Our Brand Directory is home to hundreds of sustainable brands, from makeup to cleaning supplies, from underwear to shoes. This is a clear way to be sure that the products you buy are grown, manufactured and treated organically. ); Some of these harmful pesticides also break down into synthetic estrogen, which is associated with reproductive issues and even infertility., Believe it or not, conventional pads are mostly made up of plastic, with very little or, cotton content. Manufacturing pads and tampons also require using a lot of resources and chemicals that are harmful to the environment. Your email address will not be published. tampons organyc Choosing period products that feel right for you is an essential step towards getting through your period comfortably. v3Classes: "bst-container-fluid", Periods are natural, and so is Rael.. Get in touch with us to let us know or leave a comment below. $(function() { 
Natracares plastic free tampons and pads, on the other hand, are totally home compostable and will disappear (over a few months) into compost fit for the garden! Think about it, all these harmful chemicals can (and will) be absorbed by your body. showDescription: false, Welcome back!
unorderedWithImage: true, "related-stories-plugin-headline--649888", Do Organic Pads and Tampons Shorten Your Period? $(function() { Privacy Policy. ); var pageHeadlineProps = { Since organic pads are made from only natural cotton, they are fully biodegradable. showDescription: false, For people living in poverty who lack access to water, sanitation, and hygiene, cloth pads might not always offer the best solution, as they can cause infections if not washed adequately to remove all germs., Cleaning reusable pads also still requires water, which is in short supply in countries around the world, and detergent, which is a pollutant.
Their pads are made from renewable materials like 100% organic cotton and PEFC certified wood pulp, which are naturally absorbent, waterproof, breathable and soft. They also dont always manufacture ethically so keep this in mind when considering where you shop. showMobileImage: true, Keep in mind, just because a pad is reusable, doesnt mean it is always sustainable. "related-stories-plugin-headline--649890", While period underwear does require rinsing and washing, the water consumption necessary for use is still minimal when compared to the production of disposable period products.. Dioxins are known to cause cancer and are present in conventional (non-organic) tampons and pads. I rounded up some of the best sustainable period pad options so you can be prepared for your next period.
}; rug pads contentList: JSON.parse('[{\u0022id\u0022:20773,\u0022thumbnails\u0022:{\u0022medium\u0022:{\u0022landscape\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/ca/06/ca068ab9\u002D8b34\u002D44a3\u002Db4c6\u002Dcf3e61d97bc8/tampon\u002Dmenstrual\u002Dhealth\u002Dsocial\u002Dshare.jpg__800x600_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022,\u0022portrait\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/ca/06/ca068ab9\u002D8b34\u002D44a3\u002Db4c6\u002Dcf3e61d97bc8/tampon\u002Dmenstrual\u002Dhealth\u002Dsocial\u002Dshare.jpg__600x800_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022,\u0022landscape_16_9\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/ca/06/ca068ab9\u002D8b34\u002D44a3\u002Db4c6\u002Dcf3e61d97bc8/tampon\u002Dmenstrual\u002Dhealth\u002Dsocial\u002Dshare.jpg__800x450_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022},\u0022large\u0022:{\u0022landscape_16_9\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/ca/06/ca068ab9\u002D8b34\u002D44a3\u002Db4c6\u002Dcf3e61d97bc8/tampon\u002Dmenstrual\u002Dhealth\u002Dsocial\u002Dshare.jpg__1600x900_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022},\u0022credits\u0022:{\u0022caption\u0022:null,\u0022author\u0022:null,\u0022description\u0022:null}},\u0022title\u0022:\u0022US Government Acknowledges Period Products Are Necessities in COVID\u002D19 Stimulus Bill\u0022,\u0022url\u0022:\u0022https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/cares\u002Dact\u002Dcovid\u002D19\u002Dmenstrual\u002Dproducts\u002Dfsa\u002Dhsa/\u0022}]'), So if you like food being available in the world, it makes sense to choose organic products! h5: "Related Stories", If you do the math, that means people who menstruate are using 20 or more tampons over the course of every period, ammounting to theequivalent of 80 plastic bags per cycle.. This makes organic pads a cost-effective solution for your monthly time-of-month., Believe it or not, conventional pads are mostly made up of plastic, with very little or no cotton content. This can mean the difference between having access to period care products and not for some people who could not otherwise afford the monthly expense. From recommendations for all things plant-based to tips for living more sustainably, Karmen makes living with intention less intimidating and more accessible. contentList: