It’s no secret that the period product industry is one of the most polluting, generating 200,000 tonnes of waste a year. Tampon applicators and the leak-proof linings of pads and panty liners contribute heavily to plastic pollution, with the average woman throwing away between 125 to 150kg of tampons and pads (including applicators and packaging) in their lifetimes. The statistics are horrifying, so if you’re looking to make your period routine more sustainable, there are some options. By this point, you’ve probably already heard of menstrual cups, everyone’s first thought when it comes to sustainable or eco-friendly menstrual products. It’s true – they’re great and a safe alternative to your bog-standard pad and tampon, but they can be a little daunting to wrap your head around.
So, if they’re not quite your cup of tea (ha ha), you may feel at a loss. Maybe you’ve never been a tampon person and the thought of a menstrual cup scares you. Or, maybe you’ve tried them and found that they’re just not a good fit for you. Well, fret not – menstrual cups definitely aren’t for everybody, and lucky for you a few bright minds have taken it upon themselves to provide more options for those who just aren’t feeling it. From reusable pads and period panties to biodegradable tampons and pads and even the world’s first reusable tampon applicator – here are 5 brands who are reinventing the sustainable period care game (and where to buy their products).
The Hive
The zero-waste company has garnered quite the reputation in Malaysia and Singapore, offering everything under the sun from food, dental care, skin care, body and bath products and, most importantly, feminine care.
Their reusable sanitary pads are hypoallergenic, breathable and anti-bacterial, while being effective. They come in three different sizes (small, medium and large) and are available in multiple patterns too. To wash them, simply soak and rinse in cold water then put through laundry as usual.
Aisle
Aisle are veterans of the sustainable period game, having launched their first line of modern reusable period products in 1993.
These period panties come in four styles (boxer brief, brief, hipster and bikini) and hold up to four tampons worth of blood and – thanks to their Truetex™ fabric technology – they keep you dry and leak free! The best part – to wash ’em all you have to do is give them a rinse with some cool water, then chuck them into your regular laundry (yes, both wash and dry) with like colours.
Their reusable pads come in three sizes; mini, maxi and super to suit all different flows, and they come in super cute prints! The pad is made of a cotton and spandex top, with a polyester/polyamide core and backed with TPU to make them leak safe.
Dear Kate
The undies come in an array of flattering, uber-feminine styles such as hipster, briefs, thongs, with a large choice of colours and even lace detailing for your tastes! The absorbency depends on the style, with thongs holding 1 light tampons worth and the hipster holding around 2 tampons’ worth. Plus, they also sell activewear and dancewear that keeps you protected from leaks and stains all through your workouts!
Dame ‘D’ reusable tampon applicators
Every year tonnes of plastic tampon applicators end up in the ocean or in landfill. DAME has set out to eliminate this statistic entirely with the first ever reusable tampon applicator. The product is designed for ultimate comfort, medical grade and self-sanitising, meaning that a quick rinse and dry after use will have it good to go again! One purchase will help to save 12,000 disposable applicators from ending up in the ocean – buy the reusable applicator set and receive the reusable applicator, a bathroom tin, 6 cotton tampons and a reusable bag.
Lola
LOLA is feminine care, made by women. The company delivers period and sex essentials straight to your door, with guilt-free sustainable products you can trust.
These cardboard applicator tampons are made of 100% organic cotton, and are gynaecologist-approved and hypoallergenic. They expand width-wise to prevent leaks and come in customisable boxes to suit your cycle.
These biodegradable pads are made of 100% cotton and a plant-based bioplastic free of synthetic fibers, fragrance, dyes, superabsorbent polymers, deodorant and bleach. Plus, they are actually shaped to fit your underwear for a change!
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