Our new pads are made with 100% organic cotton and sustainably-sourced wood pulp, offering breathable comfort and softness at a budget-friendly price. To celebrate the launch, we’ll be adding 1000 new pads (100 boxes) to our In Kind Direct donation drop in Q2.

New pads alert 🚨

As a certified B Corp, we are committed to changing the period care industry for good. When it comes to launching new products, we always look to our customers to inspire the products we will launch next. With our pads being our best-selling range, in 2023 (a year that will be remembered for many things, one being the cost-of-living crisis) we set out to expand our range. Our goal was to offer a more budget-friendly product that is still eco-friendly and organic to support more customers in making a sustainable switch.

Developing a new pad option – No SAP zone 🙅‍♀️

To develop a pad to fit this brief, we explored a number of different materials, one of which was bamboo. We were disheartened to see that most of the bamboo pad options we reviewed contained superabsorbent polymers, or SAPs. SAPs are often used in conventional pads as they are a cheap and effective way to enhance absorbency. For us, however, SAPs do not align with our values – they are mostly produced from petrochemicals and can take up to 500 years to degrade. One thing was super important when developing this new pad, it had to align with our ethics as a purpose-led period care brand. We also explored other plant-derived materials, however none of these were the right fit.

Plus, we were determined to continue using organic cotton, as we love that it’s not only sustainable but is also super soft and naturally absorbent. And this is what led us on the path to developing our new pad option.

Introducing our new pad range – Keeping it organic & natural 😍

We worked with our manufacturers, the same team that we have worked with for over 8 years, to develop a new type of pad. Our new pad still uses certified organic cotton in the topsheet but instead features an absorbent core made with sustainably-sourced, renewable wood pulp. By using an alternative but still eco-friendly and natural material in the core, we’re able to offer a budget-friendly pad option (RRP £2.45). These pads care for your period naturally, offering effective protection without superabsorbent polymers.

It’s important to note that our new pads align with our core pad range as much as possible. Alongside using organic cotton and natural materials they are still:

• Free of fragrance, dyes, chlorine bleach (Totally Chlorine Free) and SAP.
• Compostable and have certified compostable wrappers.
• Carbon-neutral.
• Registered with The Vegan Society.

There are currently 2 absorbencies available in our new pads – medium and super – but we would love your feedback on whether you would like to see us add more absorbencies in the future.

Do these replace the existing TOTM pads?

Absolutely not! Like many of our customers across the UK, we love our core pad range. By introducing a new option, we’re just focusing on making sustainable products more widely accessible and if anything, it offers our customers more choice.

I didn’t think TOTM used wood pulp?

We didn’t before as our core pad range uses 100% organic cotton from core to cover. We highlight this on the packaging with the ‘I am Organic’ message and in the product descriptions. These new pads are an extension of our pad range as a budget-friendly option that still aligns with our ethical values.  You also need to be careful as wood pulp (if sustainably-sourced) in it’s raw form is renewable, however many period care products chemically process this to create rayon or viscose – a process that is not environmentally-friendly. Furthermore, the rayon is often bleached which can also produce dioxins.

Our new pads do not contain rayon or viscose and we use woodpulp fluff that is sustainably-sourced, renewable, and totally chlorine free (TCF).  The core is naturally absorbent which means we can offer an alternative to those containing superabsorbent polymers (SAPs). If you prefer our core pad range, then you can still find these online and stocked by other major retailers.

Where can I shop the new pads? 🛒

Exciting news, our new pads are available in 750+ Tesco stores nationwide, and online. We’ll be launching these on our own website very soon, and you can register your interest here.

What’s coming next?

This is where you come in! Keen to have your say on what products we are developing? Join our new Period Positive Panel, an exclusive community of TOTM customers who’ll get a say on our product development. Our panel will get a year’s supply of TOTM period care, plus extra rewards. They’ll get to share feedback on our current range, what we should develop next, and try new products before we bring them to market. Want to apply to join our panel? Learn more here.

The post Big news: We’re expanding our pad range! appeared first on TOTM.

Let’s talk about period plastic and the environmental impact of conventional period products.

In an effort to reduce the amount of plastic waste we generate every day and live more sustainably, concerns around period plastic are on the rise. Conventional tampons and pads have been found to contain large amounts of single-use plastic.

