Menstrual Product Guide: Do You Know What You're Putting Up Your Vagina?

This is a guest post by author Lindsay Guarnieri

Period products have come a long way from the first period pad that had to be secured on using a garter like contraption.

Most people with a uterus bleed out of their vagina for 4 or 5 days every month from around age 12 to mid 50’s. Since most people who menstruate (approximately 26% of the world population) go through a box of tampons or pads a month, it is said that 250-300 pounds of pads, plugs, and applicators are thrown away in their lifetime. Unfortunately, none of these applicators, plugs, or pads end up decomposing in our landfill. This means that every pad and/or tampon that was ever created is still on this earth, living in landfills or swimming in the oceans. 

Standard period products don’t decompose because they are made of plastic, cotton and chemicals. Yes, everytime you insert a tampon- you are most likely sticking plastic up your vagina along with a ton of other chemicals to collect your blood. The plastic and chemicals not only makes your menstrual blood smell gross (did you know that natural menstrual blood doesn’t actually have a harsh smell), but it could lead to serious issues such as toxic shock syndrome.

Not sure what toxic shock syndrome is? Find out here.

When I started my zero waste lifestyle, I couldn’t wait to try out new alternatives to the standard pad and tampon. Especially since pads feel like a wet diaper and I would end up having to change my tampon every hour so it wouldn’t leak. 

The only switch that I have tried is the Diva Menstrual Cup. It is my first and last menstrual product I believe I will ever have to use, as menstrual cups have a 10 year lifespan, making them highly sustainable. The menstrual cup is a silicone cup that is designed to be folded and inserted into the vagina Once it’s placed correctly, it will collect blood. 

Click here for a video about using the menstrual cup.

If you have tried the a Diva Cup and didn’t like it- I would recommend looking into the tons of other menstrual cup companies that are out there. Each company has come out with different sizes and shapes that can work for any vagina.

There are also a few organizations like Ruby Cup who help donate menstrual cups to people in third world countries that can’t afford or don’t have access to safe menstrual products. The Ruby Cup also provides classes for many teens and adults in cultures were menstruation is still considered taboo or reproductive health isn’t widely talked about. Even if you don’t need to buy a menstrual cup- I highly recommend donating to this organization! 

The menstrual cup is probably the most popular zero waste alternative menstrual product, but it isn’t the only option. It’s important to consider all possible sustainable period products before investing in the one that works best for you. This is especially important if you aren’t comfortable with putting your fingers up your vagina. 

There are a ton of companies that also offer reusable pads, period underwear, reusable tampons, and sponges. All of these sustainable alternatives to normal pads and tampons are safe, plastic free, and can be used for years to help reduce your waste. It’s also important to note that many of these reusable products are an investment that will pay for itself within the next few months to a year of use. This is a quite significant saving when you think about how long your reusable pad or menstrual cup will last you.

Reusable menstrual pads are usually made of cotton, bamboo, or can even be made from old clothes as a DIY option. They work just like any other pad, but without the chemicals and terrible smell. Many companies have created various sizes and thickness to help with any type of flow. I would also highly recommend checking these out if you are afraid of getting leaks when using a menstrual cup as a backup! They’re also handy to travel with in case you get your period on the go and you don’t have your cup with you.

I believe that I saved one of the best sustainable menstrual products for last. 

Thinx underwear, is a more recent company that has revolutionized sustainable period products. The sustainable community has been going crazy for these underwear because the company has ensured that they have a product for everyone. From thong to boyshorts- all Thinx underwear can hold from 1 ½ tampons worth of blood to 4 tampons worth without feeling like a diaper. 

After your done- wash them under cold water until it runs clean and then through them in the wash with the rest of your clothes. The company is also working hard to destigmatize period talk and female reproductive health around the world, as well as advocating against discriminatory policies and forming their United for Access campaign. 

For anyone who isn’t comfortable using any of these period products or are looking for a “transition” type product that will help ease them into using these products, I recommend looking for organic cotton pads and tampons. They still have be thrown away, but there is no risk of toxic shock syndrome. Many cotton pads and tampons can be found at local health food stores near the supplements and hair care products.

About Lindsay Guarnieri

Hi- my name is Lindsay Guarnieri, I run the blog Zeroing In all about how to live a more eco-friendly and sustainable life. As an Environmental Activist I also try my best to research a ton about various environmental issues and how we can create positive change for our planet. In my free time I love creating new vegan recipes, volunteering in my local community, hanging out with my guinea pig named Jelly Pig, watching movies, and discovering new exhibits at my local museums in Washington DC! Check out my blog at zeroinginblog.com and my IG page @zeroing_in. I also co-manage a Facebook Group called Hippie Haven with another zero waste blogger!