Sustainability is something that is on our minds constantly, from finding eco-friendly alternatives for straws to trying to cut back on the water we waste. We all do what we can to keep our planet greener and cleaner! Sustainability has become a hot topic within the period movement as we begin to explore non-plastic and biodegradable alternatives to our conventional period products.
Access is inevitably a part of this conversation as well, since some of these period products aren’t found at your average corner store, nor are they necessarily affordable. This is especially true in this community of women, girls, and people with the potential to menstruate with bleeding disorders, as most in this community on average run through far more period products. But these conversations are being weaved into the Tampon Tax movement and people are pushing for more accessible period products of all kinds, including sustainable products. I’ve noticed a drastic difference in the accessibility of period cups in stores just within the past few years, so I’m hoping this trend continues!
Here is a brief overview of some of the most common options when it comes to sustainable period products:
Period Cups
Periods cups are typically made of a medical grade silicone and sit right below the cervix, for a leak-free seal. They can be worn for up to 12 hours, without risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, which is a common health risk with tampons. The period cup is inserted and removed similar to a tampon and is a popular choice due to its easy cleaning and reusability.
For people with bleeding disorders or those seeking out a diagnosis for heavy menstrual bleeding, period cups are a great option as they help quantify how much you are bleeding. Many cups contain marks indicating how many milliliters you’ve collected, making it easier to measure how much you bleed each cycle. This is useful for those who keep regular journals of their bleeding and also for OBGYNs, who appreciate having those numbers handy when making a diagnosis.
Popular Period Cup Options:
Menstrual Discs
Menstrual Discs are similar to period cups in terms of wear time and functionality. Unlike cups, discs do not form a suction, making it more comfortable for some. Discs also have an auto-dump feature due to the lack of seal, allowing users to empty it out and continue using it for longer. One downside to the lack of suction is that it leads to a messier removal process than with period cups.
Popular Menstrual Disc Options:
Period Underwear
Period underwear are made with super-absorbent fabric that also allows for around 12 hours of wear. This is perhaps one of the most straightforward, easy-to-use period products with little to no learning curve. There is also a ton of variety in period underwear, from differences in absorbency level to underwear style. There are even gender-affirming styles and brands that make size inclusivity their priority. It is one of the more popular options due to how customizable it is to you and your needs.
Popular Period Underwear Options
Reusable Pads
Reusable pads are made of fabrics and can be easily washed and reused, unlike traditional pads. They are also customizable in terms of absorbency level, and are reported to be more comfortable, due to the soft fabric lining.
Popular Reusable Pad Options
Sustainable Tampons
For those who are most accustomed to tampons and don’t want to stray too far from them, sustainable tampons can be the option for you. While the tampon itself is not reusable, many companies make cotton tampons with a reusable applicator, which cuts down immensely on plastic waste. Once you own an applicator, you would simply need to restock on the cotton tampon refills. Organic cotton tampons also cut down on risk for Toxic Shock Syndrome.
Popular Sustainable Tampons
Regardless of what period product you choose, sustainable or not, the most important takeaway is that you have a multitude of options to choose from and that the choice is ultimately yours to make. Gone are the days where we only have two options to choose from when it comes to menstrual care. So go out there, do your research, and find what works best for you and your period!
