Many consumers are now opting for organic menstrual products as a way of minimizing chemical exposure and supporting sustainable farming practices. Organic pads and tampons are free from synthetic materials, pesticides, dyes and fragrances found in other brands.
Non-organic tampons can introduce harmful chemicals directly into your vaginal tissue, potentially leading to toxic shock syndrome or other serious health conditions. Organic alternatives, however, are both safer and more absorbent.
Ethical and sustainable
Though zero waste period products are impossible, you can take significant strides by selecting eco-friendly reusable menstrual products such as pads, tampons and panty liners from August, Diva June Saalt or The Period Company brands such as August Diva June or Saalt that use no harmful chemicals in production – these may cost more upfront but in the long run could save money and reduce waste! Look for organic and chlorine-free options as these will save the planet; some even come equipped with an applicator you can reuse again and again!
Studies on the environmental effects of disposable sanitary products are numerous, with impacts ranging from carbon footprint, land-use changes, water usage, eutrophication and carcinogenic effects being reported on. Unfortunately, most of these studies focus solely on immediate impacts, without taking account of post-disposal scenarios and culture-specific beliefs surrounding menstruation. As a result, numerous reusable period products have emerged such as tampons with biodegradable applicators or fabric reuse in sanitary pads;
Biodegradable
Although organic tampons may claim to be “all-natural”, in reality many contain other materials, including plastic (polyethylene or polypropylene) and dyes which could potentially be harmful. Therefore it’s essential to read up on its ingredients and certifications prior to purchasing; look for brands using organic cotton with third-party approved ethical and sustainable practices so as to guarantee safe products for both body and planet.
Opting for organic menstrual products can help lessen your impact on the environment during your period. Non-organic tampons, pads and panty liners generate over 200,000 tonnes of waste every year in the US alone and may take between 500-800 years to decompose, contributing significantly to pollution while harming our natural surroundings.
Green alternatives include reusable cloth maxi pads that can be machine washed or menstrual cups made from natural materials like water hyacinth. Both products provide comfortable use while producing less waste. Some brands even use biodegradable cardboard applicators instead of plastic.
Reduced irritants
Organic pads and tampons tend to use less irritating materials than their conventional counterparts, often without dyes, plasticizers, fragrances and dyes that may trigger allergic reactions or disrupt delicate vaginal tissue. By choosing these organic alternatives instead of traditional products, exposure to potentially irritating chemicals is reduced considerably – thus protecting you against allergic reactions or disruption of delicate vaginal tissues.
Many organic tampons and pads use different materials to provide absorbency on different days, typically predominately organic cotton or naturally breathable fabrics such as water hyacinth or jute fibres.
One study conducted on four commercially available tampon brands revealed one brand to contain “measurable oestrogen activity.” While research has not linked these chemicals with negative health outcomes, it’s wise to avoid their use for highly absorbent areas like vagina and vulva. Reusable menstrual care options like cups or disks offer another alternative that reduces chemical contact – just make sure the provider you select commits to ingredient transparency, sourcing transparency and third-party validation.
No toxins
Many women opt for organic tampons in order to minimize exposure to chemicals and bleaches that could potentially enter their vaginal canal, potentially supporting hormonal health, fertility and preventing irritation.
However, organic tampons do not eliminate the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). TSS happens when bacteria from your tampon makes its way into your bloodstream through tiny abrasions in your vagina. These bacteria could originate either when inserting it manually or from wearing it for too long a period.
To reduce exposure to harmful toxins, opt for reusable pads, menstrual cups or period pants as alternatives to traditional tampons. When selecting tampons with organic cotton content and third-party certification such as GOTS, Oeko-Tex Standard 100 or Made Safe certification.
When purchasing organic tampons, be sure to read the ingredients list and select brands offering applicator free options as a means to minimize contact with synthetic materials and fragrance-free varieties to limit exposure to phthalates. In addition, select those featuring natural fibres like silk for increased comfort.
