Hygiene
Period disc, Cotton Swabs, Deodorant..
Period disc, Cotton Swabs, Deodorant..
Disposable personal hygiene products are a major source of plastic pollution. Products like tampons, pads, cotton swabs, and deodorant often contain plastic and come in plastic packaging. These products can end up in landfills, where they can take hundreds of years to decompose. In the United States alone, an estimated 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are discarded each year. This means that millions of pounds of plastic are being buried in landfills every year, where they can pollute the soil and groundwater.
The impact of plastic personal hygiene products on the environment is significant. In landfills, plastic can leach harmful chemicals into the soil and groundwater. In incinerators, plastic can release harmful pollutants into the air. And in the ocean, plastic can entangle and kill marine animals, and break down into microplastics that can be ingested by marine life and humans.
If you want to help reduce plastic pollution, you can do a few things:
Try switching to reusable products, like menstrual cups/discs or period underwear.
Look for products that are packaged in recyclable or compostable materials.
Look for products that don't contain plastic.
Choose products that are made with natural ingredients.
Support brands that are cruelty-free.
Here are our favorite sustainable and environmentally friendly packaged products:
Native: Plastic Free Deodorant
Native is a natural deodorant that is free of aluminum, parabens, phthalates, and talc. It is also vegan and cruelty-free.
The deodorant is made with a blend of natural ingredients, including baking soda, coconut oil, shea butter, and probiotics. These ingredients help to neutralize odor-causing bacteria and keep you feeling fresh throughout the day.
The deodorant is packaged in a paperboard tube that is made from responsibly managed forests. The tube is recyclable and compostable.
Available in a variety of scents: Coconut & Vanilla, Eucalyptus & Mint, Cucumber & Mint, Citrus & Herbal Musk, Lilac & White Tea, Gummy Bears, Charcoal, Aloe & Green Tea (Sensitive), Cotton & Lily (Sensitive), Lavender & Rose, and Unscented.
Native Plastic Free Deodorant is a great option for people who are looking for a natural, effective, and sustainable deodorant. It is also a good choice for people with sensitive skin.
Personally I use Cotton & Lily which I love. It's strong enough for fall - winter - spring. On hot summer days it's not exactly cutting it. But it's a good compromise since the packaging is fully cardboard!
Price Range: $11-$13
Cora: Reusable Period Disc
The Cora Reusable Period Disc is a comfortable, leak-proof, and mess-free alternative to tampons and pads. It is designed to fit most bodies comfortably and can be worn for up to 12 hours. The disc is made from ultra-flexible, premium medical-grade silicone and can be reused for up to 10 years. It is also easy to insert and remove, even for first time users.
I love not having to buy and dispose of tons of tampons and pads! I found that the disc is more comfortable than the cup.
Price Range: $25 - $39
NatraCare: Natural Panty Liners
Natracare cotton panty liners are made with only organic and natural materials. They are breathable, soft on the skin, and compostable. Natracare is plastic free by design.
The cotton and pulp used to make Natracare panty liners are bleached using a totally chlorine free method, which doesn't create dioxin residues. Natracare panty liners are also unscented, as synthetic perfumes can contain a host of undisclosed ingredients that can irritate sensitive skin.
Natracare only sources sustainable natural materials to make their panty liners. This means that every liner you use can return to earth safely, and help us all to look after our planet.
It took me surprisingly long to find a pantliner that contianed absolutly no plastic and did the trick. These pantyliners stay stuck where they are supposed to and don't break apart even after a full day of activity. I love the ultra thin version.
Price Range: $x-$xx
Up & Up: Paper Cotton Swabs
Up & Up Regular Cotton Swabs Paper Sticks are a versatile and essential cleaning tool. They are made from soft and absorbent cotton.
The swabs themselves work well and don't come apart. The sticks are made of paper so you can feel less guilty about using a disposable product. The packaging for the bulk option (double 500 pack) is also made entirely of paper.
Price Range: $4 for 1000 swabs (!)
