Guide to Eco-friendly periods

The Issue

Disposable menstrual products are slipping under the radar of the plastic-free revolution, helped along by the shocking fact that manufacturers aren’t legally bound to list ingredients on the packaging. But, according to the Women’s Environment Network, your period product of choice could be up to 90% plastic (namely polyethene, polypropylene, and polyester), which is equivalent to four plastic shopping bags in just one pad. Over a lifetime that's a staggering 44,000 bags worth of period-related-plastic-waste per person.

When this waste doesn’t end up in landfills, where research by the Global Sustainability Institute shows it takes around 500-800 years to breaks down, it invades our oceans or is washed up on our shores. The Marine Conservation Society has found that 1.5-2 billion menstrual items are flushed down Britain's toilets each year. Not only does these block sewage systems, but it means that 4.8 pieces of menstrual waste are found per 100 meters of beach cleaned.

Here are some eco-friendly period products that you can use:

1. Reusable pads

From a sustainability point of view as well as a health angle, reusable cloth pads are absolutely safe to use—but not without practicing enough caution.

Whosoever chooses to give them a try, you’ve got to keep the following precautions mentioned by Dr. Bhadauria in mind as well: 

1. Women with blood-borne infections like hepatitis C, HIV, etc. need to be extra careful while storing and washing these napkins.

2. You should change these pads at regular intervals of 6 hours (maximum) to avoid irritation and infection due to the wetness of these pads.

3. Either wash them immediately after using or keep it packed in a plastic bag/ zip-lock bag if immediate washing is not possible.

4. Pre-soak in regular water for 30 minutes followed by hand wash or machine wash using soap or detergent. Clean thoroughly and then dry in direct sunlight/ open air as they act as natural disinfectants.

5. If you’re using home-made pads, ensure that the fabric used is nicely cleaned and hygienic.

2. Reusable Menstrual Cups

The small, flexible cup is made of silicone or latex rubber. Instead of absorbing your flow, like a tampon or pad, it catches and collects it. Just before your period begins, tightly fold the menstrual cup and insert it like a tampon without an applicator. Used correctly, you shouldn't feel it.

It’s eco- and wallet-friendly. A reusable cup that costs $30 to $40 can last up to 10 years. That means less waste in landfills and less money over time. These benefits don’t apply to disposable brands though.

You can leave it in for 12 hours. Tampons need to be changed every 4 to 8 hours, depending on your flow. But cups can stay in longer, so they’re good for overnight protection. And once you get the hang of inserting it, there’s no need to wear a backup pad or liner.

How to use a menstrual cup

Insertion

Wash Remember to wash your hands using clean water and mild soap, such as OrganiWash, before inserting it.

Fold There are many different folding methods so experiment and find the one that works for you.  Two of the most popular are- The Punch-Down Fold and the C-Fold.  When you’re inserting your menstrual cup, you need to keep it folded until it is inside of your vagina.

Relax It’s important to relax your muscles when inserting your menstrual cup, so find a comfortable position. 

You can lie down, squat, sit on the toilet, or simply stand up.

Insert and release Insert the folded menstrual cup and once the entire cup is inside of you, remove your fingers and let it open up.

If the menstrual cup has been inserted correctly, you might hear a “pop” or a suction sound which means that the cup has unfolded and created the necessary suction seal.

If you’re in doubt, reach in and feel around the base of the cup – it should feel round or oval and not have any noticeable folds.

One of the benefits of using a menstrual cup is that you can use it for up to 12 hours at a time so once inserted you can leave your cup in all day and night. 

Depending on how heavy your flow is, you may have to empty it more often than twice a day.

Removal

Wash Again, start out by washing your hands with warm water and a mild soap. 

Relax Find a comfortable position that works for you: lie down, squat, sit on the toilet or stand up. Being relaxed is essential, as removing your menstrual cup will be more difficult if you tense up.

Remove When removing your menstrual cup, pull slightly on the stem until you can reach the base. Give the base of the cup a gentle pinch (or insert your index finger alongside it) to release the suction seal and ease it out.

Avoid removing your menstrual cup by pulling the stem as this might cause discomfort.

Empty and wash Once you have removed your menstrual cup, empty the collected flow into the toilet or sink and rinse the cup with water (remember the air holes) and re-insert. If you’re in a bathroom without access to clean water, you can use an OrganiWipe or toilet paper to clean your cup and rinse it with water at a later time.

Re-insert or store When your menstrual cup is clean, re-insert it as outlined in Step 1. 

However, if your period has ended: Boil the cup for 3-5 minutes in water or simply use an OrganiWipe to disinfect it and store your cup in the OrganiCup cotton bag.

3.Tampons Without An Applicator

Want to stick to something a little more familiar, but still good for the environment? Luckily, you can purchase tampons without an applicator at most drugstores. How do these work? Brands like o.b. make tampons that you insert with your fingers, no plastic applicator needed. This means that every time you use a tampon, you're creating less waste than with a standard tampon brand. If tampons are the best choice for you and your needs, using a brand without an applicator might be a good compromise for the planet.

If you’re interested in trying out tampons without applicators, follow this step-by-step guide on how to insert them:

• The first step you need to follow each time you’re inserting a non-applicator tampon is to thoroughly wash your hands. 

• Check the packaging of your tampon and make sure it doesn’t have any tears or holes. If it does, discard it and choose another one.

• Unwrap your non-applicator tampon. You’ll find the tampon string nestled against the tampon itself.

• Hold the string firmly and twist it a few times. Doing this will create an indentation in the bottom of the tampon — the perfect place to put your finger during application. It also ensures that the string will be placed correctly after you insert it.

• Sit on the toilet or stand up with one leg up. You can use a toilet or bathtub to support your foot in this position.

• Gently push the skin around your vaginal opening away with your free hand.

• Now get a firm hold on the tampon with your thumb and middle finger.

• Next, place your index finger in the small pocket you’ve created. Push the tampon inside your vagina, aiming it toward your lower back. Push it in until you reach the base of your finger. You won’t feel the tampon when it’s in the right place. If you do, push it a little further in.

• Make sure the string is left hanging outside of your body.

• Wash your hands, and you’re done!