Sustainable period care products ARE the future. The UK produces 200,000 tonnes of waste annually through single plastic menstrual products alone, and most of these products are composed of 90% plastic! I want to share everything you need to know about how to make your time of the month sustainable and eco-friendly – helping the planet and our bodies.
By Emma Burton
Periods. A love-hate relationship. For some, it comes once a month; for others, their relationship status remains…complicated. Mine visits once a month, alongside symptoms that can start up to 2 weeks before my flow. My symptoms range from intense moods to sore boobs – yes, I did intend for that to rhyme!
I grew up using menstrual pads, and the idea of trying anything else, plus the horror stories of using tampons, raises my stress levels. In 2022, a true friend of mine opened my eyes to the world of sustainable period care – and what a wonderful world it is.
In a nutshell, sustainable period care is using other products that help your body and nature. As well as recognizing the negative environmental impacts disposable menstrual products have and making sustainable period care more accessible to all who have periods.
Easy access to period products shouldn't be an idea for the future but a current success! A success that will benefit mental and physical health, especially for those who don't identify as female or any gender and anyone who struggles with gender identity. I feel so many of us avoid this vital conversation because not only does it make us vulnerable, but misunderstood and unheard. So the fact that influencers like https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitybitch/, and sustainable period companies such as DAME https://wearedame.co are breaking the stigma, and helping spark that voice in others is a paramount movement. LET’S MAKE PERIODS POSITIVE!
Another company on my go-to list for sustainable products is TOTM (Time Of The Month) https://www.totm.com. Their range of products contains certified organic cotton grown without toxic, synthetic pesticides and their farming methods are fully sustainable. I must add that their cardboard applicators are biodegradable – which is a bonus! Plus, their website includes helpful information, including how artificial chemicals and additives in period care products damage the planet and disrupt the vagina's natural PH balance.
Pads and tampons are the only choices I’ve ever known. So when I got introduced to the other products available that are eco-friendly and safer for my body, I became a child in a sweet shop. I was stuck for choice and in the best way possible! The knowledge that we have such options at our fingertips makes me hopeful for the future of period care.
Products to Try!
Tampon Alternatives
Menstrual Cup – Compared to the tampon, this sustainable alternative lasts years and won't expose you to the risks of Toxic Shock Syndrome! For around $25 (Lena cup), you can wear the cup for over 12 hours without disrupting the natural moisture of your vagina. Due to their softness and easier insertion and removal, silicone cups are favorable.
Reusable Menstrual Discs – different shape to the menstrual cup but very similar! Said to be more comfortable for people with a lower cervix. Like some menstrual cups, this menstrual alternative contains medical-grade silicone that people find more comfortable – although discs can be harder to remove.
Pad Alternatives
Biodegradable Organic Cotton Pads – As someone who prefers pads over tampons, this biodegradable option is a dream! I recommend; Daye, whose super absorbent bamboo and corn-based PLA pads you can purchase monthly for £5.80. And Love Luna, who sell organic bamboo, biodegradable pads, and liners.
Reusable Organic Cotton Pads – Providing you use these products with the proper care, they can last years! These washable and reusable pads can be machine friendly and come in various colours and designs. Retailing £4 upwards, they can be thrown away without worries of polluting! And have a name for being comfier than disposable pads.
Reusable Period Underwear – Known to hold more fluid than tampons, period pants provide great absorption. Some brands, however, use 5% elastane and polyester in their products. So I recommend brands like Sisters Republic, whose fabrics, laces, and elastics are certified organic cotton and OEKO-TEX standard 100.
*Sigh* To imagine a childhood where these resources were available freely. A dream where teachers help young, developing girls understand sustainable products, making them aware of the harsh reality of single-used plastic menstrual care. Inviting the conversation and not making them feel ashamed. Maybe you were lucky enough to have a childhood where your parent/s welcomed you to this conversation with open arms. I am the youngest of three, and my experience was comical, uncomfortable, and educational.
The scene: The crimson wave had struck. "Am I dying?" instantly entered my mind, and I rushed downstairs, shouting for my mum. My worries were lessened; by her smile and gentle reassurance. She walked me into the living room with a pen and paper in her hand. Echoes of giggles in the distance – yes, my sisters can't help but watch their youngest sister experience the menstrual drawing courtesy of my dear mother.
A confused look painted my face as my mum began drawing a very accurate uterus, accompanied by arrows and labels – she was having way too much fun! Childhood Emma, on the other hand, was experiencing every emotion under the sun other than…fun.
But looking back, she brought awareness to why we have periods, and how it happens. Providing little me the love I needed when I felt so scared of Aunt Flo.
But not everyone is fortunate enough to have this experience, and to those, I extend my love, accompanied by with cake and time to listen.
Sustainable period care is growing alongside companies expanding into sustainable living. Taking into account the current climate – rising sea levels, increased temperatures, droughts, forest fires, the list goes on. Sustainable living is a MUST! Studies have shown that the younger generation is not wanting children due to the uncertainty of their futures. Sustainable period care helps combat climate change, increasing the idea of a promised future.