JSON.parse('[{\u0022id\u0022:22174,\u0022thumbnails\u0022:{\u0022medium\u0022:{\u0022landscape\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/5a/f2/5af2468f\u002D8b0d\u002D469d\u002Db082\u002Dba8cba8d25f3/tampons\u002D2\u002Dmenstural\u002Dhealth\u002Dhero.jpg__800x600_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022,\u0022portrait\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/5a/f2/5af2468f\u002D8b0d\u002D469d\u002Db082\u002Dba8cba8d25f3/tampons\u002D2\u002Dmenstural\u002Dhealth\u002Dhero.jpg__600x800_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022,\u0022landscape_16_9\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/5a/f2/5af2468f\u002D8b0d\u002D469d\u002Db082\u002Dba8cba8d25f3/tampons\u002D2\u002Dmenstural\u002Dhealth\u002Dhero.jpg__800x450_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022},\u0022large\u0022:{\u0022landscape_16_9\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/5a/f2/5af2468f\u002D8b0d\u002D469d\u002Db082\u002Dba8cba8d25f3/tampons\u002D2\u002Dmenstural\u002Dhealth\u002Dhero.jpg__1600x900_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022},\u0022credits\u0022:{\u0022caption\u0022:null,\u0022author\u0022:\u0022Courtesy of Global Citizen\u0022,\u0022description\u0022:\u0022\u0022}},\u0022title\u0022:\u0022Scotland Becomes First Country in the World to Make Period Products Free\u0022,\u0022url\u0022:\u0022https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/scotland\u002Dfirst\u002Dcountry\u002Dfree\u002Dperiod\u002Dproducts/\u0022}]'), 
"related-stories-plugin-headline--649889", However, according to experts, no amount of dioxin exposure is considered safe and should be avoided at all costs., Organic cotton is also bleached but with peroxide -- which is a much safer bleaching method., By now, you hopefully understand the basic differences between organic pads and nonorganic pads, but what exactly are the benefits of going green, and why should women make the switch to organic cotton?. Pads have to be changed regularly and are worn on underwear for three to four hours at a time, which can add up over a persons cycle.. h5: "Related Stories", className: "pt-0 pb-3 my-0" Organic tampons dont eliminate the risk of toxic shock syndrome. Styles with wings prevent leaks that can damage your clothes, while expanded versions are available for effective bedtime use. Natracare period products are plastic free and have been since 1993. Do Organic Tampons Expire? There are no dyes or toxins used in any of their products. bindComponentToDiv( When you are stocking up for your next period cycle, here is what you want to look for when looking for sustainable period pads. Just from one person who menstruates, over 12,000 pads are used in their lifetime. contentListProps v3Styles: true, Plastic like this takes hundreds of years to break down into smaller microplastics, which will end up in sea animals and the environment. While it will be better than single use products, some reusable pads are made from synthetic materials like polyester and spandex. Despite the benefits of menstrual cups, many people who menstruate are still reluctant to adopt them due to stigma and misinformation that they will impact theirvirginity, or are unsafe.. Cotton farmers are no exception to this read more about how cotton farmers benefit from going organic. Look for pads with 100% organic cotton and free from chlorine and fragrances. If youre looking for a step further toward natural sustainability, check out Raels organic cotton reusable pads here, https://www.center4research.org/tampon-safety/#:~:text=Toxic%20Shock%20Syndrome%20is%20a,increase%20the%20risk%20of%20TSS. className: "pt-0 pb-3 my-0" "related-stories-content-list--649888", In fact, vaginas are very good at absorbing really anything you put in them. Whats more, plastic and non-compostable materials in period products can take 500 to 800 years to decompose.. Organic cotton farming works with nature, not against it, as per the four principles of organic agriculture (which are ecology, health, fairness and care). v3Styles: true,
}); Organic tampons and pads made of natural materials like cotton or bamboo are often compostable in municipal composting facilities and cardboard applicators can be recycled. You may also like Why to Beware of Blush and Baby Powder, 9 Period Underwear Brands Making That Time of Month Easier on You & the Planet, 7 Natural & Non-Toxic Perfumes You'll Love Wearing in 2021, 7 Eco-Friendly Brands Making Better Hand Sanitizers for Healthy, Clean Hands, 9 Organic & Sustainable Essential Oil Brands for Home & Body, A Couple Years Later, Im Still Drying my Hair with These Amazing, Organic Cotton Towels, Fitting in Some Self-Care Time with The Pioneers of Fair Trade. Sign up. Fossil fuel emissions from plastic production are the most harmful to the environment, and while applicators are made of recyclable materials, they arent accepted because theyre considered medical waste.. "related-stories-content-list--649887", Cotton Uncovered Why Organic Cotton? var pageHeadlineProps = { Check that the ingredients are listed, reputable companies have no problem disclosing what is in their products. pageHeadlineProps ); }; }); Silicone, which most menstrual cups are made of, is derived from silica, a type of sand that goes to its original state once it degrades and is an abundant material on earth that isnt hazardous to the environment., Period underwear is reusable underwear with multiple absorbent layers of fabric to absorb menstrual blood. var contentListProps = { ); As we now know, most pads are made from primarily plastic materials then individually wrapped in plastic, and then again packaged in you guessed it, more plastic! They are available in three sizes regular, large and overnight. Okay, so weve already heard about the incredible benefits that come from eating organic produce and using organic skin care products, but a growing number of period manufacturers are now also offering organic options for sanitary pads. $(function() { Harmful pesticides and herbicides arent used, so dangerous chemicals dont leach into waterways, and soil life is protected. incontinence bladder pads heavy absorbency organic cotton count length control
Typical pads and tampons contain nasty toxins such as dioxins, which are by-products of the chlorine bleaching process used to make cotton and wood pulp look clean.
Fragrances and other harsh chemicals in standard pads can also cause irritation and hormone disruption - no thanks! Unlike traditional pads composed of horrible manmade fibers, organic pads made with organic cotton allow your skin to breathe while keeping you dry -- all thanks to an absorbent cellulose core. Dioxin is a byproduct of chlorine and known to disrupt endocrine system and reproductive health. Periods are natural, and so is. Lots of women found the wetness factor to be a little more noticeable while using organic pads compared to the synthetic ones., This tends to make us think that organic pads are not absorbent enough, but the truth is that they are actually much more absorbent than synthetic materials., So why the wetness? Unsubscribe at any time. The disposable pads are held to the same standard with no toxins, dyes, or chemicals and use only organic cotton. Conventional pads are filled with plastics, even though they are marketed to be pure cottony clouds. Is Talc Safe? unorderedWithImage: true, Their disposable pads are made from 100% organic cotton for the topsheet and core, plant-based bioplastic for the backsheet, and adhesives that are non-toxic. Whats more, since multiple pairs of period underwear are necessary per cycle, they are not as economical as other period product options. Linked to the conventional period care products she was using, Arion knew there was a better way. ); Sometimes a disposable pad is just more realistic for your lifestyle whether it's that particular day or season of life. }); Pads and tampons end up in landfills before they break down into microplastics that pollute oceans, rivers, beaches and contaminate our water supply. This means that you can safely use your pad without worrying about your most sensitive region absorbing harsh ingredients. After use, you can simply toss your used organic pad into the trash, knowing that they will return to nature without leaching any harsh chemicals or plastic particles into the ground or ocean., Okay, so here comes the trickiest thing about the difference between using organic pads and synthetic ones. Glad you found it useful . They can, however, be repurposed as cleaning rags or other items and biodegrade faster than plastics.. Reusable pads are made of cloth, and even though they cost more up front, they offer a more economic option than disposables because they last three to five years and replace hundreds of pads and tampons. }; All of the outer packaging is made of FCS-certified recyclable cardboard. v3Classes: "bst-container-fluid", usable tulips pads thumbnailLinkTabIndex: "-1" Many people who lack access to adequate sanitary products still rely on unsafe materials. PageHeadlines, Thank you so much, Ill start using . They are ultra-absorbent and come with a travel and wash pouch. Great question! contentListProps v3Classes: "bst-container-fluid", "related-stories-plugin-headline--649884", Many communities opt for pads because stigma and shame around periods perpetuate false beliefs that tampons impact virginity status, can be used for masturbation, and might act as contraception., Usually made of absorbent materials such as rayon, cotton, and plastics, pads stick to underwear and come in various shapes and sizes to accommodate different flows and activities. will definitely be switching to organic products soon!! Since washing can require more time, or you are not comfortable if in a public setting, there is a way to make a more sustainable choice with single use pads.Here are some great companies that offer more sustainable disposable period pad options! When the chemicals used in tampons, such as dioxin chlorine and rayon, end up in landfills, they also end up getting soaked up by the earth and are released as pollution into groundwater and the air. unorderedWithImage: true, The same applies whether your tampon is made from rayon or organic cotton.
