If there’s one thing all women dread, it’s that time of the month. Yes, we’re talking about menstruation, aka period, aka monthly foe friend.
It’s that time of the month where our emotions are all over the place, our backs ache, our stomachs hurt, we get the weirdest food cravings at ungodly hours, our face and skin start acting up, some of us even get headaches and migraines; and to top it all off, we bleed uncontrollably from our lady parts down there for almost a week. And we do this every. Single. Month.
On top of all that, we have to spend on menstrual products like pads and tampons, even pain killers! But did you know that they’re incredibly bad for the environment?
These products may seem soft and harmless but according to The Star, they are made mainly out of plastic, and that’s excluding wrappers and packaging. FYI, plastic also takes hundreds of years to biodegrade!
Well, before your next period, instead of forking out more cash (y’know, with GST and all) to purchase these “lady products” and contributing to Mother Nature’s slow death, here are some environmental-friendly alternatives you can opt for:
1. The ever-popular reusable pads
Source: Etsy
They look like your everyday sanitary pads except they’re reusable!
Furthermore, reusable pads are said to be much safer for our bodies as they do not contain bleach, Sodium Polyacrylate Gel, plastics, adhesives or other toxic chemicals that can lead to irritation, skin chaffing, infections, and even ovarian cancer! The fact that reusable pads are made completely from fabric also makes it much more comfortable and eco-friendly. Plus, they can be used for up to a decade! Reusable pads also don’t smell as bad as disposable ones after using.
How to use:
You change your reusable pads as many times as you do with disposable ones each day. The only difference is, you can keep your used reusable pads in a zip lock bag and wash them whenever you get back home. Dry them out then use them again the next day!
Get yourself a reusable pad here!
2. The up-and-coming menstrual cup
Source: EMEDeMujer
Made of medical-grade silicone, the menstrual cup can be used for up to 12 hours before being washed and used again. Imagine not having to change your bloody sanitary pad every two to three hours! Plus, unlike tampons, there won’t be any awkward strings hanging outta your hoo-ha. #Goals
Additionally, one single cup can be used for over a decade! Imagine how much money you can save and how happy Mother Nature will be!
How to use:
Source: Freelancer
Simply fold it into a C-shape, and insert it into your body tilting it back towards the base of your spine and let it sit right at the bottom of your cervix to collect all that menstrual fluid. You can leave it in you for up to 12 hours, remove it and empty out the blood before washing thoroughly and reusing it again. Don’t worry, if applied correctly, it wouldn’t leak! Pro tip: Try it out at home for a few cycles first if you’re a newbie!
Get yourself a menstrual cup here!
3. Reusable sea sponges
Source: TheHumbledHomemaker
Sea sponges are literally plant-like organisms that grow in colonies in the ocean, it’s not just a cute name! They have the ability to regenerate and regrow so they can be harvested over and over again. These sanitary pad/tampon alternatives are completely natural and free of bleach, chlorine, chemicals, dyes and so forth, so you can use them without worrying about getting any infection. These sponges can also be reused for up to six months or more and they come in different sizes too!
How to use:
Source: Femallay
Wet your sponge with warm water, then squeeze all the excess water out. With clean hands, squish your sponge and gently push it into your lady parts, like how you would a tampon. If you feel any pressure, trim the perimeter of it to make it smaller. You shouldn’t be able to feel the sponge inside you. Remember to clean your sponges before using them each time!
Get yourself a sea sponge here!
Well, there you have it ladies, a few non-toxic, eco-friendly alternatives for all your menstrual needs. Be sure to give them a try and let us know what you think of them in the comment section. These alternatives will probably save you a lot more in the long run too!
Also read: Meet Mariam, a Malay Girl Who Plays Drums in a Lion Dance Troupe and Speaks Mandarin
