Women contribute hundreds of disposable pads and tampons to landfills over their lifetimes, which take decades or centuries to decompose while releasing harmful chemicals into the environment.
Eco-friendly feminine care products, on the other hand, are composed of environmentally-friendly materials such as biodegradable plastics to lower environmental impacts. We recommend the brands DAME, Natracare and Ohne as such sustainable choices.
Reusable pads
Millions of girls and women worldwide depend on makeshift materials such as old cloth or pieces of mattress to absorb their menstrual flow, often without regard for potential adverse health impacts and lack of dignity; such improvised measures cannot only compromise health but are often inappropriate and inadequate compared to professional hygienic sanitary products which offer safety, sanitation, and dignity for hygienic periods.
Disposable pads and tampons contain harsh chemicals that may irritate sensitive skin or worsen menstrual symptoms like cramping or blood clotting, while reusable pads often made from natural and organic materials may provide better comfort to women with sensitive periods.
Reusable pads require some initial investment, but can last years before needing replacing. You can reuse and wash these reusable pads multiple times before replacing them – typically they’re more comfortable than traditional pads and available at most natural health stores; lightweight enough to be carried in purse or tote bag when travelling or away from home; soaking your pads in cold water mixed with baking soda or tea tree oil is often an effective solution if they begin smelling.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are an eco-friendly alternative to tampons and pads that can last up to 10 years with proper care. Constructed of medical-grade silicone or latex material, menstrual cups contain no chemicals that may irritate vaginal areas.
Reusable products also help save you money over time while simultaneously reducing waste in landfills and sewer systems, by helping prevent the annual disposal of 49.8 billion tampons and sanitary pads (Imarc 2020).
Cups may require more practice to use effectively and must be thoroughly washed between uses to avoid the build-up of bacteria, which increases your risk for toxic shock syndrome (TSS). For optimal use, accessing clean water and an antibacterial cleaning solution are needed – something which may prove challenging in public restrooms; thus it might be more comfortable changing it at home, camping or hiking trips.
Organic pads and tampons
Organic menstrual products provide an alternative to traditional pads in terms of materials used, including cotton grown without pesticides and artificial fertilizers, dyes or fragrances, etc. By choosing natural materials like this cotton, less chemicals may penetrate through permeable vaginal skin which could potentially lead to toxic shock syndrome or other health concerns in the long-run.
Choose organic period products over their non-biodegradable alternatives as these often support ethical farming and manufacturing processes, providing comfort during their periods. Many women favor cotton for its breathable surface which offers comfort during periods.
Since cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops, opting for organic varieties can reduce exposure to harmful chemicals and lower our environmental risks, since conventional cotton uses toxic treatments that seep into rivers and soils – potentially harming humans, pets, and plants alike.
Sustainable period products
Eco-friendly period products help to significantly decrease plastic waste that accumulates in landfills and oceans, and also alleviate women’s anxiety around discussing menstruation at work or elsewhere in society.
Reusable pads (pantyliners) are washable menstrual products with absorbent layers built-in that can be worn alone or combined with other protection such as tampons or menstrual cups for additional protection. Common materials used for making such pads include organic cotton or bamboo fibre, making it suitable for reuse for years.
Menstrual cups are soft bell-shaped medical-grade silicone inserts designed to sit inside the vagina and collect menstrual flow. Used over many years and washed and sterilised after each use, menstrual cups offer environmental and cost savings in comparison with disposable options. Offering such solutions in your washroom could make an impactful statement about environmental awareness as well as being cost-cutting alternatives that save your employees money in the long run.