Tackling the wave of period plastic.

In the UK alone, we generate over 200,000 tonnes of menstrual product waste each year, most of which is plastic. On top of this, approx 1.5-2 billion menstrual items are flushed (in error) down the toilet every year. These facts alone show us that period plastic pollution is a problem for the planet. 

The facts to know in 2024:

• Carbon-neutral period care exists.

If you’re looking to lower your carbon footprint, then good news you can get carbon-neutral period care. Alongside the period plastic problem, conventional products use cotton and rayon. Non-organic cotton is often grown using synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides, which use a lot of energy to produce and contribute to greenhouse gases. Additionally, rayon production pollutes water and can contribute to deforestation.

Our organic cotton range is made in a facility powered by renewable energy. We work with ClimatePartner to measure, reduce and offset unavoidable emissions, making our range carbon-neutral.

• Plastic tampon applicators are not widely recyclable.

It is recommended to dispose of all tampon applicators in general waste. The recycling of tampon applicators in the UK can vary depending on the local council’s recycling scheme. As tampon applicators are small and made of mixed materials, they are generally not accepted. They also come into contact with bodily fluids which makes them unsuitable for recycling.

For this reason, to tackle period plastic, we recommend opting for cardboard tampon applicators or reusable tampon applicators. Plastic tampon applicators can take up to 500 years to break down. According to a Greenpeace report from 2019, bio-plastic tampon applicators can take the same time to break down as regular plastic applicators.

• Menstrual cups offer 99% waste saving.

Menstrual cups are an eco-friendlier period product because they are reusable and last a long time – up to 10 years! They create less waste and use fewer resources when comparing them to all other period care products. Other reusables, like period pants, need to go in the washing machine after use which uses energy every cycle. With a menstrual cup, you pop it in boiling water for 3-5 minutes to sterilise at the end of your period. For these reasons, cups are truly a zero-waste period solution.

• SAP or superabsorbent polymers are petroleum-derived and commonly used in pads

SAP also known as superabsorbent polymers or mislabeled as ‘sap’ are petroleum-derived additives used to cheaply enhance the absorbency of menstrual pads. These are often added to many conventional pads and bamboo pads on the market but can take up to 500 years to break down. For this reason, we never use SAP in our range, instead we opt for sustainable and naturally absorbent materials. It’s important to do your research, even when shopping period care labelled as ‘eco-friendly.’ If you’re in doubt, a quick water test can help reveal any hidden SAP in your pads. Simply pour water onto the pad and cut it in half. If you see a crystalised ‘slush’ appear, then your pad contains SAP.

• In 2024, there are so many ways to tackle period plastic as we have more options.

Sustainability is changing period care we as know it. It’s great to have so many options in 2023. This matters as nobody should feel pressure to use period products that don’t work for them. We face enough shame and discomfort during our periods without added societal pressure. Depending on your budget, lifestyle, and flow, you can find a way to reduce period plastic that fits with your needs. You can choose organic/natural tampons or pads, menstrual cups, period pants or a mix.

Also, one thing that everyone can do to have a more sustainable period – is never flush tampons or pads. UK Water companies say to only flush the 3 P’s (paper, poo, and pee) down the toilet. This helps prevent sewage blocks and ocean pollution.

We hope these period plastic facts support your efforts to have a planet-friendly period. You can shop our range here.

The post 5 Period Plastic Facts to Know in 2024 appeared first on TOTM.

Sustainable period products are changing how we manage periods for good.

We understand that changing your period care and trying something new is daunting. If you’re keen to switch to sustainable period products but don’t know where to start this post is for you!

Switching to sustainable period products: Where to start

Before switching to sustainable period products, consider your period needs and preferences. Think about how heavy your flow is, how long you bleed and if you experience discomfort with certain products. It’s also worth considering your budget, lifestyle, and any other factors that may impact your period.

