Plastic Free Periods

19th – 25th October 2020 is #EnvironmenstrualWeek and we have shared some posts from Surfers Against Sewage about period products.

Here we are going to show you what some of the alternatives are to help you decide how you can make the change from plastic period products to plastic free alternatives.

Please note that we do not endorse any specific products, many brands of each of the examples below are available and we encourage you to do your own research into what would be best for you.

Have a look in our local zero waste stores as they may stock some of these items.

At the time of writing, if you sign up at the Environmenstrual Week website you can get some discount vouchers to help you try out products.

https://www.wen.org.uk/environmenstrualweek/

Here are a couple of alternatives to plastic pads. Using non-plastic pads may reduce contact with chlorine bleaches, synthetics and superabsorbents made from petrochemicals.

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NatraCare are plastic free, perfume free and chlorine free and have an organic cotton cover. They are biodegradable and there are several different options to suit different people.

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These are reusable sanitary pads. They come in a box of 6 and have a waterproof pouch.They have wings with poppers to secure them to your underwear and, like plastic pads, come in a range of styles.

These pads can be washed, dried and re-used. They are toxin free, eco-friendly and the packaging is made from 100% recycled paper. They have a waterproof outer layer, absorbency layers and a layer of soft bamboo.

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These tampons are made with certified organic cotton and contain no artificial absorbents, harmful chemicals or fragrances.

They are non-applicator and come in different sizes.

There is also an option for a reusable tampon applicator, if you prefer to use one. You can find out more at this website:

https://wearedame.co/

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These are period pants, they have reusable pads as part of the product and can be washed, dried and re-used.

You can wear them on their own for those light days or you can combine them with pads for extra protection.

These come in a bag of 5 and can be machine washed. The absorbency of these is light, approximately 2 tampons or 2 liners and they have 4 layers.

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Menstrual cups are flexible and made of silicon or latex rubber. They catch and collect your flow, rather than absorbing it.

You insert the cup like a tampon without an applicator (please follow instructions provided with products or look instructions up online, there are lots of different methods).

These can be washed and re-used and can be left in place for up to 12 hours. Although they can be more expensive, they can last up to 10 years.

There is some more information here and a quiz to help you work out what product would be best for you:

https://putacupinit.com/