With the cost of living consistently on the rise and the health of our planet at stake, it’s crucial, now more than ever, to switch to more sustainable and reusable products. Sustainable periods are something for all women to think about (provided they can afford to).
What I mean by sustainable periods is making that “time of the month” as eco-friendly and budget friendly as possible.
Below, I’ll be sharing a few options available to you to become more sustainable when it comes to menstrual products.
Sustainable Period Products
These are some of the sustainable menstrual or period products available out there.
Menstrual Cups
“Menstrual Cups – Your New Bestie”
This is my current preferred method.
I’ve found menstrual cups super comfortable and they’ve done wonders for my monthly budget.
So far I have used 2 over the past maybe 5 years ( I did use tampons until I could afford to replace my cup). They last quite a while, about 6 months to 10 years according to healthline.com, if you take proper care of them.
I have not used the following menstrual products personally but I just wanted to share these options with you in case you want to try them for yourself.
Menstrual discs
These are available in reusable and disposable options and one disc can be worn for up to 12 hours. Therefore, even if you opt for the non-reusable/disposable option, you’re still using fewer products than when using a tampon.
This is what makes it a more sustainable period product.
Period Panties
I recently discovered that you can now get these from Cotton On.
Period panties are another great option for sustainable menstrual products; they’re actually super cute and stylish.
You wear them like you would normal panties and give them a wash to clean them. They’re just like regular underwear except they’re designed to soak up menstrual blood. They’re made from fibres that contain a moisture-wicking fabric that traps liquid to prevent it from soaking onto your clothes.
I would get these if I didn’t have a menstrual cup.
Say goodbye to pads and give period panties a go!
Reusable Pads
If you’re a woman who prefers pads, that’s perfectly okay. There are reusable pads available.
They look just like regular pads with wings on the sides except they’re made from natural fabrics such as hemp, cotton, bamboo etc. with an outer layer of waterproof material designed to absorb menstrual blood and prevent leakage.
You can keep them for several years and another plus is that they don’t expose your vagina to any chemicals like the ones used in disposable menstrual products.
Period panties can be hand or machine washed to clean after usage.
Organic Tampons & Pads
These are similar to regular tampons except they’re made from organic materials (the same goes for organic pads) and decrease the risk of TSS (toxic shock syndrome).
They are chemical-free, unlike regular tampons; which may contain traces of fertilisers, insecticides, artificial colourants or any other chemicals which may be used during the cotton production process.
Great choices for people who find it important not to introduce any harmful substances into their bodies.
I’ve given you a few options to select more sustainable period products that are suitable for you. Share your thoughts on the ones you’re tried, recommend or are going to give a go in the comments.
So ladies, which of these are you giving a go?
Taking risks with period routines takes so much courage but I’m sure it’s worth a try.
Sustainable options are definitely worth a try.
xoxo
Thank you for sharing these great alternatives. I’ve been wanting to try and alternative for a while now.
Woooow! I never knew there was something like period panties and reusable pads. Thanks for sharing this. Also, I don’t know why I’m scared of tampons and menstrual cups. I still prefer the conventional pads.
Happy to have introduced you something new 😉.
I’ve always been a creature of habit, used a certain brand of pads all my life until I had an irritation and a daughter. I’d be curious for us to try the panties since they don’t require any instructions.
You should definitely give them a try. Come back and let me know how it goes. 😉