Let's face it, no one likes getting their period. I am currently sitting on my sofa with a hot water bottle on my stomach because of cramps and I'm not exactly thrilled by it.
However, we (women) all get periods so we need to think about what products we want to use. I'm lucky because I get light periods due to the birth control I use (it's a UID if anyone is interested).
I read something a few weeks ago about how the average sanitary pad contains the equivalent of four plastic bags. We've become a nation who are trying to cut down on our plastic bag use, yet women are using lots of plastic each month without even thinking about it. Then there's tampons which come with plastic applicators, the name alone tells you they aren't good for the environment.
So what options do we have?
I know quite a few people who swear by the menstrual cup. I have tried one, but it just wasn't for me. I'm sure it probably takes a while to get used to. I just didn't have the patience and found it all a bit awkward.
So I decided that I would try reusable menstrual pads which I bought from this great shop on Etsy here. They're really comfortable, soft, and they look so much more fun than regular disposable pads. Plus, while each pad costs a few pounds to buy you'll be saving money in the long run and really cutting down your plastic use.
So how do you wash them?
I just soak them in some cold water and then throw them in the washing machine with my regular washing. Once the wash is done, I just hang them up to try and they're good to go again.
If you haven't thought about how much plastic you use each month for your period, then I recommend that you do. There's a few different options on the market which will not only save you money but will also dramatically cut down the amount of plastic you. I'd also love to know what products and companies you're using in the comments.
