- Switch to natural, biodegradable period products:
- Organic tampons: Instead of being made of plastic, these tampons are made out of organic cotton or natural bamboo, which can be composted. This option either has no plastic applicator, or applicators made from non-toxic or plant-based materials!
- Menstrual cups: Menstrual cups are similar to tampons in that they are inserted into a vagina and then removed with a small cord, but that’s generally where the resemblance ends. Unlike tampons, menstrual cups don’t absorb blood but instead act as a levee until the wearer can hygienically remove it and dispose of the blood. These menstrual cups are made of medical grade silicone, which can be easily recycled.
- Period pants: worn like regular underwear, period pants are made of natural fibers such as cotton, bamboo, synthetic fibers. Period pants often absorb up to 8 tampons and the best way to eliminate pads and tampons from your regular routine.
- If you don’t want to buy organic or reusable menstrual items, you can make other changes
- For instance, purchase tampons that come in paper wrappers versus plastic
- Period apps like Clue are great for predicting exactly when your period is coming to town and how long it’s going to last. This helps cut out that guessing game so you don’t waste products by wearing them too early.
- Try reusable tampon applicators. Put the cotton tampon in the applicator and use it to insert the tampon, just like with a disposable applicator. Then rinse, dry, and reuse.
- When buying disposable pads, look for non-chlorine bleached pads and tampons that are made with organic cotton and without harmful chemicals.
- Support the fight to end period poverty.
- Period poverty is a global issue affecting menstruators around the world who have limited access to hygienic products, as well as education on the stigmas around periods. Putting an end to period poverty will not only help with human rights, but it will also raise awareness for the need of accessible, sustainable menstrual care products and practices.
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