But even cotton requires six pints of water to grow one bud and most non-organic cotton is saturated in toxic pesticides and insecticides., For people who menstruate who have a heavy flow and use panty liners in addition to tampons to prevent leaks, combination tampons and liners made of biodegradable cotton can help minimize waste and spend less time in landfills after disposal., Menstrual cups are bell-shaped devices with a stem made of medical-grade silicone, latex, or thermoplastic isomer that are inserted into the vagina and collect menstrual blood. The reusable pads are made from organic cotton and designed to prevent leaks with their stitching. bindComponentToDiv(
Throughout history, peoplehave usednatural materials like leftover scraps of fabric, soft bark, or whatever else was available and absorbent to manage their periods. Conventional farming is heavy in its use of insecticides, which have been proven to contribute to a major decline in wildlife, including species of birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators. Unfortunately, it can take 500 to 800 years for the most popular period product to break down. On the other hand, organic pads use organic cotton that has been grown either without any pesticides or with only organic pesticides. var pageHeadlineProps = { When it comes to environmental impact, notall period products are created equal. This forward thinking company is woman owned and women led and strives to be inclusive of their brand messaging. Athena Club offers 100% organic cotton pads with a biodegradable adhesive and wrapper.
Natracare doesnt bleach with chlorine so you dont have to worry about unwanted chemicals around your most delicately balanced parts. Karmen Flores is a creative entrepreneur based in Michigan. Hannah is a brand that offers both reusable and disposable pad options. Theres a misconception that organic products are wildly overpriced and way too expensive for the average person to afford, but this often isnt the case. Lola is a women-founded company that prioritizes high quality ingredients for all their products. Reading this article has made me so informed about my future and the future of my sanitary product choices!! bindComponentToDiv( }); Organic pads made of cellulose and veggie gum glue are compostable but can still take 18 months for products to fully break down.. While they cost more initially,they can be left in for up to 12 hours, used with limited access to water and sanitation, and last up to six years with proper care., Menstrual cups are estimated to have less than 1.5% environmental impact of disposable and save a person who menstruates 2,400 pads or tampons in their lifetime. contentList: JSON.parse('[{\u0022id\u0022:20604,\u0022thumbnails\u0022:{\u0022medium\u0022:{\u0022landscape\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/06/f8/06f85a63\u002D97ca\u002D43c6\u002Da719\u002Dd9b34a0edda4/tampons\u002Dblue\u002Dmenstrual\u002Dhealth\u002Dsocial\u002Dshare.jpg__800x600_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022,\u0022portrait\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/06/f8/06f85a63\u002D97ca\u002D43c6\u002Da719\u002Dd9b34a0edda4/tampons\u002Dblue\u002Dmenstrual\u002Dhealth\u002Dsocial\u002Dshare.jpg__600x800_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022,\u0022landscape_16_9\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/06/f8/06f85a63\u002D97ca\u002D43c6\u002Da719\u002Dd9b34a0edda4/tampons\u002Dblue\u002Dmenstrual\u002Dhealth\u002Dsocial\u002Dshare.jpg__800x450_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022},\u0022large\u0022:{\u0022landscape_16_9\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/06/f8/06f85a63\u002D97ca\u002D43c6\u002Da719\u002Dd9b34a0edda4/tampons\u002Dblue\u002Dmenstrual\u002Dhealth\u002Dsocial\u002Dshare.jpg__1600x900_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022},\u0022credits\u0022:{\u0022caption\u0022:null,\u0022author\u0022:null,\u0022description\u0022:null}},\u0022title\u0022:\u0022\u0027Periods Don\u0027t Stop for