10 Reasons WHY You Should Switch to Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products

Sustainable living is starting to become more mainstream today more than ever. Becoming environmentally conscious is even more important in today’s climate. We are starting to see the impact that our lives are having on the planet. Everyone is being touched by the changes we are causing to the natural environments. Making the switch to eco-friendly menstrual products can be your contribution to conservation efforts. Imagine the difference we as women can make. We can make a conscious decision to change the world together.

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1. Save Money $$$

Throughout a woman’s life, she will spend an average of $7,000 on disposable menstrual products. According to Market Watch, the feminine hygiene market is worth $30 billion and is on track to be worth $50 billion by 2022. The large bulk of that number is made from menstrual products like tampons and pads. They offer cheaper products made with chemicals they are not required to disclose.

Many eco-friendly menstrual products have an up-front investment, but the cost spread of years is pennies compared to what you would spend on disposable menstrual products. Once you find the perfect cup it can be used for up to 10 years. There are affordable menstrual cups to get you started. Imagine never having to go to the store for tampons or pads again. I purchased the Dutchess Cup, for my first experience and it was a perfect fit. Since I have the value pack (2), I do not need to purchase another cup for up to 20 years with proper care and cleaning.

2. Save the Planet (It’s the only one we got)

On average, women menstruate over 38 years of their lives, from the age of 12 to 51. Keep in mind these are averages, some women may menstruate a longer or shorter period. Over a lifetime women can use over 13,000 tampons or pads. Imagine the number of tampons or pads that end up in the landfill every month by the 4 billion women who have their period. Something has to be done about the waste that is generated from non-biodegradable disposable tampons and pads.

Eco-friendly menstrual products, unlike disposable menstrual products, are biodegradable. The plastic and chemicals used in modern-day menstrual products can take up to 500 years to decompose. Reusable menstrual cups, are oftentimes made of medical-grade silicone and can be recycled after use. This reduces the number of menstrual products that end up in the trash. Not only are they recyclable, but many products such as menstrual cups can be used for up to 10 years. You can go from 12,000 tampons or pads to 5 or 6 menstrual cups in your lifetime.

3. Period Sex (Without the Mess)

If period sex is your thing, we aren’t here to judge. We all know how it feels to be in the mood and your period stops the show. Don’t let your period stop your party. Using a menstrual disc allows you to have sex while on your period without the mess. Menstrual discs are flatter in comparison to cups and should partner shouldn’t feel it while doing the do. If you properly insert the disc, it should remain in place while you get wild.

4. Better for your Lady Parts

Let’s be honest, do you know what’s in the menstrual products you use? I honestly had no clue, until I started doing some research. Thanks to amazing organizations like Women’s Voices for the Earth, there is more transparency now than ever before. Their hard work has opened up a larger discussion on what we put in our bodies. You will be shocked by the test results found from their independent labs.

If you are set on using tampons or pads, considering switching to organic options are a great alternative. They do not contain harmful materials and are 100% biodegradable.

Related Post: What’s in your tampons and pads?

Reusable menstrual products are made from medical-grade silicone, TPE plastic, or latex. All of these materials are safe to use and do not leave you dry, unlike tampons. There are no unknown chemicals or fragrances used in eco-friendly menstrual products.

5. Lessen Period Cramps

I can tell you first hand my cramps had almost disappeared since using menstrual cups. I have received feedback from other women that have had the same experience. Keep in mind this may not be the case for everyone. Menstrual cups or discs may not eliminate your cramps, but they can potentially reduce them. Who wants to be in pain if you can avoid it?

6. Do all the Things you Love

The worst thing about being on your period is not being able to do your normal activities such as hiking, swimming, running, or swimming. You can travel with peace of mind, knowing you are doing your part to travel sustainably. You must admit tampons are not comfortable. They may not hurt, but you know they are there. Menstrual cups and discs are seamless and if inserted properly cannot be felt at all. Honestly, I forgot that I was on my period until it was time to empty the cup before bed.

7. Help Women in Need

Many eco-friendly menstrual product companies are giving back to women in need. Unfortunately, having menstrual products is seen as a basic right for women around the world. As you may imagine some areas do not have products available for young women. These companies are making a difference by providing products to those underprivileged women. You can help a young girl or woman by choosing to buy sustainable menstrual products.

8. Sleep through the Night…Less Worries

Who wants to wear a diaper to bed? That’s what I think of overnight pads, they are huge. Do you have to wake up through the night to change your tampon? I can tell you from personal experience, I would wake up 2 to 3 times a night on my heavy days to change my tampon. How annoying is it to be on your period and tired?

With menstrual cups, discs, and period panties you can sleep through the night without worrying about leaks. They are designed to be more comfortable and handle tossing and turning, unlike pads. Menstrual cups and discs hold more than 2 – 3 tampons, making the need to change less frequently. On my first night using a menstrual cup, I slept like a baby. The next morning, when I emptied the cup it was not even half full. You can sleep more and worry less.

Related Post: Pros and Cons of Using a Menstrual Cups

9. No Period Smell

We all know the infamous “period smell”. It is a result of menstrual blood reacting with oxygen. Since menstrual cups and discs collect the blood as opposed to absorbing it, there is no smell.

10. Discretion

I don’t know about you, but I hate carrying tampons “just in case”. I like to think I know my body, but sometimes Aunt Flo shows up without warning, and sometimes I am unprepared. Period panties make it easy to be prepared for your unexpected visitor. There is no need to carry a bundle of tampons of a stack of pads in your purse. All you need is a cup or panties and you are good to go. There is no need to rush to the bathroom to change anything because you are prepared.

Related Post: How to Make the Switch to Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products