Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products

My last post was all about menstrual cups and how it’s not possible for everyone with a chronic illness or a disability to use a menstrual cup, so I thought to share some alternatives that are also eco-friendly and help us maintain our menstrual hygiene.

If you’ve missed my last post – here it is:
Chronic Illnesses & Menstrual Cups

Since I’ve gone into some detail, I thought it was worth adding a table of content incase you wish to find some information in particular…

Also, just in case you prefer to watch a video version of this post then you can right here, or you can scroll through to read on:

Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products

For anyone with a chronic condition using a menstrual product, there is only one thing that’s most important – using products that don’t cause further harm to their health so these options listed today should be better alternatives not just for the environment but should (hopefully) save you irritations and rashes that come with chemical based options.

Please remember, I am not a medical professional and if you are battling any health issues or even if you’re not – it’s always best to check with your doctor for what might be better for your body. Your body, the products you choose are solely your responsibility – I’m just presenting you with the options as I know them.

These options are in no particular order of preference…

Option 1. Period Underwear

What is Period Underwear?

Period underwear is a washable and a reusable underwear made to be worn during your periods.

How Much Blood Can a Period Underwear Hold?

The most absorbent period underwear is expected to absorb around four tampons worth of blood but all this varies based on the brands you use. You can get lower absorbing underwear for lighter days as well.

What is a Period Underwear Usually Made of?

Each company has their own patented formula going but in general, depending on the level of absorbency, a period underwear is made out of organic cotton, polyester, elastane and polyester microfibre terry which are easy to wash with your regular clothes in the washing machine. They’re also free of harmful chemicals.

How Often Should a Period Underwear be Changed?

Based on your flow and hygiene purposes, you should get through at least two period underwear in 24 hours.

How Many Years Can a Period Underwear Last?

A period underwear can last upto two years.

How Much Does a Period Underwear Cost?

The cost is completely based on the brand you choose and the country you live in, which is why the cost of one period underwear can vary from $5 to $42 – these prices are just a guide and include the least absorbent to the most absorbent underwear.

Relevant Read:

• Yoga for Period Pain & Endometriosis – Does It Work?
• Are Painful Periods Normal? Or is it Endometriosis, PCOS or Something Else?

Option 2. Organic & Biodegradable Sanitary Pads

What are Organic & Biodegradable Sanitary Pads?

Organic & biodegradable sanitary pads are exactly that, they’re organic and biodegradable sanitary pads, but other than them being so, they’re also better for sensitive skin and for those who are easily susceptible to bleach and the various chemicals found in plastics that are used in regular sanitary pads.

What Are Organic & Biodegradable Sanitary Pads Made Of?

Depending on the brand, organic and biodegradable sanitary pads are usually made of organic cotton, bamboo fibre and even corn starch.

Additional information – I feel it’s good to know that when we use a regular pad, we are exposing a very intimate and sensitive area to various plastics which are covered in dioxin, petrochemicals, GMO and fragrances.

Here’s more detailed but important information on what dioxins are:

“Dioxins are carcinogenic in nature hence the risk of cancer increases even at very low levels of exposure. Additives such as fragrances, deodorants, absorbency agents, urea and formaldehyde enhance the properties but can cause allergies and skin reactions.”

Therefore when these sanitary pads are incinerated after use by waste management companies, the toxicity of these chemicals are also released into the environment.

Are There Various Sizes of Organic & Biodegradable Sanitary Pads?

Yes, just like regular sanitary pads where you find various sizes based on flow – the same options are available for organic and biodegradable sanitary pads, but we must remember that because they are organic and made of natural fibres, these fibres can breakup inside the pad because they’re not bound by plastics or other chemicals – but that only happens when you’ve worn the pad way too long.

Through personal experience depending on the brand, the XL sized pads easily last through the night.

So back to answering the question, yes they are various sizes from regular, large to extra-large.

How Often Should You Change Your Organic & Biodegradable Sanitary Pad?

Just as you would with your regular sanitary pad, you should change your organic and biodegradable sanitary pad every 3 to 6 hours or even sooner based on your flow and comfort.

How Do You Dispose An Organic & Biodegradable Sanitary Pad?

I live in a city where waste is segregated into three bins – compostable waste (such as food waste), recyclable waste and toxic waste / waste that can’t be composted or recycled.

I use an organic and biodegradable sanitary pad and I have two options – I can either wrap up the sanitary pad in a newspaper, or I can put it in a compostable bag and that’s what I do.

If you compost at home please remember that all biodegradable sanitary pads require the right compostable environment for it to biodegrade, which can be tough to replicate in home composting as a pad may take upto 6 months to 2 years to to compost in small home composting set-ups, whereas regular pads with plastics in them can take upto 500 years.

Otherwise, keeping the compostable procedure aside, you can either get in touch with your local counsel on waste segregation or dispose as you do – I leave you to find answers to this question based on how things work in your city.

How Much Do Organic & Biodegradable Sanitary Pads Cost?

The cost of organic and biodegradable sanitary pads vary based on brand, size of pad and the quantity of pads in that packet.

But in general, the cost can be anywhere from $0.20 to $0.70 per pad.

Just as a comparison, a regular pad that has chemicals in it can cost anywhere from $0.06 to $0.40 per pad.

Relevant Read:

• Can Endometriosis Kill You?
• Adenomyosis vs Endometriosis
• How to Handle Hirsutism & Acne if You Have PCOS

Option 3. Reusable Sanitary Pads

What Are Reusable Sanitary Pads & What Are They Made Of?

