Nowadays, everyone’s on the sustainability train for good reason. As a result, women have more eco-friendly options than ever for handling their periods. This means; those days are gone when disposable pads and tampons were the only choices. Now there are reusable products like menstrual cups, period underwear, and washable pads. For those looking to decrease waste and make more sustainable choices, these options can be a bit overwhelming. Today we will walk you through the use of different period products, including reusable pads, to help you choose what works for your needs and budget. By switching to sustainable period care, anyone can have a lighter impact each month and feel good about their choice for their body and the planet.
Reusable Menstrual Cups: A Sustainable Alternative
For women, who are tired of using disposable pads, reusable menstrual cups are a sustainable alternative. The best part about these flexible cups is they can collect menstrual blood internally and only need to be emptied, rinsed in warm water, and reinserted every 4-12 hours.
These cups generally come in different sizes depending on whether you have a light, medium or heavy flow. You just need to consider your flow level and whether or not you’ve given birth vaginally when choosing a size. Menstrual cups last up to 10 years with proper care and cleaning, saving you money in the long term compared to buying disposable products every month.
However, using a menstrual cup does take some practice to get used to. Here are some tips to get started:
- You need to fold the cup to insert it. You can start with “C-fold” and “punch-down fold”; they are easy to begin with. Insert the cup into your vagina and rotate it to create a seal.
- Don’t be alarmed if you experience leaking at your first use. It may take a few cycles to get the hang of insertion and finding the correct cup size/fit. You can also try wearing a panty liner for backup.
- Empty and rinse the cup at least twice a day to stay safe. You can use a mild unscented cleanser once a day.
- Steam sanitizes your cup between the cycles. Boil it in hot water for 3-5 minutes or use a cup steamer. This will kill any bacteria while ensuring maximum hygiene.
With some patience and practice, a reusable menstrual cup can be a sustainable, cost-effective, and eco-friendly alternative to disposable period products. Give it a try and free the flow without the waste!
Menstrual Disks: A Mess-Free Option for Your Period
Besides menstrual cups, menstrual disks can also be a great eco-friendly alternative for your period.
Menstrual disks work by collecting menstrual fluid at the cervix rather than absorbing it. This means there’s no drying-out effect, and they can hold more liquid than comparable disposable options. The disk sits right under your cervix to capture the flow, but it’s so soft and flexible that you won’t feel it.
To use a menstrual disk safely, squeeze the sides to insert it and tuck it behind your pelvic bone. It can stay in for up to 12 hours before emptying and rinsing. Many people find disks more comfortable and mess-free than other options.
Hey beginners, these are some tips for you:
- Choose the proper size based on whether or not you’ve given birth. Size 1 is for those who haven’t, and Size 2 is for those who have.
- Try different folds (punch-down, labia, etc.) to find what’s comfortable for insertion.
- Aim the disk towards your tailbone, not straight up. This helps it tuck behind the pubic bone.
- To get comfortable, practice inserting and removing before your period starts. This can assist you in getting familiar with it without the added stress of your flow.
Menstrual disks have a bit of a learning curve, and it can take a few cycles to get the placement right. Be patient, and don’t get discouraged. With regular use, inserting and removing a disk becomes second nature.
Period Underwear: Absorbent, Reusable, and Comfortable
After menstrual disks and cups, period underwear, also known as menstrual underwear, is one of the best options for all women out there. They are absorbent, reusable pants that look like regular underwear but have a special absorbent layer built in to soak up menstrual blood.
Some of the benefits of period underwear include:
- They feel like regular pants and move with your body. There is no worrying about pads shifting or tampon strings showing.
- There’s no need to buy disposable products every month. Simply wash the underwear after use, and they’re ready to go again.
- Although period underwear has a higher upfront cost, they can save money in the long run compared to buying pads monthly.
- Do you know these pants are better for the environment? It’s right; period underwear significantly reduces waste by eliminating the need for disposable products.
The absorbency of period underwear can vary from light to heavy flow. Many brands offer different absorbency levels and sizes to suit different needs.
For heavy flow, you may need to change the underwear more often or double up and wear two pairs. It’s best to choose a style specifically for overnight use for sleeping.
Caring for period underwear is easy. Simply rinse them after use and machine wash them on cold with a gentle, fragrance-free detergent. Avoid fabric softeners, which can damage the absorbent layers. Hang or lay flat to air dry away from direct heat. With proper care, most brands claim their period underwear can last up to 2 years.
Reusable Pads: An Eco-Friendly Solution for Your Cycle
Here comes another money-saving option- reusable pads. They are washable, eco-friendly pads made of absorbent materials like cotton, hemp, or bamboo that you can reuse during your period.
The followings are a few things you must know about these pads:
- Reusable pads come in a variety of materials for several needs. For example, cotton pads are absorbent and breathable but can stain more easily. On the other hand, hemp and bamboo pads are more stain-resistant and naturally antibacterial. You may need to try different materials to find what works for you.
- Reusable pads come in different sizes for light, moderate, or heavy flow. Longer and broader pads are able to hold more fluid. These pads also come in different shapes like oval, rectangle, or contour.
- If you opt for reusable pads, you must remember to rinse or soak them immediately after use to remove stains and then launder them with a fragrance-free detergent. In this case, air drying or tumble drying on low heat are the best options.
Reusable pads are an affordable, sustainable option for managing your period. With so many brands, materials, and styles to choose from, they can work for anyone interested in an eco-friendly solution for their cycle.
Conclusion
So there you have it all, a brief overview of some of the most eco-friendly and sustainable options for managing your period. Remember, every small change makes a difference, so next time you’re shopping for period supplies, consider choosing an alternative that’s better for your body and the planet. Your wallet, the environment, along with future generations will thank you. Now go forth and spread the sustainable period product love – our dear planet needs it!