It’s easy to switch to reusable items like straws, bags, napkins, etc. But one thing that women have to deal with are menstrual products and which ones to use. Switching to reusable involves quite a bit of research and experimenting. But sometimes, once you make the switch, going back to disposable is sometimes no longer a wanted option. Ever switching to reusable discs, I can’t imagine myself switching back to disposable menstrual products.
The amount of waste you prevent by switching to reusable is pretty satisfying. Obviously every product here will have a life span, but they pay for themselves pretty damn quick, and most of these items are recyclable or biodegradable.
It’s understandable how it can be intimidating, nerve-racking, or uncomfortable making the switch. There’s a learning curve to a handful of the below options, but I think they’re worth trying out if you want to prevent waste and save money in the long run.
Check out these potential products!
When I think of reusable menstrual items, the first that comes to mind are the cups. It seems to be a lot of people’s first go-to when they switch to reusables. It was the first thing I did research on when I considered dropping disposable pads.
Cups are made of medical grade silicone, which gives it the opportunity to be reused for a long time. It’s shaped like a cup with a stem at the bottom for easy removal. They hold a lot of liquid and require less “changing” time. There will be a learning curve and they’re definitely not for everyone, but there are many different versions which convinces me that there will for sure be a brand out there suited for you.
You just have to really browse around. New companies are coming out left and right supporting the reusable movement. These are some popular cups:
✿ Diva Cup
✿ Lena Cup
✿ Lily Cup
✿ Xo Flo
✿ Lunette
Just like the cups, most of these discs are made of medical grade silicone. They’re a bit different – the shape, where they sit in your body, and the insertion method. There’s a learning curve here too, as you have to get pretty comfortable with your body to put it in and remove it. Once you get the hang of it, you can’t even feel it, and the amount of liquid it holds is pretty great. Like the cups, there’s less changing, as it can hold up for about six hours before it needs emptying out.
There aren’t as many discs as there are cups, but if you’re interested, these companies are pretty good:
✿ Lumma Cup
✿ Nixit
✿ Softcup
✿ Ziggy Cup
Reusable period underwear sounds like it could get messy, but the zillion reviews on the world wide web says otherwise. These look like normal underwear, but they’re designed to hold a few tampons worth of liquid. It’s pretty astounding. There’s no claim of it being messy, and people say that it doesn’t feel bulky or uncomfortable. It’s pretty much regular underwear that has extra purpose.
If this sounds up your alley, try these options:
✿ Dear Kate
✿ Hairbrained
✿ Lunapads
✿ Modibodi
✿ Thinx
Now, cloth pads on the other hand I have no experience in trying. To me, they sounds potentially useful as a backup for when I wear my menstrual disc. Disposable pads have that diaper feel, but people say cloth pads are so much more comfortable. Maybe it’s the organic cotton and non toxic materials and/or plastic that are used in pads. Natural is better, especially when you can wash and reuse.
If you like pads and want to try a cloth version, here are some pretty popular brands worth trying:
✿ Charlie Banana
✿ GladRags
✿ Hannah Pad
✿ Heart Felt
✿ Lunapads
Personally, I find using a sea sponge an interesting alternative. One that I probably won’t use quite yet. Although, sea sponges do have pretty good reviews and results if you’re intrigued. They’re reusable, biodegradable, and you can trim them to whatever shape you’re comfortable with. They’re pretty much like tampons made by the sea.
✿ Femmes Divines
✿ Jade & Pearl
✿ Natural Intimacy
✿ Poseidon Sponge
✿ Wayne And Whale
Now if you’re too much of a tampon fan, there are options here too. Unfortunately, reusable is kinda meh here, but there are a handful of organic cotton tampons without the applicators. Companies who use organic cotton don’t use chemicals that mainstream tampons contain, and they don’t use plastic applicators that are so wasteful. So here’s a company that created a reusable applicator for those folx who can’t quit tampons. Switch to organic, reuse this applicator, and you’re good to go!
✿ Dame
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Need more convincing? Here are more legit reasons to switch to reusable. But all I can say is at the end of the day, do what feels right for you. Just remember, no one makes you bleed your own blood.
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