Sep 2020: Plastic-Free Periods
- Kaili Brande
- Sep 16, 2020
- 5 min read
Updated: Jan 8, 2022
Hello all! Welcome back to the blog. I hope that the transition from end of summer to early fall is going well for you. Today we’re covering a topic that applies all year-round: menstrual periods! While some of you may be thinking, “this no longer applies to me”, it is very likely that your partner, your family members, or even some of your friends could benefit from this information! Additionally, while it could be considered an uncomfortable topic for some, it’s a relatively normal phenomenon; after all, approximately half of the entire world’s population experiences this during some period in their lives!
Given this common occurrence, periods also have the potential to create A LOT of waste. Many people throughout the world use either pads or tampons, which both typically contain a high proportion of plastic. This is especially the case with tampons that have a plastic applicator. And because of the nature of most period products (can only be used once), this plastic becomes single-use plastic: the Public Enemy Number One of sustainability! 😉
One estimate states that the average person will throw out approximately 300 pounds of period products during their lifetime. And if pads are often made of up to 90% plastic (whoa), and most tampons contain plastic (not just the applicator, even the tampon itself) (also whoa), then that’s a lot of plastic being buried in the landfill. And as many of us know, most plastics take hundreds of years to decompose (i.e. 500-800 years). Ever accumulating waste from the period products of millions (if not billions) of people is definitely not great for environmental health.
We’re not the first ones to notice this very unsustainable issue. A few years ago, a campaign for an “Environmenstrual Week” was created by British, women-led, environmental justice organization “Wen.” Environmenstrual Week, which aims to promote more sustainable period products and make products more accessible to all, happens in October, so we’re just one month ahead! Click here to check out the toolkit for people who want to participate or get involved! They’re also on Instagram @environmenstrual.
Even though periods are an inevitable part of life for many of us, period care doesn’t have to be an unsustainable practice! While there are many sources of bathroom waste that are simply unavoidable as human beings, period-related waste can easily be avoided with the right products. There are many alternatives to traditional or well-known products on the market these days, which can help us (as consumers) to cut down unnecessary personal waste, and become more sustainable human beings! Below we cover three categories of products that are great replacements for single-use-plastic-filled tampons and pads.
Menstrual cups are often the most prized alternative to single-use period products. They not only cut down considerable waste, but they also save you money. Although the upfront cost can be higher than a single box of tampons (for example, a $15 menstrual cup instead of a $7 box of tampons), the single box is likely only to last two months, while the menstrual cup lasts about 2-4 years (or up to 10 by some estimates). Thereby, when you factor in time, savings can become massive: one estimate calculates that a lifetime supply of tampons could cost $1,035, while a lifetime supply of menstrual cups could cost $360. This is even more disconcerting given the fact that tampons are still taxed as a “luxury” (“non-necessary”) item in most states in the U.S., even though caring for one’s period seems pretty necessary. Therefore, menstrual cups are one of the most economical and sustainable choices on the market!
If one is unfamiliar with the way to insert the menstrual cup, the box (or company website) will provide instructions. The box or website will also provide instructions on how to clean your cup. Typically, you empty any contents into the toilet or sink, then can give it a quick rinse in the sink before re-inserting. Finally, at the end of each period, it is recommended that you sterilize your cup by boiling it in a pot of water for several minutes. Then, once dry, store it in its original carrying case and it’s ready for your next period!
In order to promote sustainability in a university setting, students and staff at Cal State Northridge (CSUN) and Cal State San Marcos (CSUSM) started awesome new initiatives that educate students about the benefits of utilizing menstrual cups, promote more open dialogue, and even distribute free cups! I hope this sort of program spreads to other colleges and universities (including my own)!
Next up, reusable pads are a wonderful option that can be used instead of (or as a complement to) the menstrual cup (or tampons). Many have Velcro or snap buttons on the sides to help secure the pad in place. They are usually two-sided, and when you’re done using it you can simply throw it in with your normal laundry load! They’ll come out fresh again and ready for your next period. Pro tip: I’ve found that you usually need to invest in a couple since you obviously can’t use one over the entire week of your period without having to wash it constantly. Reusable pads, like the menstrual cup, are no trivial investment, but over time they will save you money too. Therefore, I have been buying an additional pad incrementally to add to my “collection” so eventually, I will be covered throughout the entire period week, and will never need to buy “emergency” single-use, plastic-laden pads again! Sorry Always, you’ll no longer be “padding” up my waste bin. 😉
Finally, sometimes using a menstrual cup or reusable pad is not an option or is highly unsatisfactory: for example, when you are camping and have limited access to a sink with running water (where you could keep your menstrual cup sanitary). Or simply you are traveling and have forgotten to take your cup or reusable pads with you! In these cases, the most sustainable option is to opt for a tampon with minimal plastic use, i.e. that doesn’t use a plastic applicator for insertion. Tampons without applicators have actually outsold tampons with applicators for decades in countries outside of the U.S. The company “o.b.” has been using this design for years, and estimates that its design creates 58 percent less waste! I am personally a fan of these tampons when in a pinch. And not to worry, inserting a tampon without an applicator is honestly easy.
Another unique idea that is new to the market is a reusable tampon applicator, like the one “Dame” offers. I don’t know anyone who has tried this, but it could be a similarly sustainable option if using disposable tampons is necessary!
Many of these wonderful products above can be found at the website of one of my favorite sustainable businesses, Package Free Shop! Furthermore, while there are many brands of menstrual cups on the market, Kind Cup is an up-and-coming, locally-based company (made in California!) that makes high-quality silicone menstrual cups. Their cups are also unique because they have an ergonomic fit that most other brands don’t provide. Furthermore, the company has prioritized sustainability and transparency since day one. What’s not to love?
For readers of The Sustainable Millennial blog, Kind Cup has offered a special discount of 15% off your order! Hooray! Check out their product here, and enter the code SUSTAINABLE at checkout. Hurry, as this code lasts only a couple weeks just for us! 😊
As with many of our bathroom essentials, period products don’t have to be an exception to the rule when it comes to sustainability. Making one (or several) of the above switches can not only drastically reduce your consumption of single-use plastic, it also helps you save money (and save you trips to the convenience store)! With every small choice we make, over time, our impact on earth’s resources can be reduced and our positive impact can become larger and larger. After all, a heaping pile of more plastic waste isn't going to help solve climate change! Who’s ready to make periods more plastic-free with me? Comment below with the next period product YOU want to try! 😊
Nice information! Visit Tampon Tribe we elevate women self-care with organic feminine hygiene products to achieve natural feminine wellness with our range of organic pads & tampons.