The society loves telling us women how we ought to cleanse, protect and sanitize our bodies. If you are like the millions of women brought up with the myth that the only way to deal with periods is sanitary pads and tampons, it’s about time that you burst that bubble and try new alternatives to period products to know what works best, both for you and the environment. So, get a paper and pen and dive straight in to the world of organic eco friendly period products.
Why Should I make the Switch to Organic Eco Friendly Period Products?
The synthetic material used in sanitary pads causes itchiness, irritation, skin infections and might also lead to UTIs (Urinary Tract Infections), which can be life-threatening, and in many cases can make you infertile. As for tampons, we have all heard of the fatal TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome), and though it is rare, regular use of tampons messes with the pH balance of your vagina, and can lead to hormonal imbalances in the body.
On top of that think of the threat to the environment, these plastic and synthetic products cause tons of non-biodegradable waste every year, that is toxic and may enter the food chain. Switching to organic eco friendly period products is not just a smart choice, it’s a necessity.
Are Menstrual Cups the Only Viable Option?
The simple and clear answer is a big “NO”. While menstrual cups might be the most used alternate period products, they are not the only ones, and they too are not made of organic material. Menstrual cups and Menstrual Disks can be tricky and uncomfortable for women like me, who are used to sanitary napkins. The idea of inserting something inside your vagina can be scary for some people, and that is perfectly fine. There are several other options to choose from, products made from organic material like cotton and bamboo. Yes, you read that right, bamboo!
So, what are we waiting for? Let’s go and explore the world of reusable and organic eco friendly period products. Sorry DivaCups, we mean no insult, but we are just not comfortable.
What are the Organic Eco Friendly Period Products Made from Bamboo?
There are many different products to choose from when it comes to using bamboo-based alternatives. The bamboo fiber is very absorbent and is used in place of the synthetic cotton and other material used in conventional pads. Let us see the options one by one.
Reusable Bamboo Pads
Pads that are made and filled with bamboo fiber are a brilliant, they are 100% organic eco friendly period products. The best thing is that these pads can be reused, just rinse them with soap and water and throw them in with the laundry. These pads may take a while to dry, so make sure to buy more than two, according to your flow and the climate you live in. These pads come in various sizes and thickness and can be ordered in packs from local producers, so go and give them a look.
Saathipads is one brand that offers biodegradable bamboo pads that are decomposed within six months under normal conditions, it is a brand based in India and caters to the Indian population with their products, pricing and services. These bamboo pads use a mix of bamboo fiber and charcoal.
Reusable Bamboo Pantyliners
A great option in green period products is reusable bamboo pantyliners, think of them simply as the normal pads without wings. If you have really heavy flow, this might be a little inconvenient. But if you have a lighter flow you should definitely consider this. This is also a good option for the days when you don’t really need a pad but want to wear one in long travels, or when you are spotting. Carmesi is a brand that makes pantyliners from bamboo and corn, which are biodegradable and reusable. You can also get a custom pack according to your needs.
Periods Panties:
This is something straight out of a fairy tale for women like me (who don’t believe in fairies). Periods Panties are like regular panties, except that they are filled with bamboo fiber and/or cotton in the middle region to absorb menstrual blood. There are different varieties according to your flow and size. You can find Periods Panties on Zivame, made from natural bamboo fiber.
The best thing about using organic eco friendly period products made from bamboo is that they decompose easily, are good for the environment, hypo-allergic, rash resistant, and good for the local economy. They are definitely the best things to choose for your next periods, if you want to go sustainable, organic and budget-friendly. Bamboo products cost less than 500 bucks, and can be reused for as long as they are in good condition, and do not have odor. You can rinse them a little, and then wash them with the rest of your laundry, no problem at all.
What are the Organic Eco Friendly Period Products Made from Cotton?
