For people with periods, finding ways to make your menstrual cycle a bit more eco-friendly is a challenge. There’s a wealth of period products out there to explore and try that go far beyond the traditional tampon, pads and ibuprofen sampler you got in your middle school health class swag bag. Now, there’s several brands of menstrual cups, of re-useable pads, tampon applicators and all-natural remedies that can help keep your period manageable while also loving on the environment.
According to data from Organicup, the average user throws away 125 to 150kg of tampons, pads and applicators in their lifetime. We’re talking 12,000 to 16,000 disposable pads, pantyliners, and tampons — yikes! And, not to mention, the production of these products (with lots of plastic) has an environmental impact all its own.
If you or someone you love is looking to make their time of the month a more earth-friendly experience, check out a few of our picks for eco-friendly period products to keep in your bathroom. Your uterus and mother earth will appreciate it!
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GladRags Cloth Day Pad
Are you are someone who loves your pads during your period, but are worried about adding to landfills? There’s now a whole new generation of reusable cloth pads on the market that you can wash and wear again and again. Gladrags are a funky cool brand with a variety of sizes, styles and patterns to choose from.
Thinx Re.t.a
If you still are pretty attached to your favorite tampon brand but want to reduce the plastic waste, a reusable tamopon applicator might be your new best friend. This one fromn Thinx is sleek, easy to clean and is made from medical grade materials that you know are safe.
Lunette Cup
The cool older sister of your regular tampon, menstrual cups are an easy (and easy to clean) reusable product that’s vegan, can be worn for 12 hours and is made of medical grade sillicone.
Veeda Natural Cotton Tampons
From mom, actress and musician Hilary Duff, Veeda is a brand of all-natural menstrual care products designed to lessen the enviromental, bodily impact of period products. With options for products without applicators and all made with all-natural cotton, no chemicals, synthetics or dyes, you can trust putting these things in your body without anxiety.
Thinx High-Waisted Period-Proof Underwear
Wearable period products are all the rage for folks looking to move confidently and comfortably through the world without fear of leaking or extra panicky bathroom checks. Holding up to two regular tampons worth of menstrual blood, these undies (that are actually pretty dang cute) are a safe BFF for your period.
Nixit
A plastic-free cup with a circular shape, this cup offers 12 hours of protection (roughly 4 super tampons worth of flow) and can be used again and again. It’s also pretty cute, NGL.
Flex Menstrual Disc
Sort of a cousin to your menstrual cup, the flex disc is a longwear disposable that are made from vegan, medical-grade and body-safe materials without rubber latex, BPA or pthalates. They last long enough to reduce 60 percent of the waste from other disposables — not too shabby!
NED Natural Cycle Monthly Kit
A kit made up of NED’s high quality CBD products designed to combat every Not-So-Great moment your mentrual cycle throws at you. It includes their hormone balance and energize blends and period ease and soothe blends.
Livia
A useful one for people who might benefit from using TENS (Transcutaneous electrical nerve stimulation) therapy to combat menstrual cramps, Livia is a cute tiny TENS machine that stimulates the nerves in the areas you get your cramps.
I was a bit skeptical when I tried out Livia last year during a particularly rough patch of cramps, but found the sensation did a lot to take my mind off the pain. Not quite an “off-switch,” but I definitely felt relief.
Note, there were customers reporting issues with Livia’s return policy back in September. So be sure that it’s a product you’re into and willing to invest in before taking the plunge.
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