Every month the routine starts again. All menstrual products come out of the cupboard and we use them again with all the love. Are these products actually good for us? And are these products kind to our planet? We will find it out for you.
Sanitary pads
Sanitary pads in Europe are safe to use. We have rules that ensure that toxins are minimally present in the sanitary towel. They are there, but in such small quantities that they do not harm the body. It is possible that sanitary towels contain fragrances to make you smell fresher. If you are allergic to this, it is important to read the ingredients carefully. If it says hypoallergenic here, it’s OK to use.
Tampons
Things are slightly different with tampons. You’ve probably heard the horror stories about Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). You wear it too long and the consequences are terrible. These stories scare many people away from using tampons. Fortunately, it happens less often than you read. As long as you don’t wear the tampon for more than eight hours, there is nothing to worry about. There is always a chance that TSS will still come, but the chance is much smaller. Complaints such as diarrhea, dizziness, high fever and vomiting are symptoms of TSS. Keep a close eye on the symptoms and see a doctor if you are unsure.
Environment
Many menstrual products are used in the Netherlands. In your life you use between 11 and 16 thousand products such as tampons, sanitary towels and panty liners. Just imagine the impact that has on our planet. Sanitary towels and tampons together produce 150 kilos of waste in the lives of people who menstruate. If a menstrual product gets lost and ends up in nature, it will take at least a hundred years before it is completely broken down.
Even the production of our sanitary products is not good for the earth. The process of making menstrual products uses large amounts of energy and water. In the lifetime of single-use menstrual products, they contribute enough to global warming. Together with transport, a significant amount of CO2 is released into the air.
Alternatives
Fortunately, there are now substitutes for these polluting products. These options are not yet affordable for many menstruating people, but prices are gradually falling. For example, there is underwear that absorbs the blood without adding an extra layer. The underwear itself contains four layers, all with their own function. This way you have an absorbent layer and a waterproof layer. You wear this underwear for as long as you wear the other products, namely around eight hours. This of course depends on the severity of the blood loss. The underwear feels clean and you won’t have any problems all day long!
Menstrual underwear from Bol.com
Menstrual cups have also been developed to reduce this plastic surplus. Yes, the cups are also made of plastic, but because you use them many times, it is much better for you and the natural in the long run. It is important to read carefully in advance about the use of a menstrual cup. The method of inserting and removing is just as complicated, but once you get the hang of it, it’s smooth sailing. Keep the cups clean and they will last a long time.
Menstrual cup from Bol.com