Pandemics,\u0027 Says Menstrual Equity Activist Amid COVID\u002D19 Outbreak\u0022,\u0022url\u0022:\u0022https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/period\u002Dpoverty\u002Dcoronavirus\u002Dhomeless\u002Dshelters/\u0022}]'), Disposable tampons can be up to 90% plastic and amount to the equivalent of four plastic shopping bags in one single-use product. natracare https://www.center4research.org/tampon-safety/#:~:text=Toxic%20Shock%20Syndrome%20is%20a,increase%20the%20risk%20of%20TSS. Free from PFA's and other harsh chemicals, Rael believes in using only natural ingredients for a natural body. Sign in to start taking action. pageHeadlineProps var contentListProps = { Sustainable period pads are also more cost effective. className: "pt-0 pb-3 my-0"
Rael offers reusable organic cotton pads in four sizes; petite, regular, large and overnight. PageHeadlines,
Organic farming works with farmers to ensure that they protected from the health impacts of dangerous chemicals, and that their land remains fit for growing crops on, which ensures their families financial security into the future.
I feel better, theyre more comfortable and theres barely a price difference between them and what I was previously using! bindComponentToDiv( var pageHeadlineProps = { We'll use the information you provide in this form to send you updates by email. Depending on a persons flow, menstrual underwear can be worn all day. Because organic cotton farming doesnt use harmful pesticides, the birds and the bees are protected from unintended and unnecessary harm. showMobileImage: true, While there are options like menstrual cups or absorbent period underwear, those options dont always work for everyone. "related-stories-content-list--649661", contentList: JSON.parse('[{\u0022id\u0022:17888,\u0022thumbnails\u0022:{\u0022medium\u0022:{\u0022landscape\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/73/86/7386e0bb\u002D4278\u002D4eb2\u002D8d2e\u002D17b64ffc0e90/38822876422_4ebeda2409_k_1.jpg__800x600_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022,\u0022portrait\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/73/86/7386e0bb\u002D4278\u002D4eb2\u002D8d2e\u002D17b64ffc0e90/38822876422_4ebeda2409_k_1.jpg__600x800_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022,\u0022landscape_16_9\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/73/86/7386e0bb\u002D4278\u002D4eb2\u002D8d2e\u002D17b64ffc0e90/38822876422_4ebeda2409_k_1.jpg__800x450_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022},\u0022large\u0022:{\u0022landscape_16_9\u0022:\u0022https://media.globalcitizen.org/thumbnails/73/86/7386e0bb\u002D4278\u002D4eb2\u002D8d2e\u002D17b64ffc0e90/38822876422_4ebeda2409_k_1.jpg__1600x900_q85_crop_subsampling\u002D2.jpg\u0022},\u0022credits\u0022:{\u0022caption\u0022:null,\u0022author\u0022:\u0022Global Partnership for Education / Flickr\u0022,\u0022description\u0022:\u0022Girls wash hands outside bathroom at Buddo Christian Secondary School \u002D Day section in Buddo, Kampala.\u0022}},\u0022title\u0022:\u0022Period Poverty: Everything You Need to Know\u0022,\u0022url\u0022:\u0022https://www.globalcitizen.org/en/content/period\u002Dpoverty\u002Deverything\u002Dyou\u002Dneed\u002Dto\u002Dknow/\u0022}]'), If a regular tampon will suffice, avoid using a super, or one that is more absorbent than necessary. var pageHeadlineProps = { pageHeadlineProps There is also less packaging required so aside from just the pad, you are also reducing waste by eliminating the need for individual plastic wrappers and outer packaging. TSS is thought to occur as a result of bacteria build up, so to avoid TSS its important that you change your tampon every 3-5 hours, and dont wear one overnight. className: "pt-0 pb-3 my-0" You might have an inkling that organic period products are better but not be sure about why exactly that is. The resulting fabric can feel rough against your skin and contribute to rashes and itchiness.. Since they are able to be washed and reused, there is less heading to landfills or oceans.