There was a time when the word “period” had never been spoken on U.S. television. Courtney Cox changed all that with a Tampax commercial in 1985. Fast forward to 2020, and society has moved on a long way since then. Period stigma is slowly starting to become a thing of the past, largely thanks to social media. Influencers, vloggers, and celebrities are openly sharing their period experiences—and the products they use—on platforms like Instagram and YouTube.
As people are becoming louder and prouder about their periods, there are more menstrual products on the shelves than ever before. While this is good for people, it’s not so good for the environment. Tampons and pads come wrapped in single-use plastic and some actually include plastic. The average person with a uterus will have around 480 periods between the ages of 12 and 52. That’s a lot of plastic waste.
But just like the world started to change for people with periods back in 1985, another shift is happening now, too. A number of companies are offering eco-friendly zero-waste or plastic-free period products, so people can experience their periods with ease, without having to worry about impacting the planet at the same time. Here are five ways to have a plastic-free, eco-friendly period.
5 Ways to Have a Plastic-Free Period That’s Kind to the Planet
1. Use Lunette’s Menstrual Cup
Lunette is on a mission to change the face of period care. Founded by Heli Kurjanen, the Finnish brand is all about inclusivity, education, and continuing to change the conversation around menstruation.
If you’ve tried a menstrual cup before and it hasn’t worked for you, you’re not alone. Kurjanen herself couldn’t get on with them at first — that’s why Lunette exists. The founder decided to go back to the drawing board and make a comfortable bell-shaped odorless menstrual cup that’s easy for everyone to use, regardless of age, size, or shape. The resulting design is now the most widely distributed menstrual cup in the world, recommended by 99 percent of users. To use, you simply fold and insert. That’s all there is to it.
Lunette is all about empowering people to have shame-free, comfortable periods. But it’s also about taking care of the planet, too. Each cup is registered vegan, and free of chemicals, latex, and BPA. It’s completely reusable and will last several years before you have to buy another, which is not only good for the environment but good for your wallet, too. Disposable period products can cost around $150 to $300. The Lunette menstrual cup costs $39.99.
Lunette’s menstrual cup is available in two different sizes: the Model 1, which is for those with a light to normal flow, and the Model 2, for people with a normal to heavy flow.
Check it out here.
2. Opt For Organic Cotton Tampons by Grace & Green
If you want to stick with tampons, but you’re uncomfortable with the amount of plastic involved, Grace & Green could be the brand for you. Its ethically crafted tampons and pads are 100 percent organic and eco-friendly. They’re made with cotton, which is naturally biodegradable. So when you’re done, they won’t hang around in landfills like many other conventional period products.
Organic cotton is also kind to your body and doesn’t dry out the vagina like rayon can. Rayon (the plastic included in many period products) is also produced with strong chemicals, which can be harmful to factory workers. Organic cotton, on the other hand, doesn’t put workers at risk.
Check it out here.
3. Wear Vegan Period Pants by Modibodi
Period and leak-proof underwear brand Modibodi launched its vegan collection at the beginning of 2019. Instead of merino wool, the range is created using bamboo and cotton and has all the same levels of absorbency as the original collection. Its Vegan Bikini is ideal for heavy period days and overnight use as it can hold up to three to four tampons worth of blood. For pool days, there’s the One Piece Swimsuit, which will protect you from leaks while you jump in and out of the water. If you’re a yoga lover, the brand also offers vegan leggings, which can hold up to two tampons worth of blood.
Check it out here.
4. Try Bamboo Liners by Bamboo Babe
Australian Bamboo Babe’s organic bamboo pads are pesticide-free, perfume-free, and vegan-friendly. They’re also biodegradable, certified compostable, and the bamboo is responsibly sourced. What’s more, they’re comfy for the wearer too. The material is naturally hypoallergenic and the topper is low-irritant and soft. Choose from Panty Liners, Normal Pads, Super Pads, and Night Pads.
Check it out here.
5. Reuse Blueberry’s Pink Daisy Organic Cotton Pads
Reusable diaper brand Blueberry doesn’t just take care of babies. It’s out to look after mothers (and anyone else with a uterus), too. Backed with breathable laminated polyester, these reusable Pink Daisy cotton pads won’t leak, and a layer of microfiber terry will ensure maximum absorbency. For one cycle, the brand recommends you use between six and 12 pads. After this, simply pop them in the wash ready for next month.
Check it out here.
This is a sponsored post.