If bamboo sounds like something too adventurous for you, try the products made from cotton. And in case you are been made to believe that your regular sanitary pads are filled with cotton, know that it’s a big lie. Cotton does not make more than 5 to 10% of the stuffing of conventional pads, and the rest is made of synthetic fiber, mostly plastic. If that sounds gross, welcome to the world of organic cotton period products.
Reusable Cloth Pads:
The concept of reusable cloth pads is simple enough, the stuffing and the outer covering is made of cotton. Not the synthetic cotton, but the natural and organic cotton fiber h The best thing about these cotton pads are that they are made by local producers, mostly women. You can even make these pads at your home, just grab a sewing machine and buy the quality of cotton fit for your period flow.
There are many brands and outlets that sell cotton pads like Nykaa and SaathiPads but the best option is to find local stores and brands. And if you are a person who likes bright colors and patterns, then this is just the thing for you. Cotton pads are available in many different colors and prints, and you can choose the perfect ones as per your liking.
Inter-labia Pads:
These are perhaps the least known alternative period products, but very effective in case of low flow, spotting, or even to lessen the number of pads you normally use. Inter-labia pads are inserted inside the inner labia and are made of organic absorbent fiber that soaks the menstrual blood. As these are not inserted too far inside the vagina, these are comfortable to wear, organic and eco friendly period products. The only problem is that they are not easily available in India, especially in local stores. But brands like SochGreen are actively promoting such products to make the much-needed sustainable switch. In fact, SochGreen was the brand to launch India’s first period panties.
There is one thing that you need to know before switching to cotton products, make sure that they are organic. Cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops when it comes to pesticides. If you have any doubts, just go for other materials like bamboo or banana fiber.
Don’t Just Go For It, Make a Smart, Informed Choice
The most comfortable and assuring fact in this change is that these organic eco friendly period products let your vagina breathe. They are natural and organic, allow air circulation, do not cause itchiness or rashes, are hypoallergic, and save a lot on your period bill. Just buy a few reusable products and you are free for the next many months; just imagine the number of sanitary pads and tampons you would be using in that time.
Periods are stressful in themselves, we don’t need the added problems of rashes and itching and allergies and all the guilt every time we change a pad or tampon and dispose it in newspaper or plastic. So take the call women.
We have all faced the problems of using the conventional menstrual pads and tampons, and the damage to environment just makes you cringe with disgust. Well, it’s the pandemic period, we are all locked up in our homes, forced to make changes to our lifestyles. So try one change that is worth the early discomfort.
Yes, when switching to these products for the first time, you might feel some discomfort, but believe me, after one cycle you will get used to it. And guess what, you will feel better about yourself and your periods. Using organic products also keeps your natural pH in check, and helps with the cramps and irritation. You can try a few products and see what best suits you. There is no one product suits all, but there are so many organic eco friendly period products that you will find your perfect product.
One added benefit of using reusable organic eco friendly period products is that you don’t have to worry about worry about disposing off the pads and tampons, which in itself is a big problem, especially to women in metropolitan cities.
When you switch to local brands for your requirements, you are also helping the local economy and producers. The good news is that many of the brands manufacturing and distributing organic eco friendly period products are non profit organizations, and for every product you buy, you can have the satisfaction on knowing that you are also helping some woman or girl in remote and backward areas who are in desperate need of intervention.
There are many women who do not have physical and/or economic access to even the conventional, let alone organic eco friendly period products. With all that support from NGOs and local self-help groups (SHGs) we can contribute and do our bit to help eradicate period poverty.
And, there you see it; there are so many important reasons to switch to organic eco friendly period products. In my suggestion, go for reusable green period alternatives, they create a lot less of the hormonal waste. Also remember to change your product in case or any wear and tear, or in case of foul smell. Wash it in anti bacterial detergent, and if possible, dry it in sunlight.
So, what are you waiting for women? Make the smart choice!
You deserve it. You deserve the best, and nothing but the best. Switch to organic eco friendly period products.