For many of us, using tampons or pads is a monthly part of our lives. We buy them, use them and throw them away without much thought. But did you know that the average person who menstruates will use up to 11,000 tampons in their lifetime? And that most tampons are made with plastics and other synthetic materials that can take years to decompose?
With an increasing awareness of the harmful environmental effects of period products and the plastic content of tampons and pads, many people are looking for sustainable alternatives that are potentially better for their health and the planet.
But despite the growing awareness, a recent survey from feminine hygiene brand, Private Matters showed only 33% of American women have considered using alternatives to disposable tampons and pads.
The good news is there are many eco-friendly, sustainable and effective tampon alternatives on the market today. So, we’ve put together this guide to five of the best sustainable tampon alternatives that could be better for you and the planet.
Sea Sponge Tampons
Sea sponges are one of the most popular sustainable tampon alternatives on the market today. They are made from natural sea sponges and free from all harmful chemicals in conventional tampons.
Sea sponges have several benefits over conventional tampons, including being more absorbent, longer lasting, and less likely to cause irritation. They are also reusable and can be washed and used again for a limited amount of time.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are another popular alternative to conventional tampons. They are made from medical-grade silicone and collect menstrual blood rather than absorb it as tampons do.
Menstrual cups can be used for up to 12 hours at a time and are reusable, making them a great sustainable option. They are also safe for people with latex allergies.
Cloth Pads
Cloth pads are another eco-friendly alternative to disposable pads. They are made from natural materials like cotton or bamboo and can be reused repeatedly. Cloth pads can be washed in your regular laundry cycle, making them convenient and easy to care for.
Although they may take some getting used to, cloth pads offer a much more environmentally-friendly way to manage your period. Plus, they’re a lot more affordable in the long run.
Period Pants
Period pants are a newer alternative to traditional period products that are quickly gaining popularity. Period underwear is designed to look like regular underwear but with built-in absorbency features, making it ideal for managing menstrual flow.
Many brands of period underwear offer different levels of absorbency, so you can choose the right pair for your needs. Period underwear is also reusable, making it a great sustainable option for managing your period.
Disposable Eco-Friendly Pads
There are also some disposable eco-friendly pad options on the market made from natural materials like bamboo or tree pulp. These pads are usually compostable or biodegradable, making them a much more environmentally-friendly option than traditional disposable pads.
However, they can be more expensive than disposable pads, so they may not be ideal for everyone.
Small Changes Make a Big Difference
Many eco-friendly and sustainable tampon alternatives are on the market today, and this list doesn’t cover them all. Most options are just as effective as conventional tampons and can save you money in the long run.
But with so many options available, finding a sustainable tampon alternative that works for you can be tricky. It appears as though convenience, hygiene, and comfort are the primary reasons people might avoid using sustainable period products. If you’re concerned about any of those areas, allow us to explore further:
- Convenience — Most tampon alternatives are now available in ordinary shops and pharmacies, so they’re convenient to buy. The vast majority are also available online, so you can get them delivered directly to you without any fuss. Plus, as many are reusable, you don’t need to buy them monthly.
- Hygiene — Feeling fresh helps us feel confident, and many worry about the hygienic element of tampon alternatives — especially reusable ones. The good news is most alternatives can be just as hygienic as tampons and disposable pads.
- Comfort — We use period products for a significant portion of our life — around roughly six and a half years. So understandably, we want our period products to be comfortable. Sustainable alternatives to tampons and pads are arguably as comfortable — if not more so — than traditional period products. Most of them are made with natural, friendlier materials designed for comfort.
Switching to a sustainable tampon alternative is a great way to help reduce plastic pollution and your carbon footprint.
Alongside that, many sustainable period product companies actively give to environmental charities and charities helping women across the globe.
Could you make a big difference by making a small change? We certainly think so.