Choosing which products to try

There are many different options. Here, we are giving you the lowdown on sustainable period products to help you shop smart:

• Organic cotton periods products

Organic cotton tampons, pads, and liners perform like conventional period products but are designed to be gentler on the planet. These will either use organic cotton throughout the product or in the cover/top sheet. Not all organic cotton products are made equal. We recommend checking the ingredients. You can find artificial absorbents (SAP) and titanium dioxide in some of these tampons and pads 👀. Side note: At TOTM, we use organic cotton from the core to cover. We never add fragrance, dyes, chlorine bleach, titanium dioxide or artificial absorbents to our organic range.

To further reduce waste, look to switch from plastic wrappers and applicators. Plastic and bio-plastic applicators are not widely accepted in recycling across the UK, therefore contribute to single-use plastic waste.

• Menstrual cups

Menstrual cups are a zero-waste solution for your period. They are waste-saving and can help you save money every cycle. With good care, you can keep a menstrual cup for up to 10 years. Look for menstrual cups made from medical-grade materials like TPE or silicone. The quality of the cup is important. You want this to last on your period to reap the cost-saving and planet-saving rewards! 🙌

When choosing a cup, remember they come in different shapes and sizes. The majority of cups are anatomically sized and will come with sizing guidelines. If you ever need help here, always ask the brand. If you’re new to cups, you might want to factor in an ‘adjustment phase.’ Give yourself time to try out the cup in a comfortable setting and try out different cup folds. We recommend using a liner when using the cup for the first time in case you experience leakage as a cup newbie. Take a look at our bundle which we created for first-time cup users!

• Period underwear & reusable pads

Reusable period underwear and pads have absorbent materials layered in the gusset to soak up menstrual flow. Due to this design feature, you can use them without other products (depending on how heavy your flow is). Period pants and pads come in different shapes, styles, and absorbencies. To protect the planet, look for period underwear made from sustainable materials. Options include organic cotton or Tencel ™, for example. Materials like regular cotton and polyester damage the environment during production. Like a menstrual cup, you’ll want to invest in a quality pair of period pants to ensure they can stand the test of time 🩲.

Besides sustainable period products, how else can you have a planet-friendly period?

Here are other changes you can make to protect the planet during your period:

• Dispose of your period care in general waste and recycle the outer packaging. Never flush your period care products, only flush the 3Ps. Flushed period care pollutes sewers, rivers, and the ocean.
• If you use a menstrual cup, sterilise your cup in a pan of boiling water for 3-5 minutes instead of using disposable wipes.
• Use eco-friendly washing detergent to clean your period pants or reusable pads.
• Store your period products in a reusable pouch, bag, or tin. This keeps them safe between cycles or when you are out and about to prevent damage which leads to wastage.
• Champion sustainable periods by spreading the word with your family and friends.

We hope these tips around sustainable period products help you on your journey towards a planet-friendly period. Ready to make the switch? Shop our planet-friendly range here.

The post The Lowdown On Sustainable Period Products appeared first on TOTM.

Menstrual cups are fast becoming a popular, zero-waste way to manage periods.

Over the past few years, menstrual cups have been a hot topic, even mentioned in the top-rated apocalyptic HBO series, Last of Us. But from speaking with our community, we know that switching to a cup is nerve-wracking. So, we’re here to debunk the menstrual cup myths.

The menstrual cup difference.

Menstrual cups are reusable and designed to reduce waste. The lifecycle of one menstrual cup can save on average 2640 tampons from landfill per person. This matters as conventional period care products can contain up to 90% plastic. Each year in the UK alone, period care products generate over 200,000 tonnes of waste.

Debunking menstrual cup myths.

Here are 6 common myths that we’re debunking to help out anyone curious about giving a menstrual cup a try:

• Menstrual cups are uncomfortable.

At first glance, menstrual cups may look like they would be uncomfortable to wear, however, many cup users say the complete opposite. Once you find the right cup and size, it can be game-changing for your period. You can fold the cup up to 8 different ways to insert it. The trick is to learn which fold works best for you and practise a few times, so you get used to it.

• Menstrual cups are messy.

Once you get the hang of using a menstrual cup, they are no messier than other menstrual products. It is important to remember that, unlike tampons which absorb menstrual flow, cups collect it. To do this, you need to place the cup lower than a tampon. The clever design of the cup makes it easier to take out. When sitting on the toilet, you squeeze the base to release the seal, then gently remove it.

• Menstrual cups are a new invention.

