Let's talk about periods. They're not much fun and they can be uncomfortable and annoying at the best of times, and horribly painful at the worst, yet nearly half the population experiences them every month. One way to make periods more comfortable is to switch your menstruation products from disposable plastic pads and tampons, to comfy period pants and menstrual cups. The environment will thank you as well!
We've all seen the factual memes and awful images of the ever-growing plastic pollution problem that is damaging our oceans and the environment. Much of the focus of this has been on disposable, single-use plastic products that we use every day, but it's only been fairly recently that awareness has been made of all the disposable menstruation products that are clogging up our rivers and beaches too.
I started my periods when I was 11 years old and back then, things like period pants, reusable pads/cloths, and menstrual cups weren't readily available, so like everyone else's family that had young girls, my mum went to Boots and bought me a packet of sanitary pads. It's scary to think of just how many pads and tampons I've used since then, and how many are languishing in landfill sites all around the world still decomposing right now.
But it's never too late to change and make a difference, so ladies, if you're reading this, it's time to say goodbye to disposable pads and tampons and embrace sustainable periods! There are so many different reusable options available nowadays, and I wanted to share just two that have helped me to make the switch.
WUKA Ultimate Bikini Briefs (from £17.99, link)
When I first began researching period pants, there was one brand that kept coming up time and time again and so many friends and family members have recommended them to me, so now it's my turn to rave about them! WUKA (which stands for 'Wake Up Kick Ass') has the best range IMO and they are wonderfully ethical with a strong focus on education to break the taboo around periods, body positivity, inclusivity and female empowerment in general. Their period pants are made from sustainable and plant-friendly materials which are responsibly sourced, and they're delivered in plastic-free packaging.
I absolutely love their Ultimate Bikini Briefs which are made from organic cotton and come in a range of sizes from 2XS to 4XL. These period pants completely replace the need for pads or tampons and hold 15ml of period flow so they can be worn for up to 8 hours. After use, simply pop them in the washing machine as normal without any fabric conditioner, hang them out on the washing line to dry, and then re-use again and again!
They are SO comfortable to wear and I had no issues with leaks or odours. They do run a little on the small side so I'd recommend going up a size when ordering. Also available in packs of 3 and 5, and with different flow options to suit your needs.
Sea + Flo Menstrual Cup* (£25, link)
If you're a tampon wearer, you'll probably prefer a menstrual cup and these really are such a great eco-friendly option as they can last up to 10 years with the correct care. They're also ideal for those who want something a bit more convenient and discreet than period pants, plus they are amazing for travel!
The market for menstrual cups has grown massively in the same way as period pants which means there are lots of different brands to choose from. I like this one from Sea + Flo as the cup is made from 100% FDA-approved medical-grade silicone so you can rest assured that there are no unnecessary toxins such as parabens or BPA, and no latex which makes it ideal for those who have allergies.
Menstrual cups are surprisingly very comfortable to use and wear, though it can take a few tries at first to properly insert them - there are loads of handy tips and YouTube vids for guidance on this. Sea + Flo has some excellent articles, as well as cup sizing recommendations on their site so do check them out! Like period pants, I have no problems with leaks and you can wear one for up to 12 hours, day and night.
Overall thoughts
I know what you might be thinking; the initial cost seems to be the main reason why women don't make the switch or put off making the purchase until later on. I had the same feeling, but whilst the initial outlay may seem high at first, you will save money in the long term. Not only are reusable menstrual products a healthier, safer, and far more comfortable option than their mainstream disposable counterparts, the benefits to the environment mustn't be ignored here. Yes it sucks and it's unfair that as women we have to pay for these things, so why not go with the more sustainable product? After all, can we really put a price on our environment?
Have you made the switch to sustainable period products?
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