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Having a period is a fact of life for women around the world. But did you know that the average woman menstruates for 3-5 days each month, and throws away approximately 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons every year? That’s a lot of waste – and it’s not good for the environment.
Fortunately, there are ways to have a zero waste and plastic-free period. Using a menstrual cup, period underwear or plastic-free sanitary pads can help reduce your environmental impact and save you money in the long run. Plus, they’re more comfortable than traditional pads and tampons.
So if you’re looking for a way to be more eco-friendly, or just want to save some money, read on to learn how to have a zero waste and plastic-free period.
The menstrual cycle and its environmental impact.
The menstrual cycle is a natural process that occurs in the female body every month. The average woman menstruates for 3-5 days each month, during which she sheds the lining of her uterus. Every year, women throw away approximately 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons, most of which end up in landfills or oceans.
Pads and tampons are made of plastic and other synthetic materials that take hundreds of years to decompose. They also contain chemicals that can leach into the environment and cause harm to wildlife. In addition, the manufacturing of pads and tampons requires energy and water, further contributing to their environmental impact.
How to have a zero waste and plastic-free period?
Compost your used menstrual products
Use reusable pads
Reusable pads are another great eco-friendly option for women who want to reduce their period waste. These pads can be made of cloth or other absorbent materials and can be washed and reused multiple times. There are many different brands and styles of reusable pads available, so again, it is important to do your research to find the ones that work best for you.
Use a menstrual cup
A menstrual cup is a reusable, bell-shaped device that is inserted into the vagina to collect blood during menstruation. Using a menstrual cup can reduce your environmental impact because it eliminates the need for disposable pads and tampons. In addition, menstrual cups are made of medical grade silicone, which is safe for your body and can be reused for years.
Menstrual cups are made of silicone or rubber and can be reused for years. They collect blood during your period and can be emptied and rinsed out after use. There are many different brands and sizes of menstrual cups available, so it is important to do your research to find the one that is right for you.
- Before using a menstrual cup for the first time, sterilize it by boiling it in water for 3-5 minutes.
- Fold the menstrual cup in half and insert it into the vagina like you would a tampon.
- The suction created by the cup will keep it in place. To remove the cup, simply pinch the base of the cup and pull it out.
- Empty the contents of the cup into the toilet and rinse with water.
- Repeat Steps 2-4 as necessary throughout your period. At the end of your period, wash your menstrual cup with soap and water and store it in a clean, dry place until next month.
Use period underwear
Period underwear is underwear that has been specifically designed to absorb blood during menstruation. Period underwear can hold up to 2-3 times as much blood as a regular pad or tampon, making them an ideal option for heavy flow days. In addition, period underwear is reusable and can be worn multiple times before being washed.
Use period underwear
- Put on a pair of period panties like you would any other pair of underwear.
- If you experience light spotting, simply wear the panties like you would any other day. If you experience heavier bleeding, you may want to pair them with a liner or pad for added protection.
- When you’re ready to wash them, remove any liners or pads and toss them in the washing machine with your regular laundry detergent. Wash on cold and hang to dry (or machine dry on low). Do not bleached periods stains as this can damage the fabric.”
In addition to using eco-friendly menstrual products, it is also important to use natural, non-toxic period products. This means avoiding products that contain harmful chemicals like pesticides, herbicides, dioxins, bleaches, fragrances, and more. Luckily, there are many companies making safe and sustainable period products that are free from these harmful chemicals.
Some great natural period product options include organic cotton pads and tampons, sea sponge tampons, cloth pads, period underwear, and more. Again, there is a wide variety of brands making these types of products so it is important to do your research to find the ones that work best for you.
The benefits of a zero waste and plastic-free period.
Save money
On average, women spend between $50 and $100 per year on pads and tampons. menstrual cups cost around $30 and can last up to 10 years. That’s a saving of $470 over the decade! And because they’re reusable, there’s no need to keep buying them month after month.
Reduce your environmental impact
An estimated 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are sent to landfills each year in the US alone. That’s a lot of waste – and it takes centuries for these products to break down (if they do at all). menstrual cups and reusable pads are made from eco-friendly materials like silicone or cotton, which can be recycled or composted when you’re finished with them.
Be more comfortable
Most women report feeling more comfortable using a menstrual cup or reusable pad than traditional disposable products. This is because they don’t contain any harsh chemicals or fragrances, and they don’t dry out the vaginal area like disposables can.
Fewer Cramps and PMS Symptoms
Help the Environment
Conclusion
A zero waste and plastic-free period is possible with a few simple changes. By switching to a menstrual cup, period underwear, or reusable pads, you can save money, reduce your environmental impact, and be more comfortable. So next time you’re reaching for a disposable pad or tampon, think about how you can make your period more sustainable.
