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.
