Menstruating women tend to use 10,000 period products during their lifetime, most of them plastic with long decomposition times that leave a huge footprint in terms of impact on ecosystems and the environment.
Sustainable and eco-friendly options for feminine care are increasingly available, including many that are reusable, organic and constructed with non-toxic materials.
Reusable menstrual pads
Reusable pads are more eco-friendly than disposable menstrual products and healthier for your skin and body as they’re typically made with natural materials that don’t contain harsh chemicals that could irritate period cramps or worsen period symptoms.
Reusable menstrual pads can easily be attached to your underwear just like regular disposable ones and will absorb menstrual blood externally – just like a liner would do. But these washable and reusability means you don’t have to worry about running out and have no more worry of running out!
Reusable menstrual pads may cost more upfront but will end up saving money in the long run as you won’t need to buy disposable pads again. Plus, you can carry them around in your purse or tote so you’re always prepared if your period arrives unexpectedly – cleaning them easily requires only a quick rinse and wash with warm water in your washing machine!
Organic disposable pads and tampons
Not to be underestimated is that organic disposable pads and tampons still contain chemicals and synthetic materials despite their green credentials. For example, FDA-cleared tampons found on supermarket shelves may still use cotton grown using pesticides before being bleached using elemental chlorine bleaching – which increases your exposure to dioxins such as octachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin and hexachlorobenzene).
Good news is that some companies produce eco-friendly versions of these products. Rael Tampons for example feature organic cotton core and veil enclosed within an eco-friendly cardboard applicator made of recycled materials; their packaging also emphasizes minimalism and sustainability.
Cora offers another eco-friendly option with their combination of an organic cotton core and veil with plastic-free biodegradable applicator, along with paper packaging that is biodegradable and compostable tampons – and paper boxes and wrappers which are recyclable. Cora strives to provide period care access for everyone, driven by their mission to reduce carbon footprints while being certified organic, biodegradable and compostable tampons with recyclable paper-based boxes and wrappers tampons as part of this cause.
Sanitary napkins and tampons made from natural fibers
Many of us may not yet be ready to switch over to reusable menstrual products; life circumstances might mean disposable period supplies are necessary in this instance. When making this choice, opt for natural fiber-made sanitary napkins and tampons as alternatives.
Organic cotton clothing is free from harmful toxins and plastics, and grown without pesticides; thus limiting exposure to chemicals linked to endocrine disruption and cancer.
Traditional tampons and pads contain large quantities of plastic waste that ends up polluting our oceans as part of global plastic pollution issues. Plastic can be found in pads and tampons in various forms: polyester blends lining the wings and back of tampons; plastic applicators; and coatings used to ease removal.
Some sustainable tampon brands have taken steps to eliminate plastic from their products by switching over to medical-grade silicone instead of conventional plastic tampons, which take centuries to decompose in landfills.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are an eco-friendly way to reduce waste. Constructed of silicone or rubber material, menstrual cups are small devices inserted into your vagina to collect period blood more comfortably than pads or tampons (with no applicators) without leading to vaginal dryness or discomfort. They may last for 12 hours without needing replacement saving both time and money!
As with any reusable product, menstrual cups need to be kept clean to prevent infections and other issues from arising. You can sterilize your cup in boiling water for five minutes; follow package directions on how best to store and care for it, as daily washing may be required.
Menstrual products available from certified organic sources, meaning they’ve been produced using materials grown and processed without using synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, can also be purchased. When making this choice, always look out for packaging bearing the USDA Organic label as this signifies genuine eco-friendly product.
