3 Reasons To Switch to Sustainable Feminine Hygiene!

With the rise of Green Consumerism, the pressure on retailers to provide eco-friendly products is constantly increasing. Feminine care is one of the countless retail industries that is undergoing a major sustainability transformation. The fight against climate change is inadvertently shedding light on the environmental impact, as well as the potential health hazards associated with disposable feminine care products.

If you are unsure whether to make the switch, take a look at these three compelling reasons as to why sustainable feminine hygiene is the safer option for your body and for the environment.

1. Better for the Environment

The environmental impact of feminine hygiene products such as pads and tampons is immense. According to OrganiCup, period-related waste amounts to over 200,000 tones per year, with the average individual disposing of 125-150kg’s worth of pads and/or tampons in the duration of their life. This is a huge issue because almost all disposable menstrual products and their packaging contain plastic and will more than likely end up in a landfill.

Reusable menstrual products can last anywhere between 1-5 years depending on the brand and product. Menstrual cups are made from medical-grade silicone which is far more durable than plastic and non-hazardous to the environment. OrganiCup menstrual cups have been tested to last up to 10 years, although they may need to be replaced more frequently due to discoloration. Reusable sanitary pads, made with natural fabrics last up to five years, making them undeniably more sustainable than single use pads.

2. Non-Toxic

Not only are sustainable feminine care products safer for the environment, they are also safer for your health. Most disposable pads and tampons contain harmful chemicals such as volatile organic compounds and phthalates. Long-term exposure to these chemicals can cause hormone disruption and reproductive damage. The majority of reusable menstrual products are made with natural materials and are free from toxins and chemicals, making them safer to use.

3. Cost-Effective

The average individual uses approximately 11,154 tampons and/or pads in their lifetime. The standard cost of a packet of single use pads/tampons is roughly €4. According to an Oireachtas debate “the average woman, or anyone who experiences periods, will have 507 periods” in their lifetime, using up to 22 pads/tampon per cycle. This means on average an individual will spend approximately €3,570 on disposable period products.

In comparison, one reusable menstrual cup typically costs €17-30 and lasts up to 10 years. Even if you were to replace your menstrual cup every 3 years, you would still only spend between €300-400. One reusable pad usually costs between €6-8 and lasts up to 5 years. If you replaced single use pads with a rotation of 10 reusable pads per cycle (each pad lasting 5 years), you would save over €2000 in your lifetime on period waste alone.

So, not only are sustainable menstrual products safer and environmentally friendly, they are also cheaper – It’s a no brainer really! If you would like to make the switch, have a look at our sustainable pads and menstrual cups below or shop our full range of eco-friendly feminine care products here.