Recent developments surrounding organic tampons has raised many questions as to their benefits for your health, so we gathered research and expert opinions in order to assist in making an informed decision.
Keep in mind that organic labeled tampons may not necessarily use organic materials. Look out for third-party certifications such as GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Made Safe to make sure that what you pay for matches what’s advertised.
Reduced Exposure to Chemicals
Every woman uses approximately 10,000 menstrual products during her lifetime, many of which contain chemicals which may be detrimental to vaginal membrane health. Luckily, organic alternatives are becoming easier and more affordable; organic tampons and pads free from bleach, pesticides, and toxic ingredients can now be purchased more readily and affordably.
Organic tampons and pads are often constructed from 100 percent organic cotton that has not been bleached with chlorine, which exposes it to hazardous dioxin chemicals that leach out over time. Furthermore, these types of tampons don’t contain dyes and fragrances which could potentially irritate some women or trigger allergies.
Seventh Generation and Natracare have earned the Global Organic Textile Standards (GOTS) certification, guaranteeing their tampons are both environmentally and body friendly. Biodegradable packaging ensures minimal environmental pollution; plus these tampons do an incredible job absorbing moisture!
Gentle Materials for Sensitive Skin
Organic menstrual products offer more than just reduced exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals; they’re often gentler on your bod as well. This is particularly beneficial for women with sensitive skin who fear pad rashes (and don’t want to spend years searching for their ideal applicator).
Organic pads use less water than their conventional counterparts and tend to be made of more sustainable materials like cotton, making them better for the environment and using fewer resources in production. Many consumers also choose them to support ethical farming practices.
Cotton used in regular tampons and pads is often treated with pesticides and herbicides that may pollute rivers and soil life, potentially making you sick. Organic cotton grown without these harmful chemicals provides an alternative. You should look for certified GOTS or USDA Organic menstrual products to ensure they truly comply with ecological principles.
Environmental Sustainability
Organic menstrual products are made of plant-based fibres that are free from synthetic chemicals, making them biodegradable and produced through sustainable farming practices. By comparison, nonorganic pads and tampons usually contain plastics which add to environmental pollution.
However, it’s important to keep in mind that even products labeled organic may still contain materials like rayon which has been found to contain potentially hazardous substances such as VOCs and phthalates (endocrine disruptors). Therefore, when purchasing tampons with applicators tampons it is wise to read the ingredient list thoroughly in order to be certain you are only using organic cotton tampons.
As an eco-friendly alternative to disposable pads and tampons, some individuals opt for more sustainable options like period pants and Moon cups as an environmental friendly choice. Unfortunately, however, these may be more costly than their counterparts and not readily accessible or widely used yet – The McGill University Menstrual Health Project has taken steps to address this by installing feminine products dispensers across campus as well as encouraging healthy menstrual health habits.
Support for Ethical Farming
Organic pads and tampons differ from their traditional counterparts in that they use plant-based materials produced through sustainable community manufacturing processes to make an eco-friendly product that makes accessing sanitary methods easier in rural and low income countries.
Organic menstrual products help sustain ethical farming practices that do not utilize harmful pesticides or herbicides that pollute rivers, soil and human bodies alike. Cotton crops are highly exposed to these toxic chemicals; selecting organic tampons could help minimize exposure.
When purchasing organic tampons, look for third-party certifications such as GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Made Safe to ensure you’re purchasing an eco-friendly product. Keep in mind that while cotton core tampons may biodegrade over time, plastic or cardboard applicators materials might not; if this concerns you further consider selecting an option with either cardboard or reusable applicators instead.
