The Benefits of Organic Tampons
You know your body and your period needs.
These days, we have more options than ever for dealing with our periods, from tampons and sanitary towels to menstrual cups, period panties and reusable pads. Tampons remain one of the most popular period products out there for women, being one of the easiest and most affordable. Increasingly, conscientious consumers are shifting their focus to organic toiletries, mindful of the chemical soup that is the consumer products industry. Organic toothpastes, perfumes, deodorants and even tanning lotions are more readily available than ever before.
But what do we mean by ‘organic’ when we’re talking about tampons? Does it really matter whether or not your tampon is organic anyway? After all, tampons (should) only stay in the body for up to eight hours at a time.
If you’re looking for the short answer: yes it matters and there are many benefits of organic tampons you should be aware of. The vagina is one of the most absorbent areas of the body; it has a thin, mucous membrane that absorbs toxins and chemicals more readily than your outer skin – and conventional tampons are crawling with them. That’s why Grace & Green organic tampons are made from 100% certified organic cotton with zero pesticides or chemicals, designed to protect you naturally.
Surprised? Here’s why you should consider making the switch.
Toxins in tampons
The reality of life today is that chemicals are everywhere. Many of these chemicals are associated with cancer and other medical problems. The average woman uses upwards of 10,000 tampons in her lifetime, which, when you consider the number of chemicals contained in non-organic tampons, really adds up. Conventional tampons contain dioxins, synthetic fibers and petrochemical additives – not to mention plasticising chemicals linked to endocrine disruption – which manufacturers are not required to disclose. This blend makes for one toxic cocktail.
Organic vs. conventional tampons
Let’s talk about some of the key differences between organic and conventional tampons, starting with the key ingredient – cotton.
Be under no illusions: conventional cotton farming is highly pesticide-intensive, responsible for 16% of all the insecticides and 6.8% of all herbicides used worldwide (Source). It destroys ecosystems, poisons animals, contaminates soil and water, and endangers workers. Daily exposure to chemical pesticides and fertilisers with a lack of safety precautions leaves many cotton workers vulnerable to illness and infertility. By choosing to support organic farming practices, you help people as well as the planet.
Most conventional tampons are made from non-organic cotton in addition to cheaper materials like rayon and polyester. Rayon is a fibre made from wood pulp; during the bleaching process dioxin is produced, which is classified as a known human carcinogen by the World Health Organization. Organic tampons skip the bleach, which means they contain zero dioxins.
Ever noticed how some tampon brands claim to have a ‘fresh’ scent? Fragranced tampons are designed to pander to women’s insecurities ‘down there’, an unnecessary and potentially harmful marketing ploy. These fragrances contain all sorts of chemicals that have no place in a woman’s nether regions. Periods shouldn’t have a strong smell if you’re changing your towel or tampon regularly. Organic tampons are fragrance-free and all the better for it – who says your vagina needs to smell like potpourri?
Did we mention the vagina is essentially an internalised sponge? The inside of the vagina is highly permeable, which means it rapidly absorbs chemicals – so much so that it has been rediscovered as a potential route for systemic drug delivery. If you wouldn’t put harsh chemicals on your skin, you certainly shouldn’t be putting them in your lady business. End of. The beauty of organic tampons is that they contain 100% organic cotton and nothing else. You can buy them with or without applicators, just the same as regular tampons. Organic tampons are natural, ethical and biodegradable – everything tampons should be.