Ok men, you have been warned. We're going to talk about periods. I know what you are thinking, there is no possible way to reduce the products I use and the waste I produce caused by my menstrual cycle. Wrong! We're going to discuss some alternative, zero waste options for you.
Not only do these products reduce your waste, they also reduce the chemicals that your body is exposed to through the use of pads and tampons. Fragrances, chemicals used in the growth of cotton, and the bleaches used during the production process of both pads and tampons can be carcinogenic. If there is one place you don't want to have exposure to harmful chemicals, it is your vagina, because it is absorbed into your body much faster and easier than exposure to other parts of your body. So, let's get down to some safer, and waste minimizing, options.
I have been using a menstrual cup for years, and they are phenomenal. They are very easy to use, remove, and clean. They don't require a lot of cleaning, but a thorough cleaning between cycles is important to make sure you do not have bacteria building up on the cup which can result in a bad smell. Here are a few options to consider:
Personally, I use the Diva Cup, but there are cheaper options available, such as the second one. In order to clean them between cycles, you can use any soap that you would use on your skin to wash it and make sure it dries thoroughly before storing it. You can also boil it in water to make sure all of the bacteria is killed.
Now that we have replaced your tampon, lets talk about getting rid of your pad. Period panties. That is right, they make women's underwear that absorb fluids, without needing to use pads. You can find them here:
On light flow days, you can wear these without needing to wear anything else. On medium or higher flow days, use them as back-up with your silicone menstrual cup. These can be cleaned by running them under cold water, washing them in the washer, and air drying them.
If you make a purchase using any of the above affiliate links, I will receive a small commission, but it was not be at any additional cost to you.
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