Sustainable Period

As a species, we are becoming increasingly aware of the catastrophic impacts that our way of life is inflicting upon our planet. It is no secret that we only have one planet and that we all must do better to protect it. This may be by reducing deforestation in the Amazon, or picking up a single piece of litter in the park - every small step contributes to the bigger picture!

This blog intends to offer alternative product options to help steer away from the negative environmental impact that our periods are causing to the planet. It should explain why and how we can make simple steps to change some of these impacts, as well as showing why #normalisingperiodtalk is essential in making these changes possible.

According to OrganiCup, the average user throws away an astonishing 125 to 150kg of tampons, pads and applicators in their lifetime. The time it takes for a tampon or pad to degrade in a landfill is centuries longer than the lifespan of the individual who used it – particularly when it’s wrapped in plastic. These statistics really opened our eyes to see that eco-friendly periods need to be encouraged!

We know that it is becoming increasingly popular to try environmentally friendly products during your periods. We really support this movement and are planning to try / find out more about the following products...

Moon Cup: www.mooncup.co.uk/

A soft, silicone menstrual cup that collects, rather than absorbs, the menstrual blood when inserted into the vagina.

Reusable Tampon Applicator (DAME): https://wearedame.co/

An award-winning and self-sanitising applicator. It works with all tampons and lasts for life!

Washable Pads: www.cheekywipes.com/

Cheeky Pants Cloth Sanitary Pads are an eco-friendly, healthier, more cost effective alternative to disposable pads.

For more inspiration, check out The Independent’s article on the ‘11 best eco-friendly period products to try during Plastic Free July.

*Note: we appreciate that these products are, on the face of it, more expensive than standard tampons or pads. However, most of these products are reusable which means you’re less likely to be paying for period products every single month and will therefore be saving money in the long term.*

Additionally, as advocates of food bank donations, we encourage those who are donating products or are volunteering with the homeless to try and offer reusable products! This will benefit those in need for more than just the month you have donated!

Normalising the conversation around periods will help to change the types of products we use and therefore help to make our planet greener. If people who menstruate are more comfortable sharing their experiences with different products, they are more likely to influence others to try and experiment with such alternatives. Together we can help to improve our planet, one tampon at a time! It all starts with the conversation. #normalisingperiodtalk