Eco-friendly options in feminine care go beyond being good for you – they also reduce waste, plastic usage and greenhouse gas emissions.
Many women are turning to eco-friendly menstrual products such as reusable pads, cloth maxi pads and menstrual cups because they are less costly while not harming the environment.
1. Organic Cotton
Regular nonorganic pads and tampons may contain harmful chemicals that could potentially enter your vagina and pose long-term health risks. When purchasing period products, look for certifications like GOTS and OKEO-Tex 100 Standard to ensure cotton was grown without harmful chemicals such as organic pesticides and dyes, in hygienic conditions.
Organic cotton is free from synthetic fertilizers, sewage sludge, GMOs and persistent pesticides that deplete soil nutrients. It is used in eco-friendly period products (sanitary pads, make-up removal pads, cotton puffs and ear swabs), fabrics home furnishings towels bathrobes sheets and blankets.
2. Biodegradable
Every year, millions of disposable sanitary pads and tampons end up in landfills where they take decades to disintegrate while emitting greenhouse gases that contribute to climate change. Furthermore, plastic-based feminine hygiene products pose serious health hazards to women’s vulvae as they contain harmful toxins such as BPA and phthalates that pose risks to women’s reproductive organs.
Eco-friendly period products like menstrual cups and reusable cloth pads made with biodegradable materials reduce environmental impact while meeting sustainability goals. Offering these eco-friendly items in washrooms is an effective way to help achieve environmental goals and reach sustainability objectives.
Biodegradable materials provide a viable alternative to synthetic synthetic materials that may be toxic and harm the environment, and are made from renewable resources instead of petroleum – something conventional plastics cannot match due to being finite resources.
3. Reusable
Reusable menstrual products might seem like an additional expense, but they offer much better alternatives to disposable pads and tampons which generate over 200,000 tonnes of waste annually and take 500-800 years to decompose.
Menstrual cups and reusable pads are made of long-wearing fabrics designed to withstand repeated washing, while their antimicrobial properties allow longer wear without risk of infections.
Women who switch to reusable feminine hygiene products can feel empowered and supported during their periods. By selecting organic options and breaking down taboos related to periods, they can better support themselves and the environment. Even small changes like choosing biodegradable tampon applicators can make an impactful statement about our collective commitment to decreasing environmental footprint of menstrual products.
4. Applicator-less
Non-applicator tampons offer a more direct and tactile insertion experience, helping women feel in tune with their bodies during menstruation. Furthermore, these non-applicator tampons tend to have lower carbon emissions compared to applicator-based counterparts and reduce waste through eliminating plastic packaging waste; however they typically require some additional education regarding correct insertion/removal techniques in order to become comfortable using them.
One of our favourite sustainable feminine care brands is Dame, a UK-based company revolutionizing period care with toxin-free, carbon negative and eco-friendly alternatives. Their reusable menstrual cups made of medical-grade silicone are comfortable and easy to use – ideal for nurturing yourself while protecting the planet! Plus they make a perfect accompaniment to a holistic natural lifestyle such as adding medicinal mushrooms like lion mane into your diet!
5. Plastic-free
Most popular tampons and pads contain around 90% plastic, the equivalent of four supermarket bags in one package. This adds to ocean plastic pollution as these products break down into micro-plastics which enter our food chain via absorption by our bodies and can enter our food supply.
These products also produce large amounts of solid waste when flushed down the toilet, blocking sewerage pipes and waste water treatment plants. To reduce their impact, opt for reusable period options made of organic cotton such as cups, discs or underwear that is entirely plastic-free.
Natracare has been a sustainable period hero since the 80s, offering plastic-free organic cotton tampons and pads with and without wings as well as reusable menstrual cups and panty liners that meet GOTS certification. All their products are hypoallergenic, chemical-free and hypoallergenic – an impressive offering!
