Change can be transformative and empowering! Switching to eco-friendly feminine care products is an empowering choice that reduces environmental impact while offering long-term economic savings, plus they lower health risks by eliminating dioxins from disposable sanitary products.
Traditional pads and tampons contribute to massive waste that ends up in landfills or incinerators, while eco-friendly period products like menstrual cups and reusable pads made with biodegradable materials that can be flushed are far less wasteful.
Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are eco-friendly alternatives to disposable pads and tampons, made of medical-grade silicone, latex or rubber that provide worry-free protection from bleeding for up to 12 hours at a time.
Cups collect the flow instead of absorbing it, which helps reduce irritation and risk of bacterial infections. Furthermore, they’re perfectly safe to use during sexual intercourse as their ring-shaped design fits snugly against both sides of your cervix fornix.
Reusable menstrual cups can last for years, saving money and decreasing landfill waste. Women should sterilize it after each use with boiling water or an antimicrobial solution designed for baby bottles; for best results it should also be washed thoroughly prior to and after taking out of vagina as well as hands – this helps avoid the spread of bacteria into vagina and increases infection risks.
Disposable pads
Disposable pads may be easier to find in stores and offer greater variety in shapes, sizes and absorbency levels; however they often contain chemicals soaked with microbe-killing agents (to be classified as sterile, all microorganisms must be eliminated completely from a product) which are harmful for local and marine ecosystems. They take decades to break down completely which leads to pollution in local and marine ecosystems.
Reusable cloth pads offer a healthier and eco-friendlier option to disposable pads, making them great for beginners or anyone trying something for the first time. You can washed and reused over and over, saving both money and space over time. Plus they make great swimwear or underwear options!
Eco-friendly menstrual products may initially cost more than their conventional alternatives, but in the long run they will save money by reducing waste and keeping you healthier. Opt for organic cotton and bamboo fabrics from ethical suppliers; avoid chemical additives; these discreet pads feel just as comfortable!
Period pants
Period pants offer an eco-friendly alternative to pads and tampons, featuring moisture-wicking top layers, an absorbent core composed of superabsorbent materials, and a leak-proof bottom layer that keeps blood away from clothing or sheets. Plus, they’re slim, breathable, lightweight – plus come PFAS-free. You should look for third party certification such as GOTS or USDA Organic when making your selection.
One pair of reusable period underwear can last years with proper care, providing comfort, reducing waste, and cutting back costs (one pair can replace up to 11,000 disposable pads or tampons in your lifetime!). However, they have higher upfront costs compared to regular underwear; leaks may occur if not fitting well or washed incorrectly; thus it’s important to find one suitable to your flow and lifestyle needs – there are plenty of choices out there to suit everyone!
Menstrual tampons
Menstrual tampons are period protection that absorb menstrual fluid. Available in various sizes and absorbencies, women can purchase them wherever sanitary products are sold or in bulk for greater savings and to avoid waste.
Tampons are constructed from an absorbent cotton and rayon blend, often in the shape of a bullet and fitted with either a cardboard or plastic applicator barrel and plunger for application. Some digital tampons do not include such accessories and must be directly inserted into vagina (digital tampons).
In the 1990s, activists encouraged tampon companies to use chlorine-free bleaching methods that reduced dioxin emissions during production, as well as warning labels advising women to replace their tampons every 4-6 hours to reduce toxic shock syndrome risk.
Access to tampons can be hindered by social economic factors such as affordability difficulties and cultural misconceptions about menstruation; cultural stereotypes about this process may discourage some from seeking them out and limit their advocacy rights.
