Let’s talk about periods. I think it’s safe to say that as women our monthly friend isn’t always as friendly as we’d like it to be, and can usually end up being quite expensive. With natural pain relief remedies, advil, panadol, heat packs, cold packs, time off work and even headaches… it can all quickly add up every month and it’s easy to feel low and negative about it. So here we’ve got some ways to not only help you have some money but also save the environment. Using eco-friendly period products and making small changes every month. As women, we can have a huge impact on the sustainability of our environment and your bank account.
Diva cup
Everyone’s number one go-to these days seems to be the diva cup. Reusable, affordable and long lasting when taken care of properly. This product is arguably so much better for your personal health and the environment than constantly buying one-use cotton tampons. The idea behind this eco-friendly period product is that it collects blood rather than absorbing it. This allows you to empty it, wash it and reuse it. It can definitely take a little bit of getting used to. A transition period might be needed if you’re struggling to get your head around having this new product in your life. However, I’ve only heard good things about it once you get past that first stage.
It’s also important to note that you will need to be aware of sterilization as well as washing your cup after use. Some brands come with simple at home kits and cups to sertalise but if they don’t you might need to do a little google search and make sure you are doing right by yourself and looking out for your own feminine hygiene.
Menstrual disc
The next eco-friendly period product on our list, found in Marie Claire magazine, is the menstrual disc. Similar to menstrual cups, the main difference is their shape and where they sit – the design of the product is shallower and it sits higher in vaginal canal allowing sex to still be possible. (Get it girl). Typically these two products last for 12 hours depending on you and your body.
Period undies
Our next and my personal favourite eco-friendly period alternative is the period undies. For me, using these at night is so much more comfortable and easier than worrying about pads leakings and that feeling of wearing an adult nappy! They give you the same comfort and ease of wearing pads without all the waste.
The look and feel of period undies is typically quite similar to wearing regular undies. However, with so many brands and a growing market for all these products, some may work better for you than others. So don’t feel deterred if the first pair you try doesn’t seem to work perfectly for you. They work by having an absorbent lining which prevents leaks, smells and moisture. Depending on the brand, they can hold that of what two to four tampons would hold.
It’s important to remember with period undies that you wash them in cold water. Without fragrance and fabric softener as soon as possible after use and allow to dry completely before reusing.
Reusable pads
The last product I’d like to share with you all is reusable pads. Typically made from a soft cotton, it’s benefit and draw card from most women is that it can feel more comfortable and gentle than your average heavy duty thick cotton pads.
Another sneaky benefit to this option is it eliminates our constant issue with wings on your undies. Reusable pads stick to the material of your regular undies with technology similar to that of anti-slip socks. With little dotted grips that attached themselves to material. Similarly to the period undies they are easily washable and usually preferred to be washed without fragrance and fabric softener. One downside brought up by women is the issue of stains, but I’m sure that wouldn’t prove to be much of an issue for all our washing wizzes out there.
Share this with your friends, make it a topic of conversation, make it normal to discuss with your partners and let’s help educate each other on how we can continually make small, simple, easy and cost effective changes to help the environment and ourselves.
And that’s that on sustainability… Period.
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