The New Wave of Reusability

Written by Cinestie Olson

In the 21st century, isn’t it about time we throw away the disposable period products ~officially~ and turn over a new leaf? Today, there are so many options to have a sustainable period through reusable period products. There’s period cups (and applicators for them 😉), discs, underwear, and pads, but there still seems to be a lot of stigma surrounding reusable period products. Continue reading to see why you should make the switch to a reusable period product!

They Cost Less

Yes, reusable period products cost less! We know that your average tampons and pads may not cost $40 upfront, but in total, they can cost up to $6,000 in a menstruator’s lifetime. Let’s not forget the underwear that we have to replace too! 

They’re Convenient

We’re all aware of the last second drug store runs we have to make the day before we’re supposed to get our period. Or the infamous toilet paper pad that we have to create until we can make it to a drugstore. Or asking your friend if they have an extra pad in their bag. With reusable period products, they’re always in that bathroom cupboard you keep it in!

They’re Earth Friendly 

Reuse. Reduce. Recycle. This includes your period products too! Disposable tampons, pads, liners, and other period products are thrown away and sit in landfills. You may think that really can’t be that many, but in just one year, nearly 20 billion disposable products are thrown away! 

Not only is the disposal of one-time period products harmful, the production is as well. Because most disposable period products are made with plastic (wrapping, applicator, etc.), the carbon footprint isn’t great. Individually, menstruators who use these period products can produce 5.3kg of CO2 each year.

P.S. Even if reusable pads start to fray, you can use them as cleaning cloths for around the house!

They’re Comfortable

There’s been too many times where we have inserted a tampon just sliiiightly wrong, or our pads ride up waaaaay too far. With reusable products like discs, cups, period underwear, or reusable pads, comfort is easier to achieve! Most of the time, you can’t feel cups or discs when inserted correctly, and period underwear can feel just like your regular underwear!

They Can Be Safer

Many disposable period products can be made with harmful chemicals, such as phthalates, bisphenols and pesticides. Most states do not have to list their entire list of ingredients used, so it can be hard to tell which chemicals are in these period products.

Let’s not forget that scented pads and tampons are still being created. Added fragrances and scents bring in a whole other list of chemicals that should not be that close to our vaginas for 4-6 hours at a time (even if I have to skip out on it smelling like a daisy).