What are you in the mood for?
HOME / PERSONAL CARE / PERSONAL HYGIENE / WHY YOU SHOULD CONSIDER SWITCHING TO EARTH-FRIENDLY PERIOD CARE PRODUCTS

Why You Should Consider Switching To Earth-Friendly Period Care Products

by 5.2K views 5.2K views  

This is a special year for me. In January 2022, I finished 20 years of menstruation (confused yay)! I started my period journey early on as a child and I’ve been dealing with everything beautiful, crazy, and wild that naturally comes with being a woman and on my period for two decades. As a child, I used to focus (with all my might) on hiding my pain, trying my best not to stain my school uniform, and overcoming the shame that always sort of went hand in hand with the whole menstruation process. But over the years, my worries have organically dispersed. From holding a  strong stand against the infamous pink tax, and the outrage of period-bias at workplaces to sheer shame and annoyance knowing that every product I use during my cycle is wrapped mercilessly in plastic or made with non-biodegradable materials.—I just knew I had to do something about it.

So, to celebrate my 20 years of womanhood, I tried to change the one misery that I can control—having an eco-friendly period. Is it possible to go completely period-waste-free, you may ask? Is it expensive to do so? Are earth-friendly menstrual products safe to use and good for our health? Below, I answer your questions and share my personal experience on the subject, including breaking the most common myths around conscious period care.

The Reason I Switched

Sanitary napkins are designed with leakproof polypropylene or polyethylene (both are forms of plastic) and plastic-based adhesives.. They’re wrapped in plastic wrappers and taped up with plastic too.  On the other hand, tampons are made of non-biodegradable synthetic fiber and have plastic applicators and wrappers on top of it.  The problem with these period care products is that they eventually end up in landfills, and take hundreds of years to decompose. According to the National Geographic report, the average woman uses up 10 to 15 thousand pads, or tampons in her lifetime. Think of all the plastic, non-recyclable waste that I was contributing to the earth Hence, my urge to switch (ASAP).

Earthy-Friendly Alternative To Pick From

Plastic-based, disposable period care products were created as a solution in the 1950s to avoid unhygienic practices like re-using cloth, or soft bark that could cause infections, rashes, and wounds. Over time, with more awareness and technology on the subject, we finally have access to various plastic-free alternatives that one can use that are safe for your body, and the environment. Options include: 1) Organic tampons without applicators and made with biodegradable cotton. 2) Sanitary napkins that are made of bamboo, banana, or other biodegradable fabrics. There are sustainably packed pads in the market too. 3) Period panties that are lined with high-absorbent layers of fabric. It’s known to work really well for women that don’t experience heavy flow. 4) Menstrual cups made with medical-grade silicone.

A Few Products That Are On My List

  • Plush 100% Pure US Cotton Ultra Thin Sanitary Pads: Plush is one of my favourite brands that focus on two major areas, my comfort, and the well-being of the planet. You will find cruelty-free, vegan, and PETA-certified products that are naturally sourced and designed for maximum comfort.
  • Sanfe Reusable Sanitary Pads with Banana Fibers: This is a product that I’m honestly looking forward to trying. It’s a reusable pad that I can wash and use regularly. It is made with 100% organic cotton, and banana fiber that are environment-friendly and make for a breathable and comfortable cycle.
  • Azah Period Panties for Women: A must-try for women who are tired of using too many period products or for those with low to medium flow. This full-coverage, high-absorbant panty promises a stress-free and healthy period without the hassle of extra padding.
  • Sirona Reusable Menstrual Cup with FDA Compliant Medical Grade Silicone: A good menstrual cup can change your life, I’ve been told. The product delivers high comfort, relieves you for 8 to10 hours at a stretch and you never have to worry about buying (and wasting) period care products for years. This one product will have your back. P.S. medical-grade silicone can be better for the body than the plastic-infused products we currently use.
  • Pee Safe 100% Organic Cotton Biodegradable Super Plus Tampons: Contrary to popular belief, tampons are actually pretty comfortable. I can wear them when I swim, or even during the rainy months without having to worry. They’re also made of eco-friendly, biodegradable cotton and are designed without plastic applicators—they are guilt-free. Added bonus: these are dermatologically-tested and if used carefully won’t harm your body either.
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
MORE from Personal Care