Periods are something every person with a uterus deals with, but why not handle it while also being ecologically friendly? In 2015, the Ocean Conservancy picked up 27,938 used tampons and applicators on beaches in one day.
By: Maranda Gonzalez
Using ecologically friendly menstrual products will not only help the environment but can save you money too.
Ease of Use Scale:
1 – very hard
2 – hard
3 – somewhat easy
4 – easy
5 – very easy
- Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are a one-time buy with endless uses. They sit on the inside and come in multiple sizes, depending on the size of your cervix. They are typically made of silicon and there are multiple brands to choose from and start at $12.
Pro: Reusable and you don’t need to buy many
Con: Can be messy when you take it out and can spill if you are wearing the wrong size
Ease of Use: 3 out of 5
Brand Options:
OrganiCup (www.organicup.com/)
Lena Cup (https://lenacup.com/)
HAWWY (www.amazon.com/HAWWWY-Brand-Menstrual-Cup-Registered/dp/B07H82X8HV)
- Reusable Pads
With nothing more than a quick rinse, reusable pads are a great option with a 6-pack starting at $15 with many brand options. Reusable pads can be made of many different materials including bamboo, cotton, and polyester.
Pro: Just like regular pads, but washable
Con: Can stain easily if not washed in a timely manner
Ease of Use: 4 out of 5
Brand Options:
Lunapads (https://lunapads.com/)
Hesta Organic (www.hestaorganic.com/)
Heart Felt (https://heartfeltusa.com/collections/reusable-menstrual-pads)
- Organic Cotton Tampons & Pads
If you’re not quite ready to give up disposable tampons or pads, then organic and biodegradable pads/tampons are a good option for you. There are many brands offering chlorine-free, 100% organic cotton and biodegradable tampons/pads, but the price point can be questionable. One brand that is sure to impress is the L brand. They offer tampons, pads, and pantyliners at the normal price you would pay for a typical brand of tampons or pads.
Pro: Traditional, disposable, organic
Con: None
Ease of Use: 5 out of 5
Brands Options:
The Honest Company (www.honest.com/personal-care-products/organic-cotton-pads/cotton-pads.html)
Seventh Generation (www.seventhgeneration.com/period-care)
- Reusable Period Underwear
We already reuse underwear on a daily, why not add a layer of period protection? Ruby Love is a reusable period underwear brand that offers period underwear packs and even has a period pack starter kit. Keep in mind, this is a pricier option with a 4-pack of underwear running at $50. It is a pretty penny but can be worth it if you are serious about ditching disposable pads/tampons or want to try a new way to take care of your monthly friend.
Pro: One-Time-Buy
Con: May feel like it isn’t absorbing the blood even though it is
Ease of Use: 4 out of 5
Brand Options:
Ruby Love ( www.rubylove.com/)
Grove Collaborative (www.grove.co/catalog/product/period-underwear/)
Rael (www.getrael.com/products/period-panties)