Made from either organic cotton, hemp or bamboo – reusable sanitary pads are just that – sanitary pads that can be washed and reused, just as you would the period underwear mentioned earlier.

They are shaped like a pad with wings except the wings are made of the same cotton fabric, but instead of sticking when wrapped around the bottom of the underwear, there are snap/clip buttons instead, so you just clip it into place!

There is no use of any form of plastic here, in fact some organisations that make these use coconut shells as their snap buttons.

Do Reusable Sanitary Pads Come in Various Sizes?

Yes various sizes are available – anywhere from a regular size to extra-large ones that are great for night-time or heavier days.

Night-time reusable pads have more layers of cotton making them more absorbent than the regular sized pads.

How Often Should You Change a Reusable Sanitary Pad?

Ideally you should change your pad every four to six hours, but all this depends on your flow so on heavier days this may be more often.

How Do You Wash Reusable Sanitary Pads?

It is recommended that you soak the sanitary pad with the soiled part face down in cold water for 30 minutes. Hot water will cause staining.

If you’re going to wash by hand then all you need to do is rub it gently – do not use a harsh brush.

You can also put them in the washing machine around 40C but not warmer than that. If there is a PUL layer in your reusable sanitary pad, then using a fabric softer isn’t allowed as this will damage that layer.

When about to dry, you will need to pull the pad back into shape and air-dry.

Don’t forget – after buying a reusable sanitary pad, you should wash it before using it for the first time.

Also remember – each company has their own dos and don’ts based on the materials they use – please read the instructions carefully so that your pads last.

How Many Years Do Reusable Sanitary Pads Last?

Reusable sanitary pads last anywhere from three to five years – based on the usage, so anywhere from 75 to 100 washes.

In case you’re wondering, I’ve got most of this information from Eco-Femme – a women-led social enterprise based in India that makes reusable sanitary pads.

Here’s some interesting information from their FAQ section:

“We have observed, to increase the absorbency of new pads, wash them 2-3 times with soap, soak them overnight or machine wash, and it will help so the liquid gets absorbed into the inner layers of the pad.Initial shrinkage is also normal to natural cotton material in the first few washes. We have added a few cm to each new pad to compensate for this.”

How To Dispose Reusable Sanitary Pads?

You will find that your pad is made up of multiple layers of cotton, hemp and bamboo (materials depends on the pad you choose to use). These layers will need to be pulled apart of which the cotton, hemp and bamboo can be composted. The cotton can also be recycled. If your pad has a PUL layer then that can be put in for recycling too.

How Much do Reusable Sanitary Pads Cost?

Reusable sanitary pads cost anywhere from $1 to $4 per pad – this is again based on the size of the pad, the materials used and the country you’re ordering from.

Option 4. Organic & Biodegradable Tampons

What Are Organic & Biodegradable Tampons and What Are They Made Of?

Tampons as we know are inserted into the vagina to absorb menstruation, but regular tampons, just like regular sanitary pads are treated with bleaches, pesticides (found in non-organic cottons), dyes – plus tampons are sold with plastic applicators too (although cardboard applicators are an option too), but you’re adding more plastic into the waste management system.

Organic and biodegradable tampons are made of organic cotton free of fragrances, SAPs (super-absorbent polymers), dyes, plastics and even latex.

Do Organic & Biodegradable Tampons Eliminate the Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)?

Unfortunately it does not. TSS happens when super absorbent tampons are used – WebMD:

“caused by the release of toxins from an overgrowth of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus, or staph, which is found in many women’s bodies. Toxic shock syndrome affects menstruating women, especially those who use super-absorbent tampons.”

This means that we should use tampons that are required for the current flow.

Do Organic & Biodegradable Tampons Have Various Capacities?

Yes there are various sizes such as – light, medium, regular and super/super plus. These need to be chosen based on your flow of that day.

If you are a first time tampon user then it is best to start with the smallest size in order to understand your flow because using an absorbency that is too strong for your flow may lead to toxic shock syndrome.

This leads me to the next question…

How Often Should You Change a Organic & Biodegradable Tampon?

You should change your organic tampon every 4 to 8 hours unless instructed otherwise by the brand you choose to buy from which is why reading all the instructions is necessary.

How Should An Organic & Biodegradable Tampon Be Disposed?

Organic and biodegradable tampons can be composted and their packaging should be put in for recycling.

As I was explaining with the organic sanitary pads above, you can either wrap the tampon in newspaper or use a compostable bag to wrap it in if you’re not the one composting yourself.

For more details, I would suggest to scroll up to: How Do You Dispose An Organic & Biodegradable Sanitary Pad?

How Much Do Organic & Biodegradable Tampons Cost?

The cost of an organic and biodegradable tampon will depend on the country you’re based in, the brand and the size of the tampon chosen but on average, an organic tampon can range from $0.30 to $0.60.

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The point of going into such depth with these four options was to explain that those with a chronic condition or a disability do have alternate options to a menstrual cup that are not just good for the environment but are also healthier for the body and that’s what’s most important.

I’m all done – thank you all for reading.

If you wish to share your thoughts on this post then please do leave your comment in the comments section below 🙂

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Disclaimer: I am not a medical professional. I am a patient and have created this platform to share my experiences. This is all purely informative and in no way am I providing medical advice. Please consult a medical professional.