Switching to sustainable menstrual products isn’t only great for the plant—it’ll save you tons of money in the long run, too. And you’ll be avoiding those harmful chemicals and unbreathable fabrics in traditional menstrual products. There are now plenty of sustainable menstrual product options so you can find the perfect fit for you.
- Menstrual Cups
-
Lately, menstrual cups have taken the spotlight—and for good reason! These are a great option for anyone who likes to use tampons during their period. They come in two different sizes depending on the size of a person’s vaginal wall and the heaviness of their blood flow and can hold up to one ounce (30 ml) of blood before needing to be emptied again, and can be worn for up to 12 hours, which can be very convenient for people on the go. You can easily pop it in in the morning and take it out 12 hours later when you get home.
Aside from the convenience, switching to a menstrual cup will help you avoid all the nasty chemicals in tampons that can cause pH imbalances and eliminate the worry of toxic shock syndrome, as menstrual cups are made from nonporous medical grade silicone which makes them uninhabitable for bacteria and will prevent any bacteria from multiplying.
- Cloth Pads
-
Okay, I know what you’re thinking. But try to get away from that mindset for a second because these reusable cloth pads are 100% sanitary to use so long as you obviously wash them after each use. And before you think “ew, I don’t want to use dirty pads,” tell me—do you have special period underwear that are stained? I’m guessing you do, because we all do. Just because they get stained doesn’t mean they’re dirty—it’s just red pigmented cells left over, not bacteria.
Cloth pads are not only great for the environment, as they produce zero waste, but they’re also great for your wallet and health. These pads can last 5 to 10 years, which will save you thousands over time. According to GladRags, “The average American uses 12,000 to 16,000 disposables in their lifetime. If they’re buying boxes of 20 tampons or pads at $5 per box, they’ll spend upwards of $3,000… on trash.”
Traditional pads contain loads of chemicals and nonbreathable materials such as synthetic fabrics and plastics galore, so switching to resuable pads are great for your vaginal health, as well. The natural cotton fabric is a lot more breathable, preventing bacteria from building up over the day, and the fact that there aren’t any mysterious chemicals in these reusable pads means they’re much safer and will help maintain your vaginal pH. Plus, they come in different sizes, thickness, and shape, so there’s something for everyone!
Some great websites to order from and learn more information about menstrual cups and reusable pads are: