Over recent years, there has been an increasing concern over the sustainability of women’s hygiene products.
Millions of single-use menstrual products are used and thrown away every year, generating tonnes of waste. This excessive waste contributes significantly to the overflow of landfills across the world as they contain plastics that take hundreds of years to break down.
Due to the increasing concerns over the environmental impacts of single-use menstrual products, many companies are now offering more sustainable options. From organic tampons made of cotton to washable and reusable menstrual cups, there is an eco-friendly alternative for every woman, no matter what their preferences.
Here are some great sustainable period products to help you decide which option is the best for you (and the environment).
Menstrual Cups
The menstrual cup has grown in popularity a lot over the past decade and for a good reason. It’s a product that can be reused again and again, and keeps your period waste to a minimum.
Menstrual cups are small and funnel-shaped. They fit perfectly into your underwear so that you can get on with your day feeling comfortable and stress-free.
Most menstrual cups can be worn for up to 10 hours, making them perfect for when you have a long day ahead. After 10 hours (or whenever necessary), you can simply remove the menstrual cup and wash it, ready for its next use.
Not only does opting for a reusable period product like the menstrual cup help you to save the environment but it will also save you money.
Period Underwear
Period underwear is a fairly new concept but it’s the perfect sustainable option for the days when your flow is lighter. You can switch out your usual underwear for some period underwear to provide a comfortable and safe way to capture any blood.
Period underwear can be worn, washed, and reused an unlimited number of times. No more buying endless packs of sanitary towels and throwing them away in the toilet bin! You can keep the same underwear on all day, knowing that every last drop of your flow is being captured and secured until you get home.
They might not be the most fashionable underwear on the market but they are certainly the most helpful when you’re menstruating. After all, comfort is key when you’re on your period!
Organic Tampons
For some women, a classic tampon is unbeatable. Traditional tampons contain around 6% plastic, making them much harder to biodegrade when placed in landfills.
However, there are now organic, eco-friendly alternatives to help women achieve sustainability with their period products and reduce the environmental impact.
Organic tampons are biodegradable and do not contain the same harmful chemicals as traditional options. They are perfect for those of you who want maximum comfort and convenience while on your period.
You can now also get a combined tampon and pad in one. This product is designed to capture any extra flow that your tampon doesn’t catch so that your underwear doesn’t get stained. If you have a particularly heavy flow, this combined tampon and pad might be ideal for you.
