Zero Waste Feminine Care: Sustainable Choices

On volunteer beach cleans, two of the most common items found are plastic disposable tampons and pads, because they get flushed down loos (which you should never do for eco versions either) and end up in the oceans.

This is a huge industry, but there are many other choices, whether you prefer disposables or wish to try something else. All are better for the planet, better for your health and most work out more affordable long-term.

Never use tampons (or menstrual cups) until at least 8 weeks after childbirth. For stains, use oxygen bleach or Delphis Eco Bio-Based Stain Remover.

Plastic-Free Tampons and Pads

If you prefer disposables, choose organic cotton tampons (no chlorine or rayon, so less chance of toxic shock syndrome – the main risk being not changing items frequently enough) or towels/liners (which can also be used for light incontinence). These are also sold in plastic-free packaging, without dyes or scents.

A Reusable Tampon Applicator

DAME reusable tampon applicator  includes a cotton storage pouch and bathroom storage tin, and you can buy a starter kit that include organic cotton tampons. Just remove the lid, load a tampon, insert the plunger and push through the petals. Then rinse under running water, it works out cheaper than applicator tampons.

The company can also offer tampons for public bathrooms (for business, councils, schools etc) and gives back to period poverty charities.

It also offers organic cotton disposable pads, sold in packs of 10 (with wings, for super-comfort and protection against leaks). These tend to be cooler in hot weather and more comfortable (no uncomfortable sticky plastic!)

Grace & Green Organic Disposables

Grace & Green offers a nice range of organic cotton disposable pads, liners and tampons, in pretty cardboard boxes. Plus it can supply to schools and businesses.

Menstrual Cups

These have been around for 100 years, and used to be made from latex. But today the modern ones are made from medical-grade silicone. They collect (rather than absorb) menstrual fluid, so again are safer, if you change them regularly. And one purchase should last you years.

Still change menstrual cups as often as you would tampons. Do not use menstrual cups (or tampons) for at least 6 weeks after pregnancy or if at risk from toxic shock syndrome. Choose organic pads instead.

The Dame Self-Sanitising Period Cup

Dame Period Cup offers 12 hours of protection, with quick cleaning and easy care, even away from home. It flexes with your body so is comfortable wear, and forms a secure seal.

It’s sold in two sizes, depending on age and childbirth history, and holds around three times more liquid than a tampon. The box includes the cup, plus a digital guide and a cotton storage bag.

This cup is self-sanitising so there is no need to boil between uses. Just rinse and wash with mild soap, dry and then store in the cotton bag.

To use, just wash your hand and relax your pelvic floor, the wet the cup with water.  Press the sides together then fold in half (or one corner down) and insert while squatting. If placed well, you should not be able to feel it. Wash your hands before removing, and pinch the base to break the seal (do not pull from the stem alone).

Mooncup Feminine Care Products

Mooncup (which makes menstrual cups) has recently merged with &Sisters (which makes organic towels and tampons) to create a wonderful new brand.

Offering everything from beginner and standard menstrual cups (complete with ‘cleaning cups’) to organic disposables, available also as retail packs with refillable dispensers for schools and offices

Washable Pads & Period Pants

Reusable pads and period pants work a bit like cloth nappies. You simply wear them, change when needed, then throw in a laundry zip bag, and launder when needed.

But as both have waterproof (synthetic) backing, launder with a microfibre filter, to stop microplastics leaching out of washing machines, and ending up in the oceans. 

Do not use fabric conditioner (reduces absorbency) nor bleaching agents or tumble driers. For stains, use oxygen bleach or Delphis Eco Bio-Based Stain Remover.

Natural Remedies for Period Pain

Many people reach for tablets during their period, but there are gentle, natural ways to reduce pain too. One of the most effective is simply placing a hot water bottle over your (clothed) tummy, for around 30 minutes, for the spasms to subside.

Don’t Send Plastic Disposables to Africa

Don’t support companies that ask you to ‘donate disposables’ to send to African girls and women. Often there are no ways to safely dispose of such items, and pads may be shared due to poverty (not good on a continent ravaged by HIV and AIDS).

Instead, Afripads (made locally from natural materials) are locally made, just as good and provide local jobs and income. This brand stemmed from the first ‘biodegradable pads’, created from a blend of recycled paper and papyrus leaves.

These were invented by Moses, an engineer who ‘couldn’t stop inventing things’. Sent to a village to ask how he could help, two women hit over the head with a (clean) sanitary towel, and told to him to go off and invent something better. So he did!

Moses is no longer with us. But he has left an empowering legacy for African girls and women.