Menstrual cup magic only hit the mainstream in recent years, but cups have been around for centuries. The idea originated from a patented design in 1867. The design that inspired the menstrual cup as we know it today was invented in 1937 by an American actress called Leona Chalmers.

• Menstrual cups can get stuck inside you.

Rest assured, it is rare for a menstrual cup to get stuck inside the vagina. If you experience difficulty removing the cup, relax and use the stem to guide it down. Remember, cups create a vacuum or suction effect to stay in place. So, when removing it, you pinch or squeeze the end to break the seal. Due to the anatomy of the vagina, a cup can’t get lost inside you.

• Menstrual cups are expensive.

The initial upfront cost of a menstrual cup is higher than other period care products. But, in the long run they can save you money. With proper care, you can keep a menstrual cup for up to 10 years. It depends on your flow and personal preference, but some of our customers only use the cup throughout their period. This means they save on products every cycle. You can also pick up a menstrual cup on promotion. Scroll to discover how you can save on our menstrual cups for a limited time 👀

• Menstrual cups are not hygienic.

A quality menstrual cup is made of medical-grade materials (like TPE or silicone). This means the material has been tested for biocompatibility and safety. A cup made from medical-grade materials can be safely reused if you follow the cleaning instructions. With the TOTM cup, you need to rinse the cup under water when changing it on your period. Then, at the end of every cycle, you sterilise it for 3-5 minutes in boiling water – it’s that easy!

We hope these debunked myths help but drop us a message if you want more support or have questions. Get 20% off our menstrual cups and organic cotton range for limited time only🙌

The post Debunking 6 menstrual cup myths appeared first on TOTM.

Switch Up Your Period Care With TOTM

We promise we’re not being biased 😏. Your vagina is the most absorbent and sensitive part of your body so it’s important to be informed over what you’re using here. With the recent media attention on titanium dioxide and PFAs (forever chemicals) found in some tampons and period pants, giving your period care a spring clean seems like a natural next step.

Many conventional period care brands contain up to 90% plastic in their products. Mainstream period products also contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, dioxins, and chlorine bleach. This cocktail of chemicals and processes can cause irritation and discomfort to your vagina. Not only that, but conventional menstrual products generate 200,000 tonnes of waste every year. Certified organic and sustainable period care puts you and the planet first. You can find out more about the differences in organic period care here.

Plus, here are a few more pros of using our period care:

• Gynecologist approved.
• Cruelty-free and vegan.
• Hypoallergenic and breathable.
• Certified organic cotton.
• No GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms).
• Free from synthetic fragrances, harmful chemicals, and chlorine bleach.
• Plastic free.
• Recyclable packaging.

Give your cycle some TLC with our Self-Care Bundle.

Refresh Your Home With Homethings

When it comes to your spring clean checklist, cleaning is typically right at the top. Giving your home a refresh can be a deep act of self-care. So, why not use zero-waste and non-toxic products whilst you’re doing it? A tidy space means = a tidy mind. In fact, a 2017 study found that clutter links to procrastination, low mood, and anxiety.

A typical cleaning spray is 95% water packaged in a plastic bottle. Homethings mission is to provide planet-positive products that are circular and keep your home (and the planet) clean.

Wipe away the bad vibes with their Bundle is Massive set.

Scrub Up Your Skincare Routine With Upcircle

Skincare is a ritual that allows you to take five minutes out of your busy day to focus on yourself. The beauty industry is one of the worst culprits for creating waste and greenwashing. From the packaging used down to the ingredients. What you put on your body is as important as what you put into your body.

Upcircle aims to lift the lid when it comes to the circularity of skincare. The pioneering beauty brand creates waste-fighting formulations from sourcing and re-using by-products of the food and drinks industry. Their circular approach to skincare focuses on zero-waste packaging and quality organic ingredients. Plus, they’re vegan, cruelty-free, and Soil Association certified. This ensures that there’s no greenwashing packaged with your primer.

Cleanse your skincare routine with their travel-sized skincare bundle.

To celebrate B Corp month we’ve teamed up with Homethings and Upcircle for you to be in with a chance of winning:

🌸 Homethings Bundle Is Massive refillable eco cleaning kit.

