The Green Review

Finding the right products to use during a menstrual cycle can be challenging, there are an abundance of brands and styles to chose from. When deciding what to use, it's worthwhile to consider options that are better for the environment. Not only will you be saving hundreds of dollars, but you will also be saving the environment and reducing your waste, it’s the best of both worlds.

Some of the more ecofriendly options would be to use reusable pads in replace of disposable pads, reusable period underwear in replace of disposable period underwear, and a menstrual cup or disc in replace of a tampon.

Reusable pads

Reusable pads are cloth pads that are washable. They typically last up to 5-10 years, however, with proper care can they last even longer than that. To take good care of your reusable pads it is recommended to rinse the product immediately after use with cold water and to gently squeeze the pad until the water runs clear.

They are then good to put in with normal laundry, however, it is recommended to air dry instead of using the dryer. For the average period, using a reusable pad for 5 years will reduce waste of about 1,200 disposable pads per reusable pad.

Reusable period underwear

Period underwear looks exactly like regular underwear, but they contain a built-in pad. They're designed to keep moisture away from your skin as they soak up menstrual blood. Depending on the style of the underwear, period underwear can generally hold up to the equivalent of 2-5 regular sized pads.

Reusable period underwear can last up to 2 years and sometimes even longer with proper care. To take good care of your reusable pair of period underwear it is recommended to rinse the product immediately after use with cold water and to gently squeeze the underwear until the water runs clear.

They are then good to put in with normal laundry, however, it is recommended to air dry instead of using the dryer. Switching to reusable period underwear can reduce the number of disposable pads and period underwear going into the landfill by about 240 pads and around 120 pairs of disposable period underwear in the span of 2 years.

Menstrual cups and discs

A menstrual cup is a reusable, bell shaped product that is inserted into the vaginal canal to collect menstrual blood. A menstrual disc does the same thing, but instead of being bell shaped, it’s more flexible and circular shaped.

Both products can be worn for up to 12 hours and they can hold much more than you'd expect, making them perfect for all-day wear. Menstrual cups and discs can typically last up to 5 years, and sometimes even longer if they are taken care of properly.

To take care of your cup or disc properly, they should be boiled in water for 5-10 minutes when you first receive the product and after every cycle. In between uses, while on your period it is recommended to wash it with warm water and unscented soap before you insert the product again.

To store it make sure the product is clean and completely dry and place it in the cotton pouch provided so that it is away from humidity and scented products. Never store the menstrual cup or disc in an airtight container.

When your diva up starts to show signs of discoloration and deterioration, it is recommended to dispose of it. Using a menstrual cup can reduce your waste by around 1,500 regular sized tampons per cup. Using a menstrual disc is estimated to reduce your waste by 2,100 regular sized tampons per disc.

Everyone is different and will have their own preferences, so make sure that you are picking what works best for you as your health and well being is number one!

Looking to try a Diva Cup? Email unbmenstrualhealth@gmail.com to make arrangements on getting one free of charge!

UNB Menstrual Health Society also host wellness events in the fall and spring to give out several sustainable products and much more. Check out their Instagram or Facebook for updates and announcements.