Ecological alternatives to disposable sanitary protection
Today, more and more of us are sensitive to the future of our beautiful planet and almost everywhere we see “zero waste” initiatives flourishing in all spheres of our lives: bulk food and household products, handmade cosmetics. -home, recycled clothes, etc. So obviously our rules couldn't escape it.
Did you know that a woman uses approximately 10 to 15,000 menstrual products in her lifetime (pads, tampons and packaging combined)? and that more than 45 billion sanitary napkins are thrown away each year around the world? It is also estimated that it takes nearly 500 years for a towel to degrade, the same time as a plastic bottle. This makes the sanitary protection industry one of the most polluting in the world (not counting the chemicals and often toxic products found inside...).
So, what if we changed things by reducing our waste even during our periods? whether you are more of a tampon or more of a towel, there are alternatives suited to each.
Rather buffer?
If you are more of a buffer, here are the options available to you:
1. The biodegradable tampon
To make a smooth transition, the organic tampon closely resembles its cousin, the classic tampon. However, unlike the mixtures of natural and synthetic materials commonly used, this one is made of 100% organic cotton. It is easily found in organic stores and as it is biodegradable, it deteriorates in 1 to 5 months. You can therefore after use put it in the compost in your garden instead of throwing it in the trash.
2. The cup or menstrual cup
The cup is a hygienic protection that works in the same way as a tampon, namely that it is placed in the vagina and retains the menstrual flow. The interests of the cup are multiple:
- You can only have one and keep it for 5 to 10 years, which will save you a lot of money.
- It does not disrupt the vaginal flora. Unlike absorbent tampons, the cup serves as a receptacle for blood and does not absorb our good bacteria necessary for our balance.
- As we are all different, you can choose its size depending on whether you are a young woman or a woman who has already had children.
After taking the right hand to place and remove it, the cup is an excellent zero waste alternative.
Or rather sanitary napkin?
If you are more of a towel type, here are the options available to you:
1. The washable sanitary napkin
Often made from cotton, the washable sanitary napkin clips onto your panties. This washable protection is easy to use and does not contain any allergenic or toxic chemicals. As a result, you do not risk having unwanted itching as might have been the case with your old disposable towels. Plus, a not least advantage, you can reuse them endlessly (or at least until they wear out!).
2. Menstrual panties or period panties
Here, nothing could be simpler and it’s the one we prefer. Simply put on your menstrual panties to be protected for up to 12 hours. Almost identical to classic panties, very thin, you no longer even feel like you're on your period. Magic ? no, it is simply made from ultra innovative materials that absorb your flow like a sanitary napkin but without the disadvantages (leaks, feeling of humidity, odors, etc.).
High-performance, comfortable & ecological, menstrual panties have it all!
And if none of this works for you, you can always experience the free instinctive flow of controlling the flow of your flow!
By Flora.
