4 Ways to Have A More Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Period
Periods
About half of the population (the half with ovaries) menstruates, or “has a period,” during the “reproductive years” — between menarche and menopause.
(Note: Periods do not have a gender. Many women and girls do not menstruate for several reasons. Likewise, many men, boys, or nonbinary people do have periods. Bleeding is part of a biological process and not necessarily an indicator of gender identity.)
Access to period products is essential. Lack of period products is a sanitation issue. As importantly, without period products, people who menstruate cannot access education, work, and other opportunities. Lack of access to menstrual products is a human rights issue.
Access to menstrual products is a human rights issue.
When more sustainable menstrual products are inappropriate or inaccessible, traditional period products must be accessible. This post is not intended to shame anyone who chooses not to use–or does not have access to–the most sustainable options. I am not questioning your choice, only offering options for those seeking them. Any period product is better than none. Human dignity is essential.
For more information on menstruation and human rights, visit https://www.unfpa.org/menstruationfaq.
Traditional Tampons and Pads
If you can swap to abandon traditional products, here are a few reasons why.
According to an article in the Huffington Post, the average person, who uses tampons, uses 9,120 tampons in their lifetime. Likewise, the average person, who uses ‘disposable’ menstrual pads, uses 2,280 pads in their lifetime.
Further, according to an article in National Geographic, tampons and pads “are a veritable cornucopia of plastic.” Most ‘disposable’ menstrual products create a lot of plastic waste.
Tampons and pads “are a veritable cornucopia of plastic.”
National Geographic
Sustainable Period Products
1. ‘Disposable’ Pads and Tampons
Several ethically-minded entrepreneurs recognize the health and environmental concerns about the “cornucopia of plastic” in traditional menstrual products. They decided to create healthier, more sustainable options.
For example, Meika Hollender founded a B-corporation appropriately called, Sustain. Sustain’s “period products are made with no synthetics, fragrances, or super absorbent polymers, only 100% organic cotton.” Sustain also sells some of the reusable products mentioned below.
Likewise, LOLA produces tampons and pads with organic cotton.
Although these products aren’t “zero-waste,” they are certainly more sustainable than using plastic-based single-use pads and tampons.
What other companies deserve a shout out for selling more sustainable pads and tampons?
2. Reusable Pads
Compared with other options, reusable pads are quite affordable and sold widely. They work exactly the same way as traditional pads except that, rather than throwing them in the trash when you are done, you toss them in the laundry. If you aren’t home when you remove a used pad, put the pad in a small wet bag until you are home. Easy peasy.
I bought these, and they work well. Plus, I love their designs.
Etsy is also a great place to find handmade reusable pads, and buying through Etsy supports crafters and small businesses. Even better, find a local sewer who makes them or make them yourself!
Reusable pads, including the ones I bought, aren’t perfect; they often include materials such as microfibers and polyurethane laminate. And, when you are done using them (perhaps at menopause), they are ultimately heading to the landfill. Still, they create far less waste overall than disposables.
Some people find reusable pads to be too bulky for their comfort. Read on for more options.
3. Period Panties
Period panties work a lot like pads, too. You wear them like regular underwear, but they are far more absorbent.
You may find them more comfortable than reusable pads because they are less bulky. However, most people who use period panties, especially people who bleed heavily, use them as a back-up for tampons or menstrual cups. That way, they don’t need to change their underwear during the day away from home.
Different brands and styles have different levels of absorption. Make sure to get one that can absorb more if you plan to use the undies as your only menstrual product or if you bleed heavily.
Again, period panties aren’t perfect. The ones I purchased, for example, contain spandex. Also, like reusable pads, they will ultimately end up in the landfill when you are done using them.
4. Menstrual or Period Cups
Menstrual cups are little vessels, usually made of medical-grade silicone. They usually have a stem. You insert them into your vagina, and they collect–rather than absorb–the blood. After a few hours, you remove the cup and dump the blood into a toilet. Then wash off the cup (if possible) and reinsert. When you are done with your period, you sanitize the cup and use it again during future cycles.
Menstrual cups vary by size, capacity, stem style, and firmness. It can be a little overwhelming when you are first considering making the switch. Check out Put a Cup In It to learn all about menstrual cups, compare options, and take a quiz to help you determine the best option for you!
If you don’t love your first menstrual cup, I urge you not to give up. I hated my first one. Now I have a Peach Life cup, and I am very happy with it. It has a pull-ring on its stem, and that made a big difference for me.
Like reusable pads and panties, menstrual cups are still destined for the landfill. Keep in mind that you can use one menstrual cup in place of a few years worth of traditional pads and tampons! It adds up and makes a big difference.
What advice do you have for people looking for sustainable period products?
The Amazon.com links to products that I have used are affiliate links. If you purchase through these links, I will get a small commission to keep this website running at no extra cost to you!
I am not affiliated with Sustain, LOLA, or Etsy.
