Organic period products are an excellent choice for the environment and your body, since vaginal tissues are permeable and absorb chemicals found in non-organic tampons or pads containing synthetic materials, pesticides, dyes and fragrances.
Dioxins and other carcinogenic toxins such as dibenzofuran can interfere with hormones, increasing your risk of toxic shock syndrome. You can lower this risk by wearing your tampon for no longer than eight hours at a time and selecting lower absorbency options for your tampons.
Tampons
Many women choose organic tampons or pads because they claim they offer less cramping, itching, and better flow; however, many may not realize that organic options have greater environmental impacts than non-organic varieties.
Traditional tampons are typically composed of traditionally grown cotton (which may contain pesticides or insecticides) or a blend of cotton with synthetic fibers like rayon to promote absorbency. Additional features may include plastic applicators, fragrances and even adhesive glycerol that helps them adhere securely in vagina.
Organic tampons are typically composed entirely of cotton without synthetic fibers, while plastic applicators made of plant cellulose don’t require plasticizers for application; others offer reusable compostable cardboard applicators that eliminate disposables altogether. According to INTEGRIS research, organic feminine hygiene products typically feature lower concentrations of VOCs (volatile organic compounds) than their conventional counterparts – including halohydrocarbons and chloroform. Organic tampons also tend to contain less carbon disulfide production than their counterparts do.
Pads
Pads can be an excellent solution for women with heavy periods. Their ease of use makes them particularly suitable for overnight use, without needing to get up during the night to change them and they pose almost no risk of TSS.
These ultrathin pads come in various sizes to accommodate different flow rates. Many find them more comfortable and less itchy than tampons; some even say they help alleviate cramping and bloating symptoms.
Organic cotton pads differ from regular tampons in that they do not release dioxins from bleaching cotton and do not contain harsh chemicals or fragrances that could irritate skin. They also biodegrade quicker, making them better for the environment.
Some pads come equipped with built-in disposal flaps that enable you to seal used pads before disposing of them, providing a hygienic and discreet means for disposing of period products. You could also use toilet paper or an especially designed sanitary disposal bag.
Wipes
Use of wipes during your period can expose your body to various chemicals, such as phthalates used to make plastic more flexible in tampons and pads, that can disrupt hormones. Exposure to such hormone-disrupting chemicals has been linked to numerous health concerns including early puberty and ovulation disorders.
Organic tampons do not contain potentially hazardous elements; in fact, many brands make theirs from 100% organic cotton! Organic cotton grows under four principles of organic agriculture which work with nature rather than against it, eliminating herbicides and pesticides to decrease risk leaching into waterways or harming soil life.
This is an incredible opportunity to make the world a more sustainable place through purchasing power! Plus, it allows us to help the environment, farmers, and future generations!
Deodorant
Organic deodorant allows your body to naturally sweat for detoxification purposes, helping it keep cool in an eco-friendly manner. Many brands of organic deodorants utilize essential oils instead of chemical fragrances in their formulas and many are free from gluten, parabens, phthalates and artificial fragrances – giving you fresh breath all day long!
All 79 feminine hygiene products tested contain volatile organic compounds at lower concentrations than expected. Most FHPs contained aromatic hydrocarbons (benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene and styrene) along with volatile terpenoids such as limonene.
Studies show that long-term use of plastic-based menstrual pads can lead to endometriosis and cancer, prompting researchers to create more affordable and eco-friendly plant-based alternatives that use water hyacinth, bamboo, banana stems, papyrus, hemp or papyrus as materials – these natural alternatives are more sustainable, cheaper to produce and more accessible for menstruators facing social or cultural barriers that limit MHM practices.
