Women between puberty and menopause typically experience periods at some point, using feminine hygiene products such as pads, tampons, menstrual cups and period underwear for support during their cycles.
Sustainable options come with various absorbency levels and are biodegradable and plastic-free; furthermore, they’re hypoallergenic and breathable, helping reduce irritation while supporting vaginal health.
Disposable
Disposable pads are an easy solution that many rely on due to their convenience. Consisted of long strips of absorbent material adhered to your underwear crotch with plastic lining, disposable pads come in mini, heavy flow and overnight versions to meet individual needs. Unfortunately, their production and disposal can leave an enormous carbon footprint.
Menstrual pads are not biodegradable and contain chemicals that may irritate or disrupt hormones for some women, providing an unsustainable solution. Menstrual cups provide an eco-friendly option by being flexible bell-shaped products made of medical-grade rubber, silicone or latex with easy instructions available online or for homemade production at home – offering leakproof protection as well as decreasing single-use plastic waste [1] while helping lower TSS risk [2.
Reusable
Reusable menstrual products like menstrual cups, discs, pads and underwear reduce waste while providing long-term health and cost benefits. Unlike disposable pads and tampons which may contain chemicals or additives that cause irritation, itching or vaginal yeast infections; such reusable alternatives offer long-term savings both health-wise and economically.
Used correctly, using these products requires dedication to frequent washing and practice – but in the long run they can save you money while decreasing environmental impact. Furthermore, their reduced storage needs make them ideal for packing in purses or gym bags for on-the-go protection.
Survey participants in a reusable menstrual product survey identified comfort and protection from leakage as their top preferences in their menstrual product reusability. Other key aspects included material choice and ease of changing; preferences differed depending on whether users were current, ever or never users.
Internal
Pads are one of the most ubiquitous period products, featuring an adhesive backing to adhere them securely inside your underwear and layers of absorbent material on either side to absorb menstrual blood. Easy and straightforward use make these period products great for both light and heavy flow days alike; pads must be changed every 4 to 6 hours for best results. Pantyliners may be reused but require replacing frequently in order to remain effective.
Tampons are small cotton wool tubes you place inside your vagina to absorb menstrual flow before it leaves your body. There are three levels of absorbency – light, regular, and super. Tampons can be worn up to 12 hours and make for an excellent solution for active women or those experiencing heavy periods. However, improper removal could lead to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).
Menstrual cups and period underwear are reusable internal period products designed for up to ten years of use, providing discreet menstrual protection with every wash cycle. They’re washable for reuse and fit discreetly into clothing for discreet menstruation protection.
Biodegradable
Even though it may be hard to go completely plastic-free when selecting period products, choosing biodegradable ones can help significantly. Biodegradable versions are free from chemicals, plastics and chlorine making them a more sustainable option. Plus they’re made with organic cotton which benefits both you and the planet! Furthermore, many include an eco-friendly bioplastic applicator.
Avni’s eco-friendly reusable menstrual products include cloth pads, menstrual cups and period panties that are soft on your skin and leak proof for ultimate protection during periods. In comparison to their disposable counterparts, these reusable items can be reused year after year to cut waste drastically while offering comfort and protection during PMS periods. With various sizes to fit all needs – try them for yourself for at least three days before making a commitment – Avni offers these eco-friendly reusable products to reduce waste while giving years of use – cutting waste along the way!
