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Sustainable Period Solutions
More economical and environmentally friendly products
I never liked getting my period. There were the cramps, the bloating, the pain, and the fatigue. It was worst through college, then it got easier, but it was never pleasant.
In addition to the physical symptoms, there was the inconvenience and expense of needing feminine protection products.
Additionally, tampons and pads are not great for the environment and can sometimes adversely affect women’s health. For example, because tampons are bleached, they can irritate some women. And every time we dispose of our pads, we are adding to landfills.
Are there healthier and less environmentally toxic options? Here are a few I’ve heard of. Feel free to comment if you know of others.
Menstrual Cup
Unless you are allergic to silicone, this might be one of the best alternatives. It’s leak-proof and secure once you get the insertion technique down, which won’t take long to get the hang of. The device, which is made of medical-grade silicone, holds more than a tampon and you can leave it in place for up to 12 hours.
It’s also comfortable and easy to clean and re-use. Friends who use these have told me that they can last for years if you take good care of them…
