Eco-Friendly Period Protection
It’s not every day you write about Period Protection! But if there was ever a good time to look at Eco-Friendly Period Protection, then this is as good a time as any!
Did you know each woman uses approximately 11,000-16,000 pads or tampons in their lifetime! And for many years the common options were pads and tampons made up of plastics, containing chemicals and fragrances.
To make it worse large amounts of sewage-related sanitary debris has been found on British beaches – including hundreds of menstrual pads, tampons and applicators. This problem inspired City to Sea, a group fighting ocean pollution to start a #PlasticFreePeriod campaign.
Now for some good news! There are some great reusable Period Protection options available and it’s easy to find something that will suit you.
So grab a cuppa and enjoy the wonderful world of Eco-Friendly Period Protection!
Period Pants
This is a swap I NEVER thought I would make. To be honest, the idea at first grossed me out! However, after a little more research I came round to the idea of trying eco-friendly period protection. I opted for Period Pants and surprisingly this is one of my favourite swaps I have made to a more sustainable life.
Cheeky Wipes Pants
I decided to give Cheeky Wipes Period Pants a try after being so impressed by their Reusable Baby Wipes.
Amazingly they aren’t gross, I’ve had no leaks and they are easy to clean! I forget I am wearing them because they are just like normal pants!
I also liked that Cheeky Wipes offer a 45-day money-back guarantee on Period Pants that allows you to return 1 worn pair and all unworn if you decide they’re not for you.
Check out Cheeky Wipes Period Pants here.
I really wasn’t sure which style, size or how many to buy. However, Cheeky Wipes offer a ‘reusable period protection advice questionnaire’. They ask for information like your normal knicker size, how heavy your periods are, how often you put a wash on etc. They then email you back with recommendations of what and how many to buy. I used this service and it was so helpful to get a little tailored advice.
I purchased 6 pairs of the ‘Feeling Sporty’ Period Pants with 4-layer absorbency. (They hold up to 2.5 tampons) They are amazing! Somehow even though they are thin, they are absorbent. I only need to wear one pair throughout the day and change them morning and evening (usage varies depending on your flow). When you change them, its a bit like magic. I have no idea where all the blood goes! My mind is blown!
For more advice on Period Pants check out Cheeky Wipes here.
Modibodi Period Pants
Another brand of Period Pants I’ve heard great things about is Modibodi.
Modibodi’s products do cost more than Cheeky Wipes. However, they do have a wider range of styles and colours and 3 different levels of absorbency from light to heavy/overnight.
Modibodi also has a range of pants for bladder leaks and incontinence. They also have swimwear!
Reusable Pads
There are loads of Reusable Pads available and in a variety of designs and patterns. My advice is to choose a darker colour!
I bought one reusable pad from Cheeky Wipes to try out. It was surprisingly comfortable and much more so than my disposable pads. The poppers to keep the pad securely in place are great.
Cheeky Wipes options can include a box to store used pads in before you wash them or a zipped wash bag which helps to make them more convenient and easy to manage.
If I hadn’t been so keen on their Period Pants I would have probably bought more. However, for me, I just love the Period Pants!
How do you wash reusable Period Pants and Pads?
The advice is to rinse or soak in cold water to stop stains setting, then put in your next wash at 30. I put them in with my normal dark wash and they came out completely fine.
The Mooncup Menstrual Cup
I’m noticing more and more women opting for Mooncups and raving about them. This is a particularly good swap if you like tampons, so I can understand why.
I haven’t tried one as I was never a big fan of tampons. However, the feedback from users is very positive and the advice is to persist for about 3 cycles as they do take time to get used to. Maybe one day I will give it a go!
You only need one Mooncup, which lasts for years. Unlike tampons, the Mooncup won’t expose your body to pesticides or bleaches, leave fibres behind or dry you out. And because there’s no string, the Mooncup is completely discreet, whatever you’re wearing. Ideal for travelling, swimming, and exercise.
They come in two sizes based on age and whether you have had a baby through vaginal birth. The soft medical grade silicone Mooncup holds three times as much as a tampon, making it great for heavy days. And, because it’s non-absorbent, it won’t cause dryness when your period’s light.
Size B is recommended for women who have not given birth or who have given birth by caesarean, and are aged below 30.
The Mooncup is worn internally, lower than a tampon, and collects rather than absorbs your menstrual fluid. It is folded and inserted into the vagina and opens up once it’s inside. You will need to remove and empty the Mooncup every 4 to 8 hours depending on your flow. The Mooncup is then simply rinsed out or wiped, and reinserted. It can be cleaned more thoroughly between periods.
Alternative Eco-Friendly Period Protection Options
If you are certain you don’t want to switch to reusable, then take a look at organic, plastic-free disposable sanitary products. Check out Natracare Organic tampons and sanitary pads.
Natracare offers a wide range of disposable options that are free of plastic, perfume and chlorine, whilst also made with organic cotton.
Click here to view the full range at Big Green Smile.
Check out Natracare Pads here (Amazon).
Check out Natracare Tampons here (Amazon).
Check out our other categories for more great swaps and options.
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