Disposable period products, like pads and tampons, might seem small and insignificant, but their environmental impact is anything but. Every year, billions of these products are used and discarded, generating a staggering amount of waste that takes hundreds of years to decompose.
The main culprit is plastic. Many disposable period products contain plastic in their absorbent layers, wrappers and applicators. This plastic never truly biodegrades, instead fragmenting into microplastics that pollute our oceans, soil and even the air that we breathe. Marine animals often mistake microplastics for food, ingesting them and suffering potentially fatal consequences.
Fortunately, there are eco-friendly alternatives to disposable period products. Reusable menstrual cups, menstrual discs, and period underwear are all gaining popularity as sustainable and cost-effective options. By making the switch, we can protect both our planet and our health for generations to come.
Let’s take a look at the award-winning and sustainable period care range from DAME…
High Waist Period Pants
If you’re new to sustainable period care, perhaps the most convenient transitional product to begin your sustainable journey with is these soft and super absorbent organic cotton high-waisted pants with built in odour control technology.
These period pants absorb the equivalent of 3 tampons or sanitary pads with each use. As well as being super comfortable to wear, the high-rise brief has a full coverage with a smooth and flattering fit that is true to size and discreet beneath everyday clothing.
With a waterproof gusset inner, made from 90% responsible cotton 1and 0% polyester with PU lamination, the HEIQ mint botanical is responsible for odour control as well as a quick-drying finish. The body of the brief is made from 90% organic cotton and 10% spandex to provide a soft and gentle stretch which can you simply rinse in cold water after use, before popping into a dark wash of up to 40 degrees in temperature.
Reusable Period Pads
If you prefer to use a sanitary towel then the reusable period pads are another fantastic option. Made from unique patent-pending DAMEdry™ technology, their five layers work together for total period protection.
The top layer is designed to quickly wick away moisture, whilst the waterproof lining prevents and leaks and the antimicrobial technology prevents odour which was my main concern when first trying sustainable period care.
These reusable period pads come in a variety of types which include:
–Mini / interlabial – these are best for spotting, controlling and directing a heavy flow onto your pad or period pants and also work great as a backup for a tampon or cup
–Liner – these absorb the equivalent of up to 1 regular tampon or pad in a length of 17cm with the regular at 20.5cm absorbing the equivalent of up to 2 regular tampons or pads and the night at 28cm up to 4 regular tampons or pads.
Using them is so quick and easy as you simply pop the pad into your underwear, black side up, pull the wings under the gusset of your underwear and snap the poppers together to hold it in place for 6-8hrs.
Just like the period pants you can rinse it in cold water after use, before popping into a dark wash of up to 40 degrees in temperature. They are line dry only and it’s recommended that you avoid using bleach or fabric softener on them to keep them at their best.
Reusable Tampon Applicator
If you prefer to use tampons then this award-winning hygienic applicator is proudly medical grade, self-sanitising and lasts for over 3,000 uses allowing you to experience the comfort of an applicator without the additional plastic waste.
This sustainable applicator fits tampon sizes from lite all the way up to super plus and works in exactly the same way as a disposable applicator would, but is reusable. To use the applicator you first remove the lid, load a tampon in, insert the plunger and push the tampon through the soft petals. After use simply rinse it under running water or wipe it with tissue in order to put it away and rinse it off later.
Period Cup
For those who are open to the concept of trying a period cup, this innovative cup is made from soft and flexible medical grade TPE and powered by natural, biocide-free Saniconcentrates which means that you do not need to boil or sanitise it required between uses, just rinse, wipe and reuse.
The cup is available in two sizes:
-The M cup is 43mm diameter and 67mm length. This is recommended for those under 30 who haven’t given birth vaginally.
-The L cup is 46mm diameter and 67mm length. This is recommended for those over 30 or who have given birth vaginally.
Once inserted the cup should feel comfortable and leave you free to continue with your day. It comes with a convenient 100% cotton storage bag and isn’t as daunting or as alien to use as the concept may seem at first thought.
Use code “TRACYKISSDOTCOM” for 20% off of selected collections at DAME.
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