Pads and tampons are detrimental to the environment. According to National Geographic, a single menstruator will use somewhere between 5 and 15 thousand pads and tampons. Most of these products go to landfills as plastic waste in a single use. To combat this problem, there are more organic, green, and sustainable menstrual products out in the market for women to choose from. Here is a list of menstrual products that are more environmentally friendly.
Menstrual Cup
Invented in the 1930s, menstrual cups are a safe, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly period product. A menstrual cup is a receptacle inserted into the vagina canal below the cervix to collect menstrual blood. One benefit of this product is that it can be worn for up to 12 hours without risk of toxic shock syndrome and does not interfere with the vagina’s natural moisture.
A study by Lancet Public Health found menstrual cups reduce the amount of waste and water used. In fact, using one menstrual cup is roughly equivalent to using 528 pads/tampons, and they can be used for many years. Most menstrual cups are made from silicone. Silicone is not detrimental to the environment because it degrades back to sand over time.
Menstrual Disc
Menstrual discs are similar to menstrual cups. Both are made of silicone material, can be worn for up to 12 hours, and do not interfere with the vagina’s natural moisture. A difference between menstrual cups and discs is their positioning. The menstrual discs fit back into the vaginal fornix behind and below the cervix. The disc is a flexible catch while the cup is more structured. Choosing between a menstrual disc and a cup is mostly a matter of preference since both period products are environmentally friendly. Although discs can be more difficult to remove, they can be used during penetrative sex.
Reusable Cloth Pad
Reusable cloth pads are a sustainable alternative to disposable pads. They are mostly made from natural materials like cotton, a non-water-intensive crop. A cloth pad is placed in the crotch area of the underwear like a disposable pad. They can be worn for up to six hours and cleaned using a washing machine. Most people use reusable cloth pads for years and 5-6 cloth pads during their period. Although they may cost more initially, people will save money and help the environment in the long run by limiting the amount of waste going to landfills.
Reusable Sea Sponge
Sea sponges can be inserted into the vagina to absorb menstrual fluids. Although they have existed for several decades, it is important to note that there are some risks, The small sponges placed in the vagina are natural, unbleached, and purportedly safe. Reusable sea sponges can be used up to a year before they need to be replaced. However, there have been ongoing debates about whether using reusable sponges is a safe alternative. Some research has shown sponges can contain bacteria and sand, meaning they are difficult to clean and could potentially affect the pH and natural bacteria of your vagina.
Period Underwear
Period underwear is like your regular underwear, but they have an absorbent area that holds menstrual fluid. Although period underwears are not always made of sustainable fabrics, they limit the number of disposable pads or tampons used and are a sustainable alternative. Once you’re done using them, you can easily put them in the washer to clean. Some brands can hold three to five teaspoons of menstrual fluid.
Organic Pad and Tampon
Even though organic pads and tampons are disposable, they are still more environmentally friendly than conventional products because of the material of the product. Organic pads and tampons do not have harmful chemicals and are mostly plastic-free. As a result, they are more breathable and hypoallergenic, and women report less irritation when using them as opposed to conventional products. Additionally, organic pads can be easier and cleaner to use than other sustainable products such as menstrual cups. According to Public Goods, the applicators in organic tampons are free of phthalates and dioxin, which are materials known to disrupt endocrine hormones and are linked to cancer respectively.
Cardboard Applicator
The cardboard tampon applicator is one of the first applicators to be invented. They are environmentally friendly since cardboard applicators are biodegradable. Therefore, cardboard applicators will break down naturally even when they end up in landfills. They can also be composted if you have the facilities. TOTM explains that cardboard may feel more rigid than a plastic applicator, but it is not a large adjustment or difference to adapt to.
Non-Applicator Tampon
Non-applicator tampons are less expensive than tampons with applicators. In terms of size, non-applicator tampons are smaller. As a result, they can be easier to carry with you and require less waste in packaging, making them a more sustainable alternative to tampons with applicators. People also have more control and facilitation when inserting the tampon without an applicator. However, one disadvantage of using a tampon without an applicator is that it can be messier.
Reusable Tampon Applicator
Reusable tampon applicators are sanitary and can be used for up to 10 years. An innovative product, the first reusable tampon applicator was launched in 2018 by the DAME company. The company designed reusable tampon applicators using antibacterial materials called Sanipolymers, which are natural sterilizers eliminating at least 99 percent of germs and microbes.
