Sustainable period products to try

Periods do not need to cost the environment. This blog post will guide you through the different types of sustainable products you can try. With the many options out there, you don’t have to settle for products that you don’t feel comfortable with. See what works for you!

Period Pants

First up we have period pants. They are, as the name indicates, pants you wear while on your period. Although they may look like normal underwear, they work to soak up the menstrual blood into the absorption layer and lock it away, keeping you dry and preventing any leakage onto your clothes. They are designed to replace pads and tampons so you would use them on their own and they may feel more comfortable. They are also perfectly hygienic and can be machine-washed on a delicate or gentle cycle.

Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups are a very eco-friendly and safe alternative to tampons and pads. A menstrual cup is a soft, flexible cup usually made of medical grade silicone that you insert into your vagina during your period. The cup works by collecting menstrual blood, and you can go longer between changes compared other menstrual products. While tampons and pads need to be changed at least every 8 hours, a menstrual cup can last up to 12 hours before it needs to be emptied. To clean a menstrual cup, you just need to use soap and water. This option also saves a lot of money because menstrual cups are durable and if they are properly cared for, they can last a very long time, even a decade!

Reusable Pads

This option helps to reduce plastic waste significantly because disposable pads are usually made from 90% plastic. Reusable cloth pads, on the other hand, are made of natural fibres. They usually have layers of cotton and hemp. They are used by attaching them to the crotch of your underwear, and some will come with a holder. They work in a similar way to disposable pads, but they are washable and meant to be used over and over again. To wash them, you can use soap and water or simply throw them in the wash. Because they are reusable, they are a much greener option than single-use pads and are a financially better option. A reusable pad will last several years!

The reasons for making the switch to more sustainable and eco-friendly products are evident and endless. By stopping the use of disposable products, you are set to save not only the environment, but also your money! So, give the products mentioned a go if you haven’t already and who knows, you might end up finding your perfect match!

Comments

Period Poverty Among Refugee Women

According to the UNHCR there are at least 82.4 million people in the world who are displaced. Of these 20.7 million are refugees and 4.1 million are asylum-seekers. Women make up half of these people. In their struggle to leave their homes for safety, sanitary products are often an after-thought. However, these specific need not be overlooked in emergencies by aid organisations as women do not stop menstruating in a crisis and their needs must be met. Although according to research there is an improvement in the matter, there is still more that can be done, especially with the fact that most decision-makers are men. A study by Global One found that in camps in Syria and Lebanon, almost 60 percent of women didn’t even have access to underwear, with more yet lacking access to period products. This leads to these women resorting to use alternatives such as old rags or tissue to manage their period. However, the issue is not limited to the lack of access to sanitary products. In such...

Sea sponge tampons – are they safe?

As we talk more and more about the importance of sustainability, reusable and natural period products gain on popularity, among them sea sponge tampons. What are the sea sponge tampons? Also called menstrual Sponges and Period Sponges, they work exactly like traditional tampons. They are worn inside the body to absorb menstrual flow. They are made from sea sponges, which are living organisms, that grow in the oceans. Depending on the flow, one sponge can be used for up to 8 hours. How to use them? Always sanitize a sea sponge tampon before the first use and wash your hands before inserting it. Put the tampon in warm often so it gets softer and then squeeze it to get rid of water. When the sponge is soft squish it and carefully insert it. The sea sponge tampons are easy to put in for majority of menstruating people, but you can add a small drop of organic oil on a sponge to make the process even more comfortable. How to clean and store sea ...

Freeflow Fast Facts - Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)

September is here and you may not know that it is also PCOS Awareness month! PCOS is a very common yet under-diagnosed condition. This is partly due to the lack of awareness of what the symptoms are and how they can be treated, and there are some misconceptions floating around too. So, this PCOS Awareness Month, we at Freeflow want to help bridge the gap on awareness. This month's blog, you guessed it, will be all about PCOS and you'll you'll get the answers to some common questions people have about the condition. What exactly is PCOS? First thing's first, for those who don't already know, PCOS is the abbreviated form of polycystic ovary syndrome. It is characterised with: high levels of androgens (male hormones) such as testosterone, which contribute to male pattern hair loss/thinning, and hirsutism (excessive facial and body hair growth irregular periods , which may lead to fertility problems as ovulation is irregular polycystic ovaries , they cysts are fluid-...

Free Flow

Search This Blog