By: Megan Shellman-Rickard
BPW Colorado Virtual Chair, NFBPWC Environment and Sustainable Development Committee (2022-2024)

Simple Acts: Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products

Menstruation is a natural and essential process. While we can't avoid it, we can certainly choose the products we use during our periods. Most menstruators rely on disposable menstrual pads and tampons, which are not only harmful to the environment but can also be harmful to our health. 

Eco-friendly menstrual products are those that are made from sustainable and biodegradable materials. These products are free from chemicals and toxins that can harm the environment and our bodies. Eco-friendly menstrual products include menstrual cups, cloth pads, and period panties. Unlike disposable products, they are reusable and can last up to ten years with proper care. In addition, there are disposable menstrual products that are produced with organic materials that are made in a more sustainable manner and without harmful chemicals, toxins, and plastics.

There are many benefits of using reusable, eco-friendly menstrual products. They are cost-effective in the long run. Traditional disposable products may seem more affordable, but you must keep buying them every month and there is a cost to both your body and the environment. Conversely, eco-friendly reusable products only need to be bought once and can last years. Most eco-friendly menstrual products are healthier for our bodies simply because they do not contain chemicals and toxins. Many options are also more comfortable to wear and can reduce the risk of infections.

Disposable menstrual products, especially those with plastic applicators and wrappers, have a huge environmental impact. They contribute to landfill waste, plastic pollution, and deforestation. Research has shown that an average woman uses up to 11,000 disposable menstrual products in her lifetime. That's a lot of waste, much of which takes hundreds of years to decompose. Eco-friendly, disposable menstrual products do not contribute as heavily to environmental degradation as they are biodegradable and require less resources to manufacture. Some reusable products, with proper care, can last up to 10 years.

Choosing the right eco-friendly menstrual product can be a daunting task. You must consider your flow, lifestyle, and comfort. Menstrual cups are perfect for women with a heavy flow as they can hold more blood. Cloth pads are ideal for women who prefer a more traditional option and don't mind washing them after use. Period panties have the added benefit of not requiring any additional products. They are perfect for women who have a moderate flow. Sustainably manufactured disposable products are a simple way to make a difference by using less plastics and items that biodegrade much faster. Making the switch to eco-friendly menstrual products is not as difficult as it seems. Start small and try out different products until you find the right one for you. Research the brands that prioritize sustainability and choose one that aligns with your values and budget.

Click here for resources about eco-friendly menstrual products:

https://www.sustainably-chic.com/blog/sustainable-period-pads

https://vegoutmag.com/shopping/sustainable-tampons-and-pads/

https://period.co/

https://www.thegoodtrade.com/features/best-period-underwear/