Living more sustainably can be as simple as staying away from single-use plastics, but when it comes to women’s health and hygiene, what can one do to take that extra green step?
Besides converting to the cup, there are now many eco-friendly period products on the market – from reusable pads to period undies. And although there might be a bit of a learning curve, it really isn’t so bad.
Just think – in the UK alone, single-use menstrual products generate over 200,000 tons of waste annually. That’s 20 times the weight of the Eiffel Tower! If you’re ready to take the next step on your journey to become greener, here are eight eco-friendly brands and period products to try:
1.
LUÜNA NATURALS
Hong Kong’s very own LUÜNA Naturals offers an organic line of tampons, sanitary pads and liners, and reusable period cups. Not only are they packaged in recyclable materials, they are certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard, guaranteeing that they are free from harmful toxins, synthetics, fragrances and bleaches, as well as ethically produced. Going even further, its non-applicator tampon boxes use 100 percent post-consumer fibres, further closing the waste loop.
Its reusable LUÜNA period cup, meanwhile, comes in two sizes and made with a super soft medical-grade silicone that’s safety certified. Aside from sustainability,LUÜNA’s social impact business model sees proceeds of every purchase going towards addressing period poverty in Asia.
Available at luuna-naturals.com
2.
THINX CLASSIC LEAK-PROOF UNDERWEAR
An underwear that absorbs your period? This was exactly what Miki Agarwal, Radha Agarwal and Antonia Dunbar thought of when they founded Thinx 10 years ago. This reusable underwear uses a breathable material made of cotton, nylon, and elastane (otherwise known as spandex or Lycra) with a super absorbent core layer that soaks up the period whilst preventing leaks.
Thinx claims that you can replace up to five tampons with just one of their period undies – so you’re not only saving the environment, but your money, too. Time for a wash? Just throw it in the machine and hang to dry. And for extra measure, you can give it a vinegar soak to get rid of any scents.
Available at shethinx.com
3.
WUKA SEAMLESS PERIOD UNDIES
Looking for another option for reusable undies? Then check out the Perform seamless midi brief from UK-based Wuka. Made from eco-friendly nylon and cotton gusset, it keeps you period- and VPL-free, with the midi brief style providing dull coverage without the bulky feeling. Its eco-friendly cred is further bolstered by making use of recycled nylon material that can protect against heavy flow days (medium and light flow versions are also available).
Available at wuka.co.uk
4.
LUNETTE REUSABLE PADS
If you’re still more comfortable using traditional sanitary pads, there are eco-friendly options for that, too. These reusable cotton pads from Lunette make a great alternative as you get all the benefits of an eco-friendly product without having to change your period hygiene practice too much. Their pads are made from organic cotton and are Öko-tex 100 certified – which means it’s free from harmful substances. The best part is, they can be machine washed and air dried before being reused. Lunette offers different sizes ranging from a mini, which doubles as a panty liner, all the way to a maxi pad for nighttime use.
Available at lunette.com
5.
INTIMINA ZIGGY CUP
Feeling frisky during that time of month? Then meet the Ziggy Cup, which is branded as the “first and only reusable menstrual cup that can be worn during sex. It promises mess-free period sex, whilst keeping your period in check through a flat-fit design that settles in snugly in the cervix. It’s also made of 100% medical-grade silicone that’s petal thin for a comfortable, barely-there feel.
Available at intimina.com
6.
DAYE ORGANIC CBD TAMPONS
Yup, you read that right: tampons with CBD! Daye, backed by a board of medical experts, has created a super-absorbent, organic tampon with an outer layer that’s strategically coated with CBD, designed to ease menstrual cramps. Biodegradeable and compostable, Daye tampons are 100 percent free of plastic, rayon, chlorine bleach, dioxin, phthalates and fragrances, all of which have been commonly found in mainstream tampons. All the materials used are sourced through certified, renewable or low-impact extraction methods, and go the extra mile towards sustainability.
Available at yourdaye.com
7.
SAALT MENSTRUAL CUP
Available in beautiful colours, the Saalt Cup is another reusable menstrual cup that’s perfect for first-time cup users. All you need is to fold, insert and release and you’re good to go for up to 12 hours. It’s made of 100% medical-grade silicone with a slightly firmer silicone, which allows it to open easily when inserted. Maintenance is also easy: just wash it with cold water and soap during your period, and boil it for five minutes between cycles.
Available at saalt.com
8.
TSUNO
Founded in Australia, Tsuno’s tampons are made of certified organic cotton without any pesticides or synthetics, while the top sheet of their pads are also made of natural and sustainable bamboo fibre. When it comes to the packaging, Tsuno uses biodegradable sleeves and recyclable cardboard boxes. As a social enterprise, 50 percent of their profits are also donated to charities that empower women, with the two main areas of focus being education and menstrual support.
Available at slowood.hk
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