With the threat of climate change looming ever closer, we all have to do our bit. There are many ways we can be more environmentally conscious in our lives: walk to work instead of driving, use a reusable water bottle, recycle… the list is endless. But what about our period? The average woman uses more than 11,000 tampons throughout her life. So how can we reduce our impact on the world and have a more eco-friendly period? Read on to find out.
Keep a FabLittleBag handy
One of the biggest problems associated with disposable period products is
how they're thrown away. Whether it is at home, at work, or out and about, disposal can be tricky. Many of the bins in public toilets are smelly or overflowing, making flushing it down the toilet an attractive option. And even when you're at a friend's home, the thought of disposing of your tampon in their bin can seem awkward, or sometimes there is no bin at all so one has to resort to the Handbag Smuggle! Sadly many people think that flushing tampons is the correct way to dispose of them .
60% of women in the UK flush their tampon down the toilet, risking blocking the toilet and, even worse, ending up in the planet's rivers and oceans. Enter
FabLittleBags. Opaque and easy to use, simply pop your used tampon or rolled up pad into the biodegradable bag, seal it closed and dispose of it cleanly and confidently, wherever you are. If you're at a friend's house, you can pop it in the bin, with no fuss, no smell, no awkwardness. Or if you're at work, you can "Fab-It" in a sanitary bin, safe in the knowledge that it won't stick to the bin lid, mess up the bin or give off bad odours. Alternatively, if you're a fan of outdoor sports like hiking or sailing, you can keep your used tampon or pad safely in your FabLittleBag until you're ready to dispose of it. And because they're biodegradable, FabLittleBags do not add negatively to the planet and crucially keep used sanitary products out of the aquatic system. This makes them the best disposal method, period
Reusable underwear for a perfect period
Another option for having a perfect eco-friendly period is with period underwear like the ones made by
Knix. Designed with super-absorbent gusset and a leakproof backing, these period panties are capable of absorbing up to three teaspoons of blood. They look and feel just like any other pair of knickers, and you can wash and reuse them as many times as you like. Worried about the smell? Don't be. Knix's leakproof underwear are made with special fabric that lock odours in, keeping you smelling - and feeling - fresh as a daisy. And if you're not completely comfortable wearing period-proof underwear as they are, you can always combine them with your preferred tampon or pads for an extra layer of protection. While they might seem unusual at first, period underwear is an attractive option for women everywhere. And because they fit like a second skin, they're also just as comfortable as your usual underwear.
Go organic with an all-cotton tampon
Normal tampons are made with a variety of materials: rayon, chemically-processed cotton, and plastic applicators all make for a tampon with a huge impact on the planet. So why not ditch it all and choose an
organic cotton tampon? These are just like normal tampons, except they are made with 100% organic cotton, free from artificial dyes, pesticides, and toxins. They're used in exactly the same way and, just like other tampons, they should be changed regularly. Do make sure to do your research and check the label before you buy.
Washable pads
In recent years, reusable nappies have come back into fashion, meaning they can be washed and reused time and time again. They're good for the planet (and the Bank Of Mum and Dad), and
they're soaring in popularity. So for the ultimate eco-friendly period, why not buy some washable pads? Also known as cloth sanitary pads, these are just like regular pads, except they're made with natural, absorbent material such as cotton and even bamboo. Use them in exactly the same way, and simply rinse them in cold water, wash them and reuse when needed. Plus, many of them come in bright, vibrant colours, helping hide any unsightly stains. They're actually quite pretty, and because they're entirely eco-friendly, they're great for the planet too!
In our quest to make the world a greener place, there are lots of things we can do. But eco-living starts at home, and our period is no exception. Using eco-friendly period products isn't just good for our planet - it also saves you a lot of money in the long run. Be inspired by the ideas above and embrace an eco-friendly period today!
