Over her lifetime, women tend to deposit around 250 to 300 pounds of pads and tampons into landfills containing plastic that may take decades to decompose.
Some companies are revolutionising period products by producing eco-friendly options, like Dame, which produces plastic-free tampons made of organic cotton as well as a reusable applicator.
Reusable alternatives
Disposable tampons and pads generate enormous amounts of waste. Furthermore, many contain harmful chemicals like plastics, chlorine, synthetic fragrances and artificial dyes which may disrupt hormones over time and cause issues like cancerous tumors or birth defects.
There are eco-friendly alternatives that can help reduce your environmental impact. Reusable menstrual products such as menstrual cups and cloth pads made with natural materials like organic cotton, cellulose and veggie gum glue can also be composted after use for maximum sustainability.
Natracare offers applicator-free tampons made with certified organic cotton, non-GMO cellulose pulp and plant starch that help eliminate flushing sanitary items down toilets, which is an unnecessary source of pollution. However, these eco-friendly solutions tend to be more costly than their disposable alternatives and may make them less accessible; organizations like McGill Menstrual Health Project are working to narrow this gap.
Organic disposables
Traditional period products use plastic that is non-biodegradable; switching to organic pads, tampons and panty liners is one way of cutting down pollution. Many companies such as August produce organic tampons and pads free from pesticides, perfumes, dyes and chemicals while offering multiple absorbencies – plus come complete with their own reusable pouch.
Other brands such as Diva, June, Saalt and the Period Company provide reusable menstrual cups which function similarly to regular disposable pads but are made of medical-grade silicone and can last for five years. While initially more costly than disposable pads, these will save money over time by working better at preventing leaks than their disposable counterparts and can even be worn during athletic activities. Creating your own reusable pads using Zorb or ProCool Stay Dry fabrics could provide moisture wicking fabric comfort that regular disposable pads cannot.
Recycle
Reusable options such as menstrual cups, pads and period underwear are an invaluable way of providing eco-friendly feminine hygiene solutions that make an impactful statement about sustainability. By eliminating plastic pollution while simultaneously eliminating exposure to potentially hazardous chemicals.
Plus, these products can be created from fabric that’s both tough and waterproof, such as Zorb 4D or ProSoft ECO-PUL; thus extending their useful lifespan over disposable options while saving you money over time. By choosing options free from hormone-disrupting chemicals you are also protecting both yourself and your health.
Even as our society shifts toward eco-friendlier living, plastic remains ubiquitous – including your tampons! That’s why Play It Green recommends sustainable brands such as Saalt who make menstrual cups from medical-grade silicone; their cups are toxin-free and carbon neutral while contributing to female empowerment through their products – potentially saving up to $1,000 over their lifespan!
Shop local
Reusable options like menstrual cups and cloth pads not only reduce environmental impacts, but they can save money as well. By eliminating disposable products containing potentially harmful chemicals and plastics from circulation, reusable solutions provide greater savings while simultaneously being eco-friendly.
Women across the nation are turning to sustainable feminine care alternatives as an option, seeking companies that take an integrated approach towards sustainability that considers all aspects of supply chains and footprint.
August is a California-based brand that specializes in organic and biodegradable pads and tampons made with recycled materials. Their product lineup features organic, fragrance-free tampons that come in various absorbency levels. Their applicator is even made out of sugarcane!
The company has made a pledge to donate 1% of profits from sustainability-focused nonprofits and sells its products in food, drug, and mass retail stores; however, their prices are too high for many women living paycheck-to-paycheck; this phenomenon is known as period poverty in society and must not exist.
