cellulose with no chemicals, fragrance or plastic backings.
Organic pads tend to be more absorbent than disposables and can be worn for longer periods without risk of leakage. Furthermore, organic pads tend to stain less than synthetic-topped disposable pads and some women even report experiencing less smell.
Reusable diapers require more effort and care when using, including washing. But over time they are more eco-friendly since you can reuse them year after year. And they are much cheaper overall, saving money over time.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are eco-friendly alternatives to pads and tampons that provide more fluid collection capacity than pads can. Made of flexible funnel-shaped silicone or rubber cups, menstrual cups can be easily inserted into your vagina to collect menstrual blood. Plus they may last for up to 12 hours (depending on flow rate).
Cups can be folded and adjusted to provide the optimal fit, then once in, are leak-proof and can be used during physical activities without risk of leakage. They may be more discrete options than pads or tampons for people who feel self-conscious during periods.
Care for your menstrual cup by following its package instructions on cleaning and sterilization. Ideally, empty and wash it regularly in order to reduce bacteria build-up; an airtight storage bag would be optimal, though you could also place the cup in boiling water for 3-5 minutes in order to sterilize it further. Using your menstrual cup could save up to 528 tampons or pads over two years!
Organic pads and tampons
Pads remain the go-to product for many people during periods. If you opt for disposable products, organic all cotton varieties with plastic applicators are preferable as these will be better on your skin and reduce allergies/rashes more efficiently.
Organic cotton pads offer gentler alternatives that won’t irritate your skin; their cultivation free from pesticides makes these gentler on your body and the environment. Plus, organic cotton does not add more toxins into the air that we breathe!
Alternative cleaning options might initially cost more than their traditional alternatives, but if used regularly they’ll actually save money in the long run and are better for the environment than dumping tons of plastic into our oceans and land – and that benefits everyone – including farmers who cultivate this natural resource!
Packaging
An increasing number of brands are creating environmentally-friendly period products, using biodegradable pads and applicators, or recyclable packaging. UK-based TOTM, for instance, provides organic cotton pads made with sustainable biodegradable materials without synthetic fibers – along with recycled paper applicators and cardboard packaging!
Disposable pads and tampons can take 500 years to decompose, with their plastic packaging releasing chemicals into the environment. Unfortunately, they’re commonly found littering beaches and oceans, potentially harming marine biology while having negative ramifications on sewerage systems.
Women today are increasingly drawn to eco-friendly menstrual products like Moon cups and period pants; however, trying them may be costly or inaccessible to all women. At McGill University Menstrual Health Project we aim to bridge these gaps by installing product dispensers across campus so eco-friendly options become accessible to more people.