🌸 Upcircle Travel-Size Skincare Bundle.

🌸 6 months of TOTM organic period care products (up to 6 boxes).

Head to our Instagram to find out how to enter.

The post Your Spring Clean Checklist With 3 B Corp Brands appeared first on TOTM.

Did you know that every year in the UK an estimated 1.5bn to 2bn period care items are flushed down toilets? With conventional period care containing up to 90% plastic, these products are widely contributing to plastic pollution in local waterways, beaches, and the ocean.

Is this an avoidable problem?

The simple answer is – yes. By responsibly disposing of your period care products and using reduced or zero waste options you can help to protect our oceans. There is however a need for manufacturers to address this problem to stop it at the source.

Studies show that over 50% of users flush their period care after use. This often happens because many do not realise that flushing period products has such a negative impact on the planet. Whilst we need to generate more awareness, manufacturers can help by addressing products. This means using less plastic and stopping production of plastic tampon applicators.

When it comes to beach and ocean pollution, plastic applicators are key offenders.  There are on average nine plastic tampon applicators found per kilometre on UK beaches. Alternatives such as cardboard applicators, reusable applicators, or tampons without applicators all exist. But plastic applicators remain the most used products in the UK.

TOTM want to help address the issue

Whilst we only offer cardboard and reusable tampon applicators – having never offered a plastic applicator version – we want to play our part in tackling ocean plastics. This year, we’re proud to be supporting Plastic Bank to make a difference here.

Although our period care range will never include plastic tampon applicators, we want to take our fight against period plastic further. We are proudly supporting Plastic Bank to proactively reduce existing ocean plastic.

For every TOTM cardboard applicator tampon sold, we’re recovering the equivalent amount in ocean plastic.

How do Plastic Bank operate?

Plastic Bank are a non-for-profit social enterprise set up to fight both plastic pollution in oceans, as well as high poverty levels in developing countries. In their own words:

“Plastic Bank® empowers the regenerative society. We build ethical recycling ecosystems in coastal communities and reprocess the materials for reintroduction into the global supply chain as Social Plastic®. Our members receive a premium for the materials they collect which helps them provide basic family necessities such as groceries, cooking fuel, school tuition, and health insurance. Our certified blockchain platform secures the entire transaction and provides real-time data visualization – allowing for transparency, traceability, and rapid scalability.”

A campaign for change

Through our support for Plastic Bank, we’re proud to be playing our part in reducing the impact that the period care industry has on our oceans. We’ll continue to raise awareness of responsible disposal methods and champion our eco- period care products but taking action is important to our mission at TOTM. As a TOTM customer you play a key role in driving this change, as we couldn’t do it without you!

Keep an eye on our progress by checking out our impact page.

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Here, we’re talking about switching from plastic/bio-plastic applicators to cardboard applicators – A simple switch with a big impact. Plus, scroll to discover our £2 switch kits!

When it comes to plastic pollution and waste, there’s a lot to be said. Period products, in general, get called into question (WEN revealed that around 90% of non-organic pads are plastic!) But in this article, we’re focusing on a prime offender – the plastic tampon applicator.

It has been revealed that every year, 1.3 billion plastic tampon applicators go into landfill in the UK (that’s 25 million each week!). These applicators also end up on beaches and in the oceans. (Side note: it’s important to NEVER flush any period care product. More info on that here).

Looking for alternatives

The good news is plastic-free periods are possible. There are alternatives available if you want to ditch the plastic applicator. Non-applicator tampons are an obvious choice, but if you do prefer an applicator for insertion, consider switching to cardboard.

Cardboard applicators are firstly biodegradable. So, if they do end up in the landfill they will break down naturally. They can also be composted if you have the facilities.

Making the switch to a cardboard applicator

Now if you’re new to cardboard applicators, it’s useful to be aware that they do not glide like a plastic applicator.  Cardboard naturally has a more rigid feel to plastic, so you need to be prepared for this difference. But this is a minor adjustment. Cardboard applicators have been designed for purpose so it’s easy to adapt to using them.

It’s a positive step towards cutting out plastics. So, your effort to adapt to using cardboard in place of plastic will help our planet in the long run.

