Women are amazing creatures, we have the capability to create life (if we choose). With this
great capability comes a biological side effect that we cannot control: our periods. And with our periods comes a myriad of discomforts and costs that extend beyond just sanitary products. It’s estimated that on average a woman will spend $6,000 -$15,000 on period products during her lifetime, personally I think this estimate is on the low end. The expenses of these items can be hard for women who are low income in a phenomena known as "period poverty". Additionally, most “recyclable” items can’t be recycled due to contamination and tampon applicators and other sanitary items that claim to be recyclable, fall into this category. Lets take a look at some ways to save some money and the environment.
Menstrual Cups
Probably what everyone thinks of when they hear alternative period products. A silicone cup
that is inserted … to collect blood, it can be worn for 12 hours. They don’t contain any toxins (no risk of TSS) and won’t dry out your vagina. With many brands on the market it can seem a little overwhelming to figure out which one is right for you. Be prepared to get familiar with your anatomy: is your cervix hard or soft? High or low? Different models/brands are said to be more comfortable for different anatomies…or do what I did, move to a country where only two options are available. Whatever brand you choose be prepared to spend a little time (and patience) learning how to insert it. There are many different folds and you may have to try a few to find what works best for you. With a price range of around $50 it can seem expensive, but I found that it paid for itself after just a few periods. Note it’s recommended you replace your cup every 3-4 years, so it is not a one and done forever deal.
Sea Sponges
You may have used them as loofas, but have you considered using one in place of a tampon? Neither had I. Washable and reusable, sea sponges offer an alternative to tampons. While I’ve never tried these myself I have one friend who loves them and another friend who says they slip out. Unlike tampons seas sponges contain no synthetic fibers or chemicals and there is no risk of TSS. The main concern with sea sponges is that, yup, they come out of the ocean and they may not be as clean as you’d like.
Period Panties
These first popped on the market in the form of Thinx and there are now several brands to choose from. They come in a variety of styles with different levels of absorbency (light – heavy days). Obviously using these would require you to have more than one pair and at around $45 a pair they can seem like quite an investment. Like cups, they will also need to be replaced every few years. However, in the long run they can save you money and the environment.
Re-usable pads
Exactly what they sound like re-usable pads work much like traditional pads, but with one major difference: you can wash and re-use them. I personally haven’t tried these as I’m not a fan of pads, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about them. Ladies I’ve talked to who are fans say they are less bulky than traditional pads, and they don’t have many issues with them slipping or leaking.
Not ready to switch to these menstrual product alternatives? Check out these eco-friendly brands with more traditional period products.
DAME
If tampons are your product of choice DAME just might be for you. The world’s first reusable
tampon applicator tackles the problem of plastic and allows you to still use tampons. Designed to fit tampons of all sizes, it works like any applicator except that you rinse and store it after use. It’s made of a smooth material called Mediprene and uses natural antimicrobial material to help keep it hygienic.
FREDA
A period subscription service based in the UK, FREDA is on a mission to change the way the world looks at periods and period products. Their products are organic, chemical free and sustainably sourced. Although based in the UK, FREDA does ship globally and they give you the option of choosing a variety of products depending on your needs.
My own venture into sustainable period products didn’t start until I no longer lived in the U.S. I always made the excuse that the investment was “too expensive”. During my first year of living in South Korea, many pads were recalled due to being found to contain toxic materials. In Asia pads are also more common than tampons (personally I’m not a fan of pads) and depending on which country you happen to be in (currently living in a more rural area of China) you never know what’s going to be accessible or where to find it. Personally, I use a combination of a (Lena Cup) and Thinx, my period can often be mostly spotting so I don’t always want to use a cup. Now that I’m travelling quite often, using these products also takes some of the stress out of having a period while travelling. I don’t have to worry about finding sanitary products as I always have them with me (there’s nothing like your period arriving early while you’re on the Salt flats in Bolivia for 3 days with limited resources. After the initial investment for the products, I don't have to worry about including feminine hygiene products in my budget. Saving money and the environment, eco-friendly period products are a win for women and the planet.
Sources
Borunda, Alejandra. "How tampons and pads became so unsustainable". National Geographic. https://www.nationalgeographic.com/environment/2019/09/how-tampons-pads-became-unsustainable-story-of-plastic/.
Harwood-Johnson, Abbey. Trazo, Athena. "The impact of feminine hygiene products on the environment". https://prezi.com/p/rybl6gz-mnck/the-impact-of-feminine-hygiene-products-on-the-environment/
Kane, Jessica. "Here's how much a woman's period will cost over a lifetime". https://www.huffpost.com/entry/period-cost-lifetime_n_7258780.
Biddlecomb, Sarah. "6 of the best eco-friendly sanitary brands you need to know about". https://www.stylist.co.uk/life/period-menstrutation-tampon-sanitary-pads-blood-sustainable-single-use-plastic-ocean-pollution-advice/233638
Higgins, Marissa. "5 eco-friendly period products you'll actually want to use". https://www.greenmatters.com/style/2018/07/17/14GTJB/sustainable-period-products.
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