Beginner’s Guide to Sustainability: Let’s Talk About Period Care!
Hey friend!
If you’re starting your sustainability journey, let’s talk about something often overlooked: sustainable period care. This topic is important whether or not you menstruate. Chances are you know someone in your life who menstruates and could benefit from this information. And even if you don’t know anyone who menstruates, you most likely will know someone later in life.
The Problem with Traditional Period Care
Many traditional period care products, like tampons, come wrapped in excessive plastic. In the U.S., tampons often have plastic applicators that are used once and thrown away. Think about how many tampons someone might use in their lifetime—that’s a lot of plastic waste ending up in landfills.
It’s not their fault they're producing so much plastic waste. The blame lies on the companies in the U.S. that haven’t switched to using more sustainable applicators or even none at all. Many non-Americans I’ve interacted with online told me plastic applicators are not common in Europe. They also told me they were shocked to see the amount of plastic applicators on tampons when they came to the U.S.
My Personal Experience
My first step into sustainable period care was using non-applicator tampons. I discovered them in Germany, and they were a game-changer. Unlike the plastic applicators I was used to seeing in the U.S., these tampons were simple and waste-free.
The Solution: Sustainable Alternatives
Switching to sustainable period care can significantly reduce waste. Many eco-friendly options are low-waste or even zero-waste, and some are reusable. For example, menstrual cups are a great alternative. They come in minimal packaging; once you use them, you simply wash and reuse them. No waste!
Why Sustainable Period Care Matters
Beyond reducing waste, sustainable period care products often avoid harmful chemicals in mainstream brands. While I’m not a doctor, studies have shown that many traditional products contain toxins that aren’t great for your body.
How to Get Started
If you’re new to sustainable period care, here’s a step-by-step guide:
Start with sustainable pads. They’re the easiest to transition to.
Try period underwear. They’re comfortable and reusable.
Experiment with non-applicator tampons. They’re a great middle ground.
Consider a menstrual cup or disc. They’re the ultimate zero-waste option.
Remember, go slow. If something doesn’t feel right, stopping and trying something else is okay.
A Brand I Recommend
If you’re looking for a beginner-friendly option, I highly recommend Sparkle. They offer affordable, sustainable tampons (with cardboard applicators!), pads, and panty liners. Plus, their wrappers are compostable—perfect for those of us who compost!
Let’s Normalize the Conversation
Periods are a natural part of life, yet they’re often treated as taboo. By talking openly about sustainable period care, we can break the stigma and make eco-friendly options more accessible.
Your Next Step
Ready to make the switch? Download my free Sustainable Swap Guide for a list of sustainable period care brands and tips to get started.
Let’s work together to create a future where sustainability is the norm—even when it comes to period care.
[Click here to download the guide and start your sustainable period care journey!]
Thanks for reading. Keep drinking the kale juice!
Zenee