Top tips for using a cardboard applicator

Twist it first:

The TOTM cardboard applicator tampon has a ‘twist and push’ design. Place one thumb towards the base of the cardboard applicator, and the other thumb toward the top of the cardboard applicator. Gently twist your lower hand slightly and push upwards to release the tampon. Shown in the example below:

Try using both hands:

If you’re finding the cardboard a bit rigid, try this method. Open the paper wrapper, and twist beforehand. Lower hands ready to insert. With your left hand, hold the grooves on the middle of the upper applicator, then place your right index finger flat against the bottom of the applicator. With your left hand holding the grooves lightly, push the tampon up with the right index finger.

Stay calm and go slowly:

Our top tip for those new to cardboard applicators is to stay calm and don’t rush. If you rush you risk twisting too hard or folding the cardboard which can trap the tampon! Twist lightly and push slowly.

Less plastic to protect our planet

As a sustainable period care brand, we’re continually looking for ways to be 100% plastic free and help people have plastic-free periods. If you’re the same and want to reduce plastic use as much as possible then consider this simple swap. A minor change to protect our planet for the future.

Ready to make the switch? Discover our £2 switch kits which contain a mix of our organic cotton tampons, pads and liners! Ideal to ‘give organic a -go’ on your next period.

If you’re ready for a reusable, shop our menstrual cups here! You can also shop our reusable tampon applicator at Superdrug and Tesco.

The post Switching to cardboard applicator tampons for a plastic-free period appeared first on TOTM.

A study in 2016 found that nearly 50% of UK women flush tampons down the toilet. But those products that travel through the sewerage systems create serious issues.

Issue 1: The fatberg

A fatberg is a ‘very large mass of solid waste in a sewerage system, consisting especially of congealed fat and personal hygiene products that have been flushed down toilets.’ Period care products are mixed up in these fatbergs, which lead to severe blockages. Each year there is an average of 366,000 sewer blockages in the UK. The cost of removing such debris is paid for in our water bills. Not to mention it’s a huge burden on UK cities which could lead to even bigger problems.

Issue 2: Damaging our environment

Flushed period care products have to end up somewhere, and if it’s not clogged in the sewer it’s in the ocean. Anglian Water have estimated that between 1.5 billion and 2 billion period products are flushed each year in the UK. This significantly contributes to pollution in the ocean. In 2015, The Ocean Conservancy collected 27,938 used tampons and applicators on beaches around the world in a single day.

Plastic and ‘eco plastic’ applicators are a big part of this issue. Not only do they pollute oceans on a mass scale, they also threaten marine life.

How to safely dispose of tampons, pads and liners

So, what’s the best way to dispose of your period care? Here are our top tips:

• Make a sustainable choice

First things first, opt for eco-friendlier period care products. Organic cotton tampons, pads and liners are produced with not only your health in mind but also the future of our planet. Main brand pads can contain up to 90% plastic and plastic tampon applicators can take 500 years to breakdown. Organic cotton period care has less impact on the planet and the majority can also be composted. You can discover our full range of organic cotton and reusable period care here.

• Bag it and bin it

When removing your used tampon or pad, either wrap in tissue or in the product wrapper. Pop this in the nearest bin or allocated sanitary bin. FabLittleBags are ideal if you’re using a toilet without proper disposal facilities or if no toilet paper is available. Even your tampon applicators can go into bathroom bins. Just remember to look for cardboard applicators, because plastic applicators can take centuries to break down in the landfill.

• Recycle the carton

Always look for tampons/pads packaged in cardboard boxes. When you have an empty box, you can then pop this in cardboard recycling.

Take power over your period and take these positive steps to a greener period. Together, let’s put an end to flushing period care to protect the planet. Join our movement on socials – search @totmorganic.

The post Can you flush tampons down the toilet? How to safely dispose of your period care appeared first on TOTM.

We always advise choosing one area of your life or room in the house to start with and questioning how sustainable it is and what you could change. There are pretty much always Eco-friendly alternatives to everyday items, which makes it a lot easier to start living a more sustainable life.

Today, we’re here to help you be more sustainable when it comes to your gym workout. This is usually top of people’s priorities in the new year, so a good place to start.

