Organic, reusable, sustainable, eco-friendly. All words that describe a growing movement by women and a few companies globally to make women’s menstrual products more environmentally friendly, and ultimately healthier for women. Fewer pesticides, chemicals, and other fun toxins around our lady parts is never a bad thing. Waste reduction is a significant benefit as well.

 

Plastic applicators, pads, and tampons don’t break down in landfills, and it’s estimated that close to 20 billion menstrual products end up in landfills each year, just in the United States alone. The average woman uses over 11,000 tampons in her lifetime and plastic applicators don’t break down because they are made from low-density polyethylene. Honestly, for more than 20 years, I didn’t think about the impact my feminine hygiene products were having on the environment and my health.  

 

Thankfully, there are some really great products on the market these days, from the ever-growing popularity of period panties, reusable pads, cups, to ancient, eco-friendly sea sponges. I’ve spent a bunch of time trying out different options and I want to share my favorites with you.

 

Organic Pads & Tampons

 

Cora

If you want to make the switch away from chemical laden products, but aren’t ready for reusable, Cora is a great option and they support an amazing cause. Cora is subscription based, with a free one month trial. I like their certified 100% organic cotton, applicator-free tampons and pads, which are healthy for my body and the environment. Cora is committed to workers rights and all of their cotton is Global Organic Textile Standard certified. Cora partners with organizations, both abroad and in the United States to provide girls with period products and health education to empower and end period poverty. As you can tell, I’m a big fan of Cora, their products and mission.

 

Period Underwear

 

Period underwear is immensely popular and for good reason. I can’t say enough good things about my period underwear. A double bonus is that they act a bladder leak protection as well, which us post-baby ladies can appreciate. I’m the first to admit that I’m a bit obsessed over period underwear and have several favorite brands that I rotate through depending on where I’m at in my period. While period underwear is a bit more expensive than everyday underwear, the money saved over time, coupled with waste reduction makes it well worth it. Right now my favorite brands are Modibodi, Lunapads, and SheThinx.

 

Modibodi

Modibodi is an Australian brand with an amazing product that I wear more than just during my period. I am pretty much obsessed with their sensual and seamfree collections. They also carry swimwear, leak-free leggings (both of which I can’t wait to try) and a maternity collection. Modibodi supports a number of organizations including A Day for Girls, donates to women’s shelters in Australia, and participates in the Sustainable Period Project. A great bonus for U.S. consumers, free shipping over $75.

 

LunaPads

LunaPads boxer briefs are amazing. I look forward to wearing them every month. They are soft, cozy, and the leakproof lining is 100% organic fleece, which means your lady parts are never in contact with synthetic material. These boxer briefs can replace the dreaded huge overnight pad and because the lining goes high up the front and back you don’t have to work about leaks. LunaPads has been in the reusable pad biz for a long time and they know what they’re doing. I’ve been wanting to try the MAIA brief for months, but it’s often sold out which is a testament to their popularity. LunaPads also supports One4Her.

 

THINX

THINX is another great brand in this market. While I haven’t tried their period underwear yet, women rave about it. I am a fan of their ICON brand, so feel I can speak to the quality of their products. In addition to their Classic line, they also sell an organic cotton line, that includes a thong which I find super interesting (and maybe a little scary). THINX also has a reusable tampon in their lineup, that includes the first ever FDA cleared applicator. There are no plastics in the applicator which is great for you and the environment! THINX is focused on empowerment and access, providing safe spaces for young people to learn about reproductive health and human rights.

 

One thing I absolutely love about ModiBodi and THINX is they have product lines dedicated to tween and teen menstruators. If you have a teen menstruator in your life be sure to check out these lines and ModieBodi Red and THINX (BTWN)

 

Reusable Pads

 

LunaPads

LunaPads gets a second mention here because they have a great variety of reusable pads. I’ve tried the Maxi Pad and the Performa Liner. The Super did a better job of staying in place, but the liners worked well for days around the house. The Maxi Pad has a 100% organic cotton option which I love.

 

Gladrags

Gladrags has been in the sustainable, zero-period waste business for over 25 years. They have a great product lineup, including the XO Flo menstrual cup. Each of their pads also has a 100% organic cotton option. I haven’t tried their products yet, but plan to soon. They have a huge following of satisfied customers and I’m excited to try another PNW company dedicated to healthy women and a healthy planet.

 

Menstrual Cups

 

Menstrual cups are very popular right now and for good reason. They are a zero waste option for your period, which means they are not only better for you, but they are great for reducing the amount of menstrual waste in landfills. There are a growing number of brands offering different models and varieties of menstrual cups.

 

DivaCup

The DivaCup is one of the most popular cups on the planet. It’s made from medical grade silicone, and cups in two sizing options. I tried the DivaCup and while it wasn’t a great option for me, I think it’s well worth a try.

 

Lunette

The Lunette Cup is another favorite among menstruators. Manufactured in Finland, it’s also made of medical grade silicone, comes in two sizing options, and a variety of colors. It’s one of the firmer cups on the market, with more of a v-shape and works well for a wide variety of women.

 

Cups can fit people very differently based on the shape and placement (high/low/tilted) of one’s cervix, so just keep that in mind when trying one. There are so many varieties on the market, I could do an entire blog post on menstrual cups alone.

 

Sponges

 

I occasionally get some weird looks when I talk about sea sponges. Sea sponges have been used for thousands of years, dating back to the early Egyptians. Sea sponges come from the sea, are sustainably harvested (make sure you purchase from a company using sustainable farming practice), and reusable.

 

Holy Sponge

My favorite brand is Holy Sponge. Their kits come with two sustainably-harvested sea sponges, organic tea tree oil to disinfect the sponges between cycles and a cotton bag to hold the sponges. Each sponge lasts between 6-9 cycles. Sea sponges can also be helpful for women with pelvic organ prolapse.

 

There is a growing number of alternatives to conventional period products on the market, making it easier for women everywhere to chose one that works for them. Let me know in the comments what your favorite alternative menstrual product is.

 

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References:

Why Switch to Healthy, Reusable Menstrual Alternatives? | Lunapads.com. 2016. Why Switch to Healthy, Reusable Menstrual Alternatives?

Safe Cosmetics. 2016. Cumulative Exposure And Feminine Care Products – Safe Cosmetics.