Plastic-free periods
In a 31-day challenge, it is an inevitable topic.
There has been much discussion about period poverty in recent months. The fact that I only stopped paying federal tax on these items in 2015 significantly adds to this discussion in Canada (for more interesting facts on that sub-topic, check out the infographic -->).
But what about period packaging? Just how much waste is involved in monthly menstruation?? According to the book Flow: The Cultural History of Menstruation, the average woman disposes of between 250 and 300 pounds of period product waste in her lifetime. Compare that to the estimated total waste a woman creates during the years she has a period, and it amounts to an estimated 0.5% of her total waste.* While it isn't much on an individual level, it is unavoidable and adds up when you consider how many women are occupying space on our planet. So considering alternatives to more common period products is helpful for the environment.
However, after delving deeper into the world of periods, I learned that considering alternatives to common period products isn't just helpful for the environment; it can be incredibly helpful for our very health. If you are a female with a period or someone who cares about a female with a period, please read on and consider this information prior to making future purchases.
Pesticides. While there is little information out there on pesticides in period products, there was a study done on pesticide levels in o.b. tampons, conducted by a third-party laboratory. This applicator-free brand has been my go-to for years, so I was keen to read the results. Turns out, while they are low levels, eight different types of pesticide residue were found in the tampons I have been buying; some of which are known carcinogens.*** Gah!
Fragrance. Did you know that a "fragranced" product contains a mixture of ingredients that includes any of 3000 different chemicals? Pads with fragrance have been linked to allergic rash.*** And tampons with fragrance may also include allergens in the mixture. Because companies are not required to list the ingredients that constitute "fragrance" on the label, women and girls with scent sensitivities who also want to feel fresh while on their periods cannot make a fully informed decision when purchasing.
Reusable pads. Yup, you read that correctly. I will admit, I am skeptical myself. However, I know of some wonderful women who have opted for this and are very happy with their choice. These cloth pads are similar in design to conventional pads, but can last up to five years and have improved air circulation - meaning less irritation and minimizing any odour concerns you may have while you're on your period.
Menstrual cups. While there are single-use varieties (ugh), there are also reusable rubber or silicone cup options. Like reusable pads, menstrual cups aren't for the faint of heart, as they need to be drained and cleaned. But, also like reusable pads, an individual cup can last up to five years and traps any period-related odours better than a tampon or pad. And heck, if we can get behind cleaning cloth diapers, surely we can get behind cleaning our own care products.
If you made it this far, thank you. It's a messy topic that is shrouded in mystery - often even for ourselves (am I right, ladies?). However, self-care isn't just for emotional well-being. It is for our physical selves as well. How do we expected to take better care of our planet if we do not take better care of ourselves? And, rather unsurprisingly, it appears that better physical self-care is closely tied to taking better care of our environment.
Chin up and rock on, girlfriend!
* https://slate.com/technology/2010/03/what-s-the-environmental-impact-of-my-period.html
**https://wholefoodsmagazine.com/haba/features-haba/can-feminine-hygiene-products-be-toxic/
***http://www.womensvoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Chem-Fatale-Report.pdf
There has been much discussion about period poverty in recent months. The fact that I only stopped paying federal tax on these items in 2015 significantly adds to this discussion in Canada (for more interesting facts on that sub-topic, check out the infographic -->).But what about period packaging? Just how much waste is involved in monthly menstruation?? According to the book Flow: The Cultural History of Menstruation, the average woman disposes of between 250 and 300 pounds of period product waste in her lifetime. Compare that to the estimated total waste a woman creates during the years she has a period, and it amounts to an estimated 0.5% of her total waste.* While it isn't much on an individual level, it is unavoidable and adds up when you consider how many women are occupying space on our planet. So considering alternatives to more common period products is helpful for the environment.
However, after delving deeper into the world of periods, I learned that considering alternatives to common period products isn't just helpful for the environment; it can be incredibly helpful for our very health. If you are a female with a period or someone who cares about a female with a period, please read on and consider this information prior to making future purchases.
What's in our period products?
Bleach. Many period products, including pads and tampons, undergo some type of bleaching process to get them looking so white. And this bleaching process creates toxins such as dioxin. Now, in the US, tampons are bleached using chlorine-free methods (chlorine is what results in the emission of dioxin). However, even chlorine-free methods emit dioxins at low levels according to the EPA. Why care about dioxins? Because they can stay in the body for up to 30 years and have been linked to cancer, reproductive issues, and developmental challenges. Given the highly permeable nature of skin and the membranes that are part of our reproductive system, even low levels may result in absorption of these chemicals.**Pesticides. While there is little information out there on pesticides in period products, there was a study done on pesticide levels in o.b. tampons, conducted by a third-party laboratory. This applicator-free brand has been my go-to for years, so I was keen to read the results. Turns out, while they are low levels, eight different types of pesticide residue were found in the tampons I have been buying; some of which are known carcinogens.*** Gah!
Fragrance. Did you know that a "fragranced" product contains a mixture of ingredients that includes any of 3000 different chemicals? Pads with fragrance have been linked to allergic rash.*** And tampons with fragrance may also include allergens in the mixture. Because companies are not required to list the ingredients that constitute "fragrance" on the label, women and girls with scent sensitivities who also want to feel fresh while on their periods cannot make a fully informed decision when purchasing.
Alternative Products
Organic tampons. During Plastic Free July, I opted to try organic tampons. They are one of my plastic fails for the month (at least I believe they are, thanks to what looks to be a thin plastic wrapper on each tampon), but they will now be my go-to option for period products. They function exactly like the o.b. tampons I used previously, but are made of 100% organic cotton (no wood pulp fillers that are found in conventional tampons and pads). There are many brands out there, but I tried Natracare (available at Full Circle Foods - my local bulk store) and was not disappointed.Reusable pads. Yup, you read that correctly. I will admit, I am skeptical myself. However, I know of some wonderful women who have opted for this and are very happy with their choice. These cloth pads are similar in design to conventional pads, but can last up to five years and have improved air circulation - meaning less irritation and minimizing any odour concerns you may have while you're on your period.
Menstrual cups. While there are single-use varieties (ugh), there are also reusable rubber or silicone cup options. Like reusable pads, menstrual cups aren't for the faint of heart, as they need to be drained and cleaned. But, also like reusable pads, an individual cup can last up to five years and traps any period-related odours better than a tampon or pad. And heck, if we can get behind cleaning cloth diapers, surely we can get behind cleaning our own care products.
If you made it this far, thank you. It's a messy topic that is shrouded in mystery - often even for ourselves (am I right, ladies?). However, self-care isn't just for emotional well-being. It is for our physical selves as well. How do we expected to take better care of our planet if we do not take better care of ourselves? And, rather unsurprisingly, it appears that better physical self-care is closely tied to taking better care of our environment.
Chin up and rock on, girlfriend!
* https://slate.com/technology/2010/03/what-s-the-environmental-impact-of-my-period.html
**https://wholefoodsmagazine.com/haba/features-haba/can-feminine-hygiene-products-be-toxic/
***http://www.womensvoices.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/11/Chem-Fatale-Report.pdf
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