It’s important not to get caught up in exercising to look a certain way. Focus on how exercise makes you feel. Exercise is amazing for stress relief, improving your mood and keeping your mind healthy – not just your body. Plus, it can be very effective for relieving period pains!

Here are 6 swaps to make your gym workout more sustainable:

Wear sustainably made workout gear

When it comes to workout gear, consider how sustainable the materials used to make your clothes are. Choosing workout clothing that is consciously created helps lessen the impact it has on the planet. Although these can be a higher price point, they are made to last so will be a staple in your wardrobe for years and years.

Choosing sustainable workout gear can also benefit your exercise routine. Sustainable materials are often breathable, helping to improve your comfort and keep you feeling fresh as you exercise.

We love Adidas’ Parley range, which is made from Parley Ocean Plastic™. This is upcycled waste from beaches and coastal communities that is intercepted before it reaches the ocean. As part of the OneShoeOneTree project, Inkkas© plants one tree for every purchase.

We also love Organic Basics, who use materials such as mechanically recycled nylon for their gym wear. This uses 80% less water and creates 90% fewer CO2 emissions to produce.

Choose a gym with a difference

A lot of gyms have bright artificial lights, lots of TV screens blaring and excessive paper towel usage. Whilst this can be difficult to avoid, there is a new sustainable gym group on the rise. Green Gym Group choose to make a positive difference to the planet with every decision they make. They think that “as advocates of a healthy lifestyle that we should take the same care with the environment as we do with our own bodies.”

Green Gym Group’s Cardio Equipment feeds 74% of energy produced back to the grid. Their lights, electrics, air conditioning and heating are set to specific timers which allows them to reduce and regulate their energy consumption. They also use low water consumption showers and promote beach cleans to their members.

Their first gym has recently opened in Brighton and they will be expanding to more locations.

Be mindful about how you get to the gym

Consider how you get to the gym. Do you usually drive or take public transport? How about jogging, cycling or walking there instead? You can use this as part of your workout to cut down the time you spend in the gym. If your gym is not walking distance, scope out to see whether there are closer gyms in the area that are accessible by foot. If not then don’t stress, remember it’s about small and achievable swaps, not re-vamping your whole lifestyle all at once.

Don’t forget your reusable water bottle

Purchase a reusable water bottle that you can take to the gym (and everywhere else!). This helps you cut down your plastic use and saves you money as you don’t have to keep buying bottles of water. Another bonus of having a reusable bottle is that you will know how much water it takes and can keep track of your daily water intake. It’s cliche, but drinking enough water is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Keeping hydrated also helps reduce the intensity of period pains!

Our favourite reusable water bottles are:

– Chilly’s
– Contigo’s AutoSpout range (these are BPA free!)
– Brita (these are BPA free and have a filter to keep your water clean!)

Change up your equipment

Whether it’s barbell pads, yoga mats or resistance bands it’s important to consider what these mainstream pieces of gym equipment are made from. The good news is, there are Eco-friendly alternatives! Grace Fit’s resistance bands, ankle straps and barbell pads are all vegan and don’t use plastic. CORKYOGIS mats are made from cork making them nicer to touch and better for the environment than PVC and plastic ones. Plus the sale of every mat contributes to a training course for girls impacted by human trafficking.

Once you’ve completed your workout

Sustainable swaps can be extended post-workout. If you tend to shower in the gym, you’ll probably notice plastic bottles of shampoo and body wash in your gym bag. We love Faith in Nature’s Grapefruit and Orange body wash. This is vegan, cruelty-free and the bottle is made from recycled plastic (it can be recycled again). If you want to ditch the packaging altogether, soap and shampoo bars are a great alternative. We love these from Atlas and Ortus. If your kit bag needs something more travel-sized, the hair & body soap bar by Friendly Soap is perfect for the job!

We hope this blog has helped inspire you and give you ideas on simple sustainable swaps you can make! Do you have any other recommendations for sustainable swaps for gym workouts? Let us know on Twitter, Facebook or Instagram. You can also drop us a comment below!

The post 6 sustainable swaps for your gym workout appeared first on TOTM.

Here we’re taking a look at the key differences between conventional pads and pads made with organic cotton.

