If you have a period, you've probably dealt with the ordeals that are tampons and pads. Pads and tampons create a lot of waste. In fact, the average person who menstruates will use between 12,000 and 16,000 pads or tampons in their lifetime!
That's a lot of waste in landfills, and grocery store pads and tampons aren't biodegradable. Tampons can also cause a lot of health risks.
So what are we to do? Luckily, there are some easy alternatives to the traditional pads and tampons.
1. Menstrual cups
Menstrual cups are like tampons because they sit inside your vagina. However, unlike tampons, they collect blood instead of absorbing blood, so you can wear them for up to 12 hours depending on your flow (which means you can sleep in them). They are reusable and can last up to two years, which saves you money. If you don't like the idea of reusing them, the SoftCup is a disposable menstrual cup, so you can still wear it for 12 hours and toss it when you're done.
Pros: saves money, reusable, longer wear
Cons: learning to use them can be tough, and they can get messy
2. Reusable pads
Reusable pads are just like regular pads, except you can wash and reuse them! They also are more comfortable than regular pads.
Pros: reusable, more comfortable, save money
Cons: can be awkward to change in public, more laundry required (so not the best option if you live in a dorm or in a place that doesn't have a laundry machine on hand)
3. Period panties
These things are fantastic because they're absorbent underwear! That means no tampons or pads, just wearing underwear and washing it when you're done! You already do that! Some models can even hold up to two tampons worth of blood, so it's good for people who have heavy flows.
Pros: comfortable, feels like regular underwear
Cons: If you have a very heavy flow and leak in public, it's kind of hard to change your panties in public. More expensive than other options.
4. Period sponges
These are a good option for people who like natural products. Period sponges are literally dead sea sponges that are harvested from the ocean. They last up to a year and work just like a tampon.
Pros: conform to your body, can wear for up to 12 hours, save money, natural
Cons: absorb blood, have to clean it out after every use, can make for a messy routine
5. Birth control
Some forms of hormonal birth control can actually prevent you from having a period. No period = no need for pads or tampons.
Pros: no period to worry about! (and no babies)
Cons: can be more expensive, hormonal birth control is not the best option for everybody
It may seem gross, but reusable methods really are a better way to handle your period once you get used to the fact that it's reusable. You'll save the planet, your health, and your wallet! It's a win-win-win.
