Zero Waste Feminine Care That Actually Works
Zero waste feminine care means switching from disposable pads and tampons made with (and wrapped in) plastic that are free from rayon fibres, chlorine and animal testing. Either to plastic-free organic cotton alternatives or washable pads/pants or menstrual cups (or a combination).
Not only is this good for the planet and your pocket, but you’ll find them far more comfortable due to lack of plastic (especially in warm weather). And such brands also are free from irritating dyes and fragrance.
Bin all disposables (never flush). Avoid menstrual cups (and tampons) for at least 6 weeks after pregnancy (or if at risk of toxic shock syndrome).
A hot water bottle on a clothed tummy for 30 minutes usually calms menstrual cramps.
The choices for zero waste feminine care
Disposable plastic feminine care is often flushed (wrongly) down toilets or slips through sewage systems in heavy rain, which means they are one of the most common forms of beach litter. Breaking down into microplastics, means such items are accidentally ingested by marine wildlife.
The main options to switch to are:
Organic cotton and bamboo tampons and pads are free from rayon (a processed fibre), chlorine bleach and fragrances. They are plastic-free and sold in plastic-free packaging.
Reusable pads and period undies both work the same. The pads and pants are both made from cotton with waterproof layers. The pads fasten around underwear with poppers, and the pants are just worn as is. Most people buy a set of 6 to 10 pads, storing used ones in wet bags, until laundering. After use, rinse with cold water, then wash as normal.
Wash with a microfibre filter (avoid fabric conditioner, bleach and tumble dryers). To remove stains, rinse with cold water, rub in gentle soap, rinse and launder, using oxygen bleach if needed.
Medical silicone menstrual cups look like little bells, and collect (rather than absorb) menstrual fluid, changed every few hours, like tampons. Sold in different sizes (depending on age and childbirth history), they take a bit of practice, but most people never go back. Most brands now sell cleaning cups alongside, for easy cleaning (in public bathrooms, just empty and rinse, then wash at home).
Some people can’t use them, so check with company or GP (say if you have an IUD device).
To remove stains, rinse with cold (never hot) water, rub in a small amount of gentle soap, rinse again, then wash as normal, using oxygen bleach if needed.
Flo (organic cotton/bamboo feminine care)
Flo is an eco brand of period care, from menstrual cups to bamboo pads and tampons, all in sustainable packaging (you can find them in some chemists and Superdrug). The tampons are made with sugar cane bioplastic applicators.
TOTM (organic cotton pads, liners, tampons)
TOTM offers organic cotton tampons and pads, in sustainable packaging. You can order online for regular subscriptions to save money. With biodegradable cardboard applicators and in paper packaging, there are also night pads for heavy flow.
Mooncup (menstrual cups & pads/tampons)
Mooncup makes menstrual cups (with collapsible cleaning cups to buy as a bundle) and organic pads and tampons. It also sells washable period pants.
DAME (menstrual cups, pads and tampons)
Dame sells period cups (that are self-sanitising so no need to boil, just rinse and wash with mild soap, and store dry in the cotton bag). It also sells organic towels, liners and tampons (including a reusable tampon applicator, if you use non-applicator tampons, which are cheaper).
Hey Girls (a social enterprise period brand)
Hey Girls is a social enterprise that offers menstrual cups (with easy-to-use sterilising cups), plus organic cotton pads and tampons, and donates one to a girl or woman in need, for each one bought. The washbags are made from recycled ocean-bound plastic.
Zero Waste Period Care for Public Places
Grace & Green not only offers good organic cotton pads, liners and tampons, but also offers machines to place in public bathrooms, hotels, restaurants, pubs and offices. These can replace present plastic brands. Other brands that offer wholesale for business use are:
Don’t Send Disposable Plastic Pads to Africa
Some of the big plastic disposable feminine care companies, often urge us to ‘donate’ free feminine care products to girls and young women in Africa, so they don’t have to use leaves, and can spend more time in study and work. Sounds good?
Not so fast. This is actually one of the worst things to do. Most places in Africa don’t have sewage systems, and huge poverty in some areas can lead to girls sharing pads (not good on a continent ravaged by HIV and AIDS) and also ends up polluting a beautiful country.
In fact, there are a few companies that employ local people (including men) to make eco reusable alternatives, so why don’t these companies promote their work instead? Afripads are made from a blend of recycled paper and papyrus leaves.
The idea stemmed from the original pads, invented by engineer Moses, who ‘couldn’t stop inventing things’. Sent to a village to ask how he could help, two women hit over the head with a (clean) sanitary towel, and told to him to go off and invent something better. So he did! Moses is no longer with us. But he has left an empowering legacy for African girls and women.