Why it’s important to think about your period care

The vagina is one of the most absorbent and sensitive parts of the body. When you think about it, the tampons and pads you’re using on your period come into contact with your vagina every day that you bleed, for every cycle. It’s therefore important to care for your body and be mindful of what you’re using!

There are many differences between conventional and organic cotton pads, from what they are made of to the impact they have on the environment.

Environment

How it’s made

Organic cotton pads are a made with a sustainable material. Conventional cotton is a very water-intensive crop, taking an estimated 20,000 litres of water to produce 1kg of cotton. Organic cotton, on the other hand, is 80% rain-fed. It uses 71% less water to produce.

Farming methods for conventional cotton also use toxic pesticides and herbicides. It uses 16% of the world’s insecticides and 7% of the world’s pesticides. These cause harm to the farmers, pollute rivers and poison both the air and soil. Whereas, organic cotton respects the natural environment and aims to protect wildlife and farmer’s health. It’s grown without toxic chemical pesticides, uses more sustainable farming practice and produces up to 94% less greenhouse gas emissions. It’s also important to note that organic cotton is produced without GMO.

Plastics

We, as consumers, are becoming increasingly aware of the amount of plastic we use in our daily lives. Tampons, pads and liners generate more than 200,000 tonnes of waste per year. So, it’s super important to consider what is in the products you’re using.

Some conventional pads were recently found to be around 90% plastic. This includes plastic packaging, wraps, backings and polypropylene/polyethylene in the actual pads. This amount of plastic has a big impact on the environment. Plastic takes 400-1000 years to degrade. This means that every single pad that you, your mum and your grandma have ever used is STILL in landfill. When you put it like that, it’s pretty shocking!

This heavy use of plastic can also increase discomfort and irritation during your period. Plastic is not breathable and is certainly not soft against the delicate vaginal area. The plastic in pads can also trap heat and bacteria, potentially leading to infection, irritation and itching.

BPA can be also found in many plastics. This is an endocrine-disrupting chemical and can disrupt your hormonal balance. Unbalanced hormones can lead to PMS symptoms such as mood swings and cravings.

When you use organic cotton pads, there is no plastic against your skin. They are often wrapped and packaged in eco-friendly alternative materials such as bio-film, paper and cardboard. Using organic cotton pads helps you significantly reduce the amount of plastic you send to landfill on your period.

Health

Fragrance

Many conventional pads contain fragrance, deodorants and perfumes, marketed with the idea that this will leave you feeling ‘fresher’. However, fragrance is a chemical and can cause itching, irritation and soreness. Not only this, but fragrance can alter the vaginal pH balance. This increases the likelihood of you developing infections, UTIs and bacterial vaginosis. Organic cotton pads don’t contain fragrance, perfume or deodorant, which keeps the skin free from irritation. You can find out more about fragrance in period care here.

Organic cotton is naturally soft and breathable. Anecdotally many of our customers tell us they feel fresh and comfortable using organic cotton pads – no fragrance required.

Superabsorbents

Conventional pads can also contain superabsorbents. Sodium polyacrylate is one of these super absorbent compounds. It is known to absorb hundreds of times its own weight. This polymer is said to be “highly toxic when inhaled or ingested, causing damage to your eyes, skin and lungs.” Not something you want near one of the most sensitive parts of your body, right? Organic cotton pads do not contain superabsorbents. However, this doesn’t affect the performance. Organic cotton is naturally absorbent. The absorbencies for organic cotton products are in line with industry standards.

Chlorine bleach

Some conventional pads have also been found to contain chlorine bleach. Bleaching creates dioxins as a by-product. Dioxins are a health concern, often linked to Endometriosis. Organic cotton products are sterilised without the use of chlorine bleach, so are again kinder to your vagina!

Gynaecologist opinion

Our consultant gynaecologist, Ms Anne Henderson explains that organic cotton period care products “have a natural softness which is not present in synthetic fabric. It is extremely comfortable to wear in the delicate vaginal and vulval areas. Organic cotton is both highly absorbent and breathable and keeps the delicate skin drier and free from irritation than synthetic alternatives”.

We hope this blog has been informative! Wondering whether you actually feel a difference after switching? You can read our customer #SwitchStories here. Shop our organic cotton pads here.

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