A Guide To Plastic Free Period Products
In 2019 there was so much progress and awareness surrounding eco friendly periods, and it's only going to become more popular, the more we share and talk about it. Whether it's reusable cloth pads, menstrual cups or leakproof pants, there's period products for everyone looking to lower their waste when it comes to periods.
There is an initial investment required however it will save you lots of money (and the planet) in the long run when you switch to palstic free period products. So, let's get talking...
- Disposable sanitary products (tampons and pads) account for 200,000 tonnes of land fill per year in the UK.
- It takes one tampon longer to degrade than the lifespan of the women who wears it.
- Disposable sanitary ware contains plastic including the wrapper and applicator adding more waste which can't be recycled and cause blockages when flushed down the toilet.
- The average woman will use over 11,000 disposable, one-time-use menstrual products in her reproductive lifetime.
- The process of manufacturing these products - turning wood pulp into soft, cotton-like fibres - is both resource- and chemical-intensive.
Toxins in your Tampons
Have you ever thought of what you tampon is made from? Well, manufacturer's
Have you ever thought of what your tampon is made from? Well, manufacturer's aren't legally obliged to tell you so you even if you had it would be hard to find out. Campaign for Safe Cosmetics cites potential risks such as exposure to dioxins, pesticides, bleach and chemical fragrances.
Tampon Tax
The way feminine hygiene products are classed by UK government means these products are taxed, currently at 5%.
Period Poverty
Period poverty is prevalent. The latest research from children’s charity Plan International UK reports that one in 10 young women (aged 14-21) have been unable to afford period products in the UK.
Thankfully, there are lots of alternatives out there to help us and our planet so let me introduce you to them.
Types of Plastic Free Period Products
Cloth Pads
Dame Reusable Period Pads, from £11.99
The most commonly used sanitary ware item. Reusable pads (also known as cloth pads, washable pads, reusable menstrual pads or reusable sanitary pads to name a few) are washable and will last you 3-5 years. They're soft, flexible, smell much less, will save you money and they are easier to wash than you think.
Menstrual Cups
Becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. They can be worn for up to 12 hours/3 tampons' worth and are made from medical grade silicone. Once you've mastered inserting the cup, simple rinse and re-use during your period. You only need to sterilise in boiling water ready for your next cycle. They are no as daunting as they look and help you dramatically cut down on your plastic waste. All of the FAQ's you could think of are answered on the product page.
Period Pants
Wuka Period Pants, from £12
Tired of using single use pads and tampons, but not yet sure on the menstrual cup or cloth pads, period pants or period proof underwear are here for you. They are the easiest step into reusable period products and one you will wish you had tried so much sooner! They too can be used for 12 hours or 4 tampon's worth. You simply wear, wash and re-use them instead of using disposable products.
Organic disposable period pads
&Sisters Organic Cotton Pads, from £3.60
If you're not yet ready to make the switch but still want to make an eco-friendly choice, you can opt for organic cotton sanitary pads, liners and tampons with plant based bioplastic. They will end up in landfill but their production is much lighter on the environment and there are no hidden chemicals used so you can feel safer using them. They also have organic cotton tampons but without the single use plastic applicators and organic cotton panty liners.
Who are the people fighting for Plastic Free Periods?
Ella Daish is an activist and environmentalist who has been campaigning since early 2018 to eliminate all plastic from menstrual products and you'll often see her on social media collecting waste from beaches including the single use plastic tampon applicator. Her award winning campaign has over 200,000 signatures and is going from strength to strength with supermarkets and manufacturers starting to listen and make significant changes.
Sign here petition here.
is all about the power of social media to organise and promote environmental activism but in it she also manages to wave her menstrual cup around on stage! It's a great one to share with friends to encourage eco-friendly habits
So, I hope this post has got you thinking and more importantly talking about Eco Friendly Periods. Please contact us hello@thekindtoreonline.co.uk if you have any more questions about the products or comments made above.
Alternatively, if you'd like to shop our eco friendly toiletries and plastic free period products, feel free to browse our zero waste shop.
The Kind Store team try and test all products that we stock, so you can be certain that what you are buying is high quality, works well and loved by us. We source all products using our ethos via our sustainable principles, so you can trust that what you are buying is kind to animals, people and planet. We stock items from UK independent makers and suppliers to ensure our products are eco-friendly. Discover hundreds of vegan, natural, sustainable and cruelty-free products.
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