Breaking Up With Disposable Period Products
You wake up and the sun is shining. You get out of bed, start making your coffee and think about how good a day it is going to be. Then… you feel it. It’s subtle; you can’t really describe it, but somehow you know exactly what it is. You take a deep breath, take a sip of coffee, and get ready to deal with another period.
Most people will grab their trusted pad or tampon without a second thought. Others might reach for one of their reusable products. Why would people switch to reusable period products? Unfortunately, the period products we are accustomed to are far from environmentally friendly. Disposable period care products and their packaging are estimated to generate more than 200,000 tonnes of waste per year. Often the packaging is entirely plastic; pads alone are 90% plastic and there is even plastic inside of tampons! It is estimated that menstruators will use anywhere between 5,000 to 15,000 period care products in their life. It is clear that disposable products are not the most eco-friendly option.
Menstruation sucks! It is important to remember that the onus should not be on menstruators to save the environment. If you are happy with your period care routine, that’s great! It is already an uncomfortable time, and it should not be made worse. No one should be pressured to switch or feel guilty about their use of disposable products, and there are many other ways to do your part to be green. If you are, however, interested in switching, stay tuned for the pros and cons of some of the more popular products.
Menstrual Cups
What it is and how to use it:
Menstrual cups are little silicone cups (crazy, right?) that can be inserted directly into the vagina and will form a seal to catch all of the blood. There are many in-depth explanations on how to use them. Generally, after washing it with water, you fold the cup and insert it into your vagina. You can then grab the base of the cup and rotate it to make sure it has unfolded. To take it out, wash your hands, then make sure to be seated over a toilet or bathtub. Pinch the cup to break the seal, then gently pull it out and dump the contents. Rinse the cup between each use, then at the end of your period, thoroughly clean it by boiling it for 3-5 minutes. Admittedly, this seems like a lot of work, but it gets easier with practice! I would recommend practicing insertion and removal before using it during your period. Each menstrual cup can last for several years with proper care! The cup should be replaced when you notice a foul odor or heavy staining among other things.
Some popular brands that sell menstrual cups are DivaCup, Saalt Soft Menstrual Cups, Organicup and Period Aisle. Prices tend to vary from $30-$50 CAD, but are a very infrequent purchase!
Pros:
It can be worn for up to 12 hours!
It can hold more liquid than 3 super tampons.
There are different sizes and stiffnesses available, so it can work for everyone’s vagina.
Cons:
Insertion and removal process is a learning curve, and takes several period cycles to adjust.
Can be uncomfortable to change in public restrooms, although it does not need to be changed nearly as often as tampons. .
There are many things that they cannot be cleaned with, including scented/fragranced soap and vinegar.
Reusable Pads and Liners
What it is and how to use it:
Reusable pads are great if you’re a pad user and are looking for a more eco-friendly option! These pads work similarly to disposable pads, but after use they are rinsed and then tossed in the laundry for your regular wash and dry cycle. . One difference with reusable pads is that instead of the wings sticking to your underwear, they often have clips that fasten around it. Reusable pads from the brand Hannah Pad can be used 120 times before needing to be replaced, and they can be composted after they have been totally used!
Some brands that sell reusable pads and liners include Hannah Pad and Period Aisle. Prices vary between $15-$40 CAD!
Pros:
Depending on size, can hold up to 4 tampons worth of fluid.
Very comfortable and easy switch from disposable products.
Many different sizes available.
Cons:
Must have access to a washing machine to thoroughly clean.
There is an adjustment to the feeling as they are slightly thicker than regular pads.
Period underwear
What it is and how to use it:
Period underwear is extremely absorbent underwear that acts in the same way as a pad, while looking like regular underwear. The material keeps you dry, controls odor, and is super absorbent. A benefit to reusable underwear is that they also come in many styles: including boxers for men who menstruate or anyone else who does not wear women’s underwear. There is also period clothing available for every occasion! The clothing includes running shorts, bodysuits and even postpartum pieces.
Brands that sell reusable pads and liners include Thinx, Knix and Aisle. Prices of underwear vary between $40-$60 CAD, while clothing items can be more expensive.
Pros:
Holds up to 5 tampons worth of fluid!
Comes in many styles of underwear and clothing, which can be great on its own or in conjunction with period care products!
Very easy switch from disposable products.
Cons:
Some complaints about the fit of the underwear.
People with very heavy flows have complained about leaks.
Like the reusable pads, they must be washed
Eco-friendly Tampons
What it is and how to use it:
These are a great option for people who prefer using tampons! There are many eco-friendly options; including getting a reusable applicator or using applicator free tampons. While applicator free tampons can be slightly more difficult to insert, they are compostable, making them a great alternative. Also, a reusable applicator can be used with applicator free tampons! You simply insert the tampons into the reusable applicator and insert into your vagina the same way you would any other tampon. Reusable applicators are designed to last for a lifetime with proper care! A huge benefit to eco-friendly tampons is that they tend not to have the chemicals that regular tampons are treated with. It is important to be selective of what enters a vagina, so organic tampons are a great option.
Reusable applicators and organic applicator-free tampons can be bought from the brand Dame, which also has a tampon subscription program! Prices for an applicator are around $40 CAD.
Pros:
Reusable applicator is a one time purchase!
Very easy switch from disposable products.
Applicator free tampons are often cheaper than other tampons.
Cons:
Applicator free tampons can be trickier to insert.
Monthly purchase of tampons.
Periods can be incredibly personal and painful. As I’m sure you’ve been told, period pain should not be debilitating so if it is for you, go get checked out by a doctor. There is no one right way to take care of yourself during your period. If you have a personal care routine that involves disposable products and you’re not comfortable changing it, there is no pressure! It is amazing that you have found a routine that works for you. If you’re open to switching, however, you will be spending less money and producing significantly less waste. You may even find yourself questioning how you’ve ever used anything else!
Edits and Contributions by: Amrita Sandhu
