How to Make Your Period Eco Friendly

Are you a "green" person who tries to take care of the earth by making wise personal choices? If so, you might consider stopping your use of disposable period products, which contribute a lot of waste to landfills every year. Reusable menstrual products will save you money in the long run, and peace of mind when you don't have to go on emergency trips to buy more pads or tampons. Many people believe that they are a healthier and more sanitary option, and that they can even shorten/lighten periods and reduce cramping. Read on to learn about the different options.

Steps

  1. It's different than what you're probably used to, but definitely worth it. One misconception is that reusable products are unclean and gross. They actually have a lot of health benefits, like less risk of infections such as Toxic Shock Syndrome. It's fairly easy to clean them. And if you're comfortable with your period, reusing shouldn't feel disgusting. Just give it a go, and you might be surprised.
  2. You can get organic cotton pads, tampons and pantyliners. These produce a little less waste than regular disposables. They also do not contain harmful chemicals and have not been bleached like mainstream brands. Organic period products can usually be composed, producing less waste. [1]
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  3. You can trial different products and see what works the best for you. There are plenty of good choices such as:
    • Reusable pads and pantiliners: These are often made out of cotton or flannel, and are very soft and comfortable. You can also choose softer, more luxurious fabrics such as minky if you want maximum comfort. Most have wings that snap together securely under panties. They need to be washed in the washing machine after use, but they won't stain your clothes. You can also wash them separately from the regular laundry if desired. If taken care of, they can last for about ten years. The cost of reusable products seems high up front, but they will save you a ton on money in the long run. Want to save money? Know how to sew? Make your own pads. There are a lot of helpful patterns on the web. The best part is that you can make the pad that is perfect for you.
      • Reusable pantyliners also exist and work similarly to reusable pads, but for lighter days, or before your period.
    • Period underwear: Similar to cloth pads, there are underwear made with extra cloth, so that they can be worn, washed, and reused. These can be a great option if you don't mind the initial out lay. Anyone who wears underwear can use these! They come in a variety of different styles - you should be able to find something you're comfortable wearing whatever your underwear preferences. These can also be worn as an alternative to pantyliners before your period.
    • Menstrual cups: These can also be reused for ten or more years, if taken care of. Most are made of medical grade silicone, and collect blood in instead of reusing. They can be worn for up to 12 hours without emptying on your lighter days, with no risk of TSS. Between cycles they can be cleaned quickly and easily with rubbing alcohol, sterilizing tablets, or boiling water. This is a great choice if you prefer internal menstrual products, because they hold more than tampons, and leak less often. Some people prefer them so they don't feel wet and "icky" on their period. Since they're internal and very comfortable if you get a cup that fits your body well, you may even forget you're menstruating! If you want to swim or wear swim wear or similar garments menstrual Cups are a good option.
      • Menstrual discs are similar to menstrual cups and some people find them easier to use.
    • Sea sponge tampons: These are natural sponges that are worn internally like a tampon. They can be washed and reused as well. They come in different sizes, much like disposable tampons, and can be trimmed as needed.
  4. For organic tampons and pads, look for brands like Seventh Generation and Natracare at an organic foods store, or you might be able to find them at supermarkets. Organic food stores in the US may carry the Lunette, DivaCup, or Keeper menstrual cups, but for other brands, you will have to search for online vendors. Some teens or first-time cup users prefer the MeLuna cup, as it is highly customizable, and details can be chosen specifically to fit your needs. Sea sponge tampons, padded panties, and cloth pads are primarily sold online.
  5. For example, you can have a period that is more eco friendly if you use padded panties overnight and use the pads or tampons you're familiar with during the day until you trust the padded panties. Once you are confident using an eco friendly menstrual product, you can stop buying the less environmentally friendly products.
  6. Try to remember using eco friendly menstrual products not only reduces what goes into landfill but also reduces plastic and paper use. A lot of chemicals are involved in the production of pads and tampons. You'll be contributing to the reduction of waste of the planet's precious resources and pollution if you're able to have an more eco friendly period.
  7. Dispose of used products responsibly if you choose not to change the menstrual products you use to eco--friendly products, or you use disposable eco-friendly products. It's bad for the environment to flush tampons and really bad to attempt to flush pads.
  8. If you still use tampons, you can reduce waste by buying non-applicator tampons. Applicator tampons aren't a common thing around the world, only in certain places, and inserting a tampon is easy to do without an applicator. If you cannot insert a tampon without an applicator, buy a reusable applicator and then use it with tampons that don't come with an applicator. Reusable applicators can last ten years. [2]
    • Don't buy applicator tampons if you have a reusable applicator, this won't reduce waste. Instead use your reusable applicator with tampons that don't come with one.
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  • Question
    Can I switch directly from using sanitary pads to using a menstrual cup?
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    Yes.
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    How do I find the right sized divacup without buying every size?
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    There are 2 sizes. Size 1 is if you have not had a child and under the age of 30. Size 2 is for women who have had a baby, or are over 30.
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    Are overnight pads expensive?
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    Yes, they can be.
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      Tips

      • Cardboard applicators can't be recycled because they are considered medical waste. [3]
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      • Don't wash reusable pads with fabric softener or bleach, as this can reduce absorbency. [4]
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      Warnings

      • Sea sponge tampons and organic tampons still carry a risk of TSS, but the risk is less than that of non-organic disposable tampons.
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      • Never "ration" disposable period products by wearing them longer than you should, especially tampons. This increases your risk of getting a serious infection, such as Toxic Shock Syndrome.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://andsisters.com/blogs/blog/can-you-compost-period-products
      2. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/consumer-advice/a30073279/eco-friendly-period/
      3. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/consumer-advice/a30073279/eco-friendly-period/
      4. ↑ https://www.goodhousekeeping.com/uk/consumer-advice/a30073279/eco-friendly-period/

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