Sustainable Periods
- Planet Ninjas
- Aug 4, 2020
- 3 min read
Updated: Sep 9, 2020
Menstruation has been a “controversial” issue across the world for thousands of years. Whether it’s related to the stigma and taboo of actually menstruating, shunning of women from society for the days they menstruate, not including trans-women as menstruators, inaccessibility to safe menstruation products, “luxury taxes” on menstruation products or that menstruation can be extremely unsustainable. While we’ll cover only how to make your period more sustainable, we urge you to look at these resources to donate to foundations that employ and provide sanitary pads to women, menstrual hygiene
Depending on the country you grew up in, it might seem like there were never “choices” for period products. Options were usually limited to plastic pads by 2-3 brands, tampons and maybe a cloth-pad stitched at home. It’s 2020, and that is no more the case. The number of brands working on making period products mainstream is huge! Afterall, menstruators make up about 50% of the population and it SHOULD be as mainstream as soap.
This article covers different options, our recommendations and stores where you might find them. Here’s our research to help you choose and find the right fit for you and your body!
Reusable pads: Reusable pads are usually made of different layers of natural fabrics like cotton or hemp. Just like the disposable pads, they have different absorption levels, sizes and it’s a good idea to own a couple to use on different days of your period or even as a liner.
The great thing about reusable pads is that they don’t contain any toxic chemicals unlike the mass-produced plastic pads and are extremely safe for your body.
Cloth pads are currently made by small entrepreneurs (usually women-led), and it’s a great way to support your local women entrepreneur. Use them just as you would use a disposable pad, wash and dry them after use, ready to be used again!
These will last you at least 2-3 years depending on your care and use!
Cloth pads will cost you 4-5X lower than your disposable pads.
Where do I buy reusable pads?
If you’re in a country that has Etsy, many small businesses sell cute, unique pads and liners on their store!
Menstrual Cups: Menstrual Cups are fairly new and still not as popular in most parts of the world. They’re made of medical-grade silicone and the biggest difference is that they don’t absorb blood but collect it. This means that they can be worn for much longer than absorbent products.
They’re extremely travel friendly, as you don’t have to wash them dry after you remove them, they can be worn for long hours and are more comfortable compared to pads.
They’re extremely affordable as one cup can last you up to 5 years.
We love this description of how to use them that you can refer to, but can alternatively ask someone who has already used it or your doctor.
The only drawback with cups is that they might not be able to be used along with an IUD, and if that’s you, you should probably do some more research/consult your doctor before you buy them!
Where do I buy cups?
If you have questions about cups, Put a Cup In It is an amazing community for answers!
Biodegradable Pads: These are used exactly like the regular disposable plastic pads and while they’re not exactly zero waste, they’re far sustainable compared to traditional options. They’re usually made of natural fibres that break down easily like banana, bamboo, hemp etc. The packaging should also be biodegradable or the point is lost.
They’re convenient to use during travel as you can easily dispose of them.
Where do I buy biodegradable pads?
Tampons with biodegradable applicators: While there are very few companies working on this and it’s not exactly zero or low waste, sustainable tampons are mostly made of cotton and the applicator is made of cardboard. This makes them biodegradable.
Very travel friendly
Not messy as they absorb blood
Where do I buy tampons?
USA: Dame for good
UK: Ohne
Period Panties/Underwear: Period Panties are panties with absorbent materials. They’re to be worn and used the same way as regular underwear, washed and reused. They can be used as it is or in combination with any period product like tampon or cup depending on your level of comfort. There are only a few companies working on this right now. Thinx has a great tutorial and description on how to use them, and care for them.
Maximum comfort level
They don’t cost much as you can reuse them for a long time.
Where do I buy period panties?
Opmerkingen