When it’s that time of the month, there are many products women have access to nowadays. Feminine product evolution has brought about cloths, sanitary napkins- pads and tampons, reusable silicone cones dubbed DivaCups and washable period underwear. While all of these products have been scientifically crafted to function properly, the question of which option is the most sustainable is on the rise in today’s “Go Green” world. Nearly 20 billion sanitary napkins, tampons, and applicators end up in North American landfills each year. The plastic applicators on tampons require high amount of fossil fuel usage. Let’s take a look at some sustainable feminine products you can find in stores and online!
-
Diva Cups
The most known menstruation cup brand, DivaCup, sell flexible cone-shaped cups that are made of a silicone and latex rubber combination. These cups can provide up to 12 hours of protection, and can be reused! Instead of absorbing, the cup catches the flow to be discarded at the end of the day. No applicator is needed, so there is naturally less waste produced. They are known to be painless and provide total peace of mind. They are also very popular for active women who are on the go. DivaCups come in different sizes and range from $20-25 online and in retailers such as Target. These reusable cups not only save you money, but time- because you don’t have to change it as often as a typical pad or tampon. They also reduce landfill waste!
If you are latex sensitive, there are many different brands of these menstruation cups that are made with hypo-allergenic materials. There are also vegan cups from the Vegan Warehouse that run for $29.99 online.
2. Period Underwear
You have probably seen advertisements for a new type of underwear that women can wear while on their period. These underwear are washable and reusable, making them a more sustainable option than single use feminine products. THINX underwear comes in many different options depending on your style and menstruation flow. After each use and initially rinsing them, you can wash them alone or with your other laundry! THINX advertises the underwear as moisture wicking, odor controlling, super-absorbent, and leak-resistant. One pair of underwear range from $24-40. They also have athletic shorts, leotards, and unitards. Reviews show women loving the material of the underwear and the confidence to not feel restricted during their everyday operations.
3. o.b. tampons
These 100% certified organic cotton tampons are made without the plastic applicator, preventing the normal waste associated with regular tampons. They come in different sizes, just like normal tampons found at CVS or Target. o.b. tampons are free from chlorine, fragrances, and dyes, making them a better option for not only the environment, but you! Reviews show users of o.b. tampons loving the compact size of the packed product and the convenience of not having a typical plastic applicator. They can be purchased in some drugstores and online and range from $6-10 per box, depending on the quantity.
These various options for sustainable feminine products makes it easy for women to feel comfortable and confident while on their period, and go green!