So obviously no one really likes getting their period. Let’s face it, except for when you jump for joy when you get it because you realize you aren’t pregnant when you don’t want to be, periods kinda suck.
I especially don’t like them because I turn into the absolute worst person in the world when I get my period, my ex can attest to that…
On top of that, periods can be SO insanely wasteful.
The average person who menstruates will get their period about 450 times in their lifetime and will throw out 250 to 300 pounds of tampons, applicators, pads, wrappers, and other trash during that time. Did you know, one menstrual pad is equal to 4 plastic bags! That’s some serious unsanitary waste.
“So how can you have a Zero Waste period?”
I used to go through a box of Organic cotton tampons per month. And don’t get me wrong, Organic tamps and pads are still better than non-organic ones (I don’t want pesticides in my hoo-ha), but now I know of two better, less wasteful options: menstrual cups, reusable pads, and period proof underwear.
Menstrual cups
A menstrual cup is a medical-grade silicone cup that you insert into your vajay-jay, where it collects blood throughout the day. You only have to empty it once or twice per day into the toilet, rinse it with natural soap, and then re-insert. I usually clean mine in the morning and insert it right before work, then once again when I got home, and then a final time before bed. But there was a night when I kept it in all day until bedtime and it was absolutely fine, no leakage whatsoever! Another great part is unlike tampons, you don’t have to remove it every time you go to the bathroom, it just stays put!! To remove you just tug on the little silicone “string” at the end and it comes right out. Disclaimer: There is a weird suction cup sound that happens when you do this, which was pretty funny and weird at first, but you get used to it.
Best of all? 1 menstrual cup can last you over a decade, which not only helps you saves so much plastic (aka 250 plastic pads or tampons worth of plastic a year!), but it also saves you money—and a lot of it.
Let’s look at the economics of a menstrual cup vs Organic tampons…
Menstrual cups are a one-time $40 investment, that will last you 10-15 years. A box of Organic cotton tampons is roughly $7, and I would usually buy 2 boxes per month. That meant that I was spending $14.00 every month on tampons. Aka, after THREE MONTHS, a menstrual cup would pay for itself! And since 1 menstrual cup will last you 10 years, that’s $39.99 vs $1,680 ($14.00/month x 10 years) which is a net savings of $1,640!
So let me make this short and sweet: Menstrual cup good. Buy it. Use it. Your life will be easier, periods will be less gross, and life will be a lot less wasteful.
Reusable Pads
If you prefer the feeling of pads, Organic cotton reusable pads are an amazing option. They’re free of plastics, artificial fragrances, adhesives, and chemical gels, and they keep disposable pads out of landfills.
They work the same way as a conventional pad but can be washed and reused time and time again. When it comes to clean it, simply separate the Pad from the holder and soak it in cold water, which helps prevent staining. Either hand wash or machine wash on cold, using a natural detergent and tumble dry low or line dry. Do not use bleach or use fabric softeners—as you don’t want these chemicals down there. Store them flat to eliminate wrinkling or use a cool iron.
Period Proof Underwear
This underwear, designed by Thinx, has an absorbent core that holds up to two regular tampons worth (18 ml) and is great for light to moderate menstruation days!
Simply wear and then machine wash in cold water on delicate. They can also be washed with the rest of your laundry on a delicate cycle (yes, your other clothing will be fine!). But again, same as the reusable pads, don’t not use bleach or fabric softener on these. Hang dry.
Point blank: Menstrual cups, reusable pads, and period proof underwear are better for your body and the earth. You’re welcome. Check out all of our Package Free Zero Waste period products here!
