Half the (younger) population menstrual each month, and it’s a natural process. But the products sold to deal with periods are not, with most containing chlorine bleach, plastic and wrapped in plastic packaging (tampons with rayon fibres also can cause a higher chance of the occasionally fatal condition of toxic shock syndrome).
Ecoboom feminine pads are sold in all sizes, and made from soft bamboo (the world’s fastest-growing grass) so great for sensitive skin.
Never flush feminine care items down the loo (not even natural ones). They are too thick, and block drains and cause fatbergs. Just securely wrap used items in the packaging they come in, and bin.
Never use tampons (or menstrual cups) until at least 8 weeks after childbirth.
Did you know that tampons are one of the top 10 beach litter items in England? Some brands are even tested on animals, it doesn’t bear thinking about.
Back in the 1930s, there were no plastic products around, so people would use reusable pads or latex menstrual cups. Today, things have moved on.
No matter what your preference, you can now choose from organic disposable towels and tampons (no chlorine or plastic), or invest in reusable washable menstrual pads and ‘period pants’ or modern menstrual cups (made from medical-grade silicone). Let’s take a look at all the options, to help you decide.
Organic Disposable Pads & Tampons
In today’s modern world, these are by far the most popular, so let’s start with them. Increasingly sold in stores, you usually get better deals if you subscribe online, for regular orders. These work just like conventional brands, but they are free from chlorine bleach (so may be ‘cream’ rather than bright-white) and are also sold in cardboard boxes, over plastic packaging.
Modern brands like &Sisters are good, with leakproof designs and ‘wings’, and sold in different strengths for day or night time use, plus panty liners (also suitable for light incontinence).
The ‘good news icky information’ bit is that because plastic causes condensation, sometimes the liquid you think is blood, is more ‘blood mixed with water’. So you should find that these pads are not just more comfortable, but you find that you don’t bleed as much as you think you did.
Grace & Green offers a nice range of organic cotton pads and tampons in cardboard boxes, plus bamboo liners and a menstrual cup.
Medical-Grade Silicone Menstrual Cups
These tampon alternatives are made from medical-grade silicone. It’s a one-time purchase that should last years. Sold in 2 or 3 sizes (depending on age and childbirth history), you simply trim the end, then follow instructions to fit.
Unlike tampons that absorb liquid, menstrual cups collect it, so don’t deposit fibres inside your body, and have less chance of toxic shock syndrome. Just like tampons, you empty a few times a day, rinse and then deep-clean monthly.
DAME Menstrual Cup is one good brand. Powered by biocide-free Saniconcentrates™, this means you can just rinse, wipe and reuse (no need to boil or sanitise between uses). It includes a cotton storage bag and digital use guide. Read answers to menstrual cup questions.
The Nudie Period Cup features air-release holes and an easy-to-hold Pebble pull, for hassle-free removal. Super easy to use and clean, each cup includes an organic cotton case bag, when not in use. For public bathrooms, just empty and rinse under the tap, to properly clean when you return home.
Reusable Washable Pads & Period Pants
Reusable pads (sold with their own store-dry bag, above) 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.
Due to both containing a synthetic waterproof backing, launder such items in a microplastic catcher, to stop plastic fibres leaching from washing machines, and going out to sea.
Do not use fabric conditioner (reduces absorbency) nor bleaching agents or tumble driers.
A Reusable Tampon Applicator
If you use organic tampons without applicators (used as they are cheaper), DAME reusable tampon applicator is a good investment, you can buy a set with tampons, then just buy non-applicator tampons thereafter. The beginner set includes a cotton storage pouch and bathroom storage tin.
Just remove the lid, load a tampon, insert the plunger, and push through the petals. Then rinse under running water (or wipe clean and rinse later). Innovative technology keeps the applicator clean, and it’s sold with a free 60-day return option.
This is slightly bigger than most tampon applicators, but that means it works with all sizes of tampons. Made from comfortable materials designed to medical standards, just rinse with cold water (no need to boil), then pop back in its pouch.
The company can also offer tampons for public bathrooms (for business, councils, schools etc) and gives back to period poverty charities.
How to Remove Menstrual Blood Stains
To remove blood stains, rinse immediately with cold water (hot water could set the stain). Allow water to run through the back of the fabric, to help push the blood out. Don’t scrub the area, as this can damage fabric and drive the stain deeper.
Remüvie™ Intimate Stain Remover is made from plant-based ingredients, sold in a recycled ocean plastic bottle. With no bleach, this foam cleanser is perfect to rescue clothes, mattresses and carpets from blood and other stains. Keep away from children and pets.
Where to Find Free Menstrual Care Products
Period poverty is the term used to describe situations where girls and women don’t have enough money to buy menstrual care products.
- &SISTERS offers free period care for those in need. For business and councils, it can create custom and refillable dispensers, plus retail packs of organic pads and tampons.
- PHS has details on how schools can order free feminine care (more than a third of teenage girls have missed school due to not being able to afford period products). Some public libraries also leave out free period care for local girls.
Don’t Send Plastic Disposable Pads 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.
