It’s hard to change old habits, so before we get started, I’d like to motivate you by telling you about the main benefits of using sustainable feminine hygiene products.
Planet
Planet Earth will thank you! The average decomposition time of period products is from 500 to 800 years, and each woman uses about 6,000 pads and tampons in her lifetime. Just think of what Mother Nature has to carry on her shoulders.
Health
Have you heard of TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome)? It is a rare but quite dangerous syndrome that leads to irreversible consequences and sometimes even death. The condition is mostly associated with tampon use. Although proper handling of hygiene products comes first, sustainable feminine hygiene products are made of materials that do not interact with Staphylococcus toxins and, therefore, the risk of TSS is reduced. Also, organic pads and tampons do not contain plastic and chemicals, so you will not suffer from allergies and your skin will breathe freely.
Financial aspect
Organic pads and tampons will simplify your life and make your wallet fatter. Instead of tons of tampon boxes, you can store just one menstrual cup. You’ll save at least $600. This is the minimum amount you spend on tampons in 10 years, the lifetime of a menstrual cup.
To ensure you don’t get lost in a market saturated with brands, here are 3 tips to help you make a safer and more environmentally friendly choice.
Check for natural ingredients.
Pay attention to the packaging, if there are no components such as chlorine, bisphenol (BPA), and synthetic perfumes and dyes, the product can be safely purchased.
Make sure the product is certified.
Not all quality products are certified, but by checking the labeling, you’ll make sure that the brand values match yours and won’t spend too much time re-reading the composition. “Cradle to Cradle”, “GOTS OEKO-TEX Standard 100”, and “USDA” confirm that ingredients are safe for you and the environment. The “Leaping Bunny” label ensures the product has not been tested on animals.
Choose natural materials.
Pick personal care products made from organic cotton, this way you keep yourself safe from pesticides and herbicides.
Which sustainable period product is better for you?
We have learned how to determine the quality of personal care products, but once again we are faced with a choice: menstrual cups, reusable pads, organic tampons, and even sea sponges. Let’s try to figure out what will work best for you.
Reusable pads
If you prefer to use external hygiene products, then consider reusable cloth pads or biodegradable pads.
Both products offer different levels of absorption and different sizes. Reusable pads are cheaper, but you will have to get used to washing them regularly. The approximate price for reusable and biodegradable pads is from $15 to $30, although there are also budget options even from $5. For disposable pads, you’ll pay anywhere between $7 and $20 per pack.
Menstrual cups and natural tampons
Menstrual cups and natural tampons are the perfect option for those who travel and live an active lifestyle. Organic tampons are almost the same as conventional tampons, but they do not contain chemical ingredients that can harm you or cause discomfort. But don’t forget, they need to be changed every 4 hours. The average price is from $12 to $25 per package.
Menstrual cups are the absolute champions – both in terms of price and ease of use. They only need to be changed once every 8/12 hours, depending on your flow. Be careful when choosing a cup as the right size will ensure comfort and protect you from leaks. The cost of a menstrual cup ranges from $20 to $40.
Sea sponge
Another alternative to tampons is a sea sponge. Unlike conventional tampons, sponges are reusable and can be used for more than 6 months with regular careful treatment. This product is attractive because of its originality. However, gynecologists doubt its safety, as the material from which the natural tampon is made is a favorable environment for bacterial growth. The average price is from $10 to $20.
DIY
If you are a handywoman, you can sew period underwear or reusable pads by yourself. The internet is filled with tutorials and patterns to make the process easier. With this solution, you won’t spend a penny and will sew the perfect product for yourself.
Note that menstrual cups are currently the most convenient product to care for and use; they can be used for up to 10 years and are quite affordable and gynecologically approved. It is also better to always have reusable pads or underwear to ensure comfort in all situations.
For more information on eco products for feminine hygiene, visit our website: https://rythmoftheworld.com/beauty/eco-products-for-feminine-hygiene/
