Benefits Of A Plastic-Free Period
July 24, 2021
By Mia Krejci
In celebration of Plastic Free July this month, we wanted to send you some benefits of plastic-free periods.
While most conventional period companies use plastics and chemicals in their period products, we at Grace & Green believe in offering a variety of 100% plastic-free period products that are both kind to your body and your health.
Scroll down and read some of the issues caused by period products using plastic and about the benefits of having a plastic-free period.
Benefit #1: BETTER FOR YOUR BODY
Problem: Most conventional single-use period products are made of up to 90% plastic and are usually bleached white meaning they contain dioxin and other substances that can harm the body. Most pads are also scented with synthetic fragrances that can contain harmful chemicals. For such an intimate product, there is shockingly little information on the packaging about the plastics or chemicals used – or what effect they may have.
Solution:
At Grace & Green, we only use 100% certified organic cotton tampons and pads that are unbleached, unscented, and completely free of toxins. Also menstrual/period cups, like our Grace & Green Period Cup, are made from 100% hypoallergenic medical-grade silicone that is perfectly safe without chemicals entering your body!
Benefit #2: BETTER FOR THE PLANET
Problem: Every year, ~200,000 tons of menstrual waste ends up in landfill in the UK alone. As conventional disposable pads are riddled with plastic, they sit in landfills for about 800 years – one packet contains as much plastic as 5 plastic bags. Tampons are mostly made of cotton, but some contain polyester components and ~6% plastic, although this can vary. The string, the wrap around each tampon and, most importantly, the applicator are usually plastic as well. Considering that each person who menstruates uses over 11,000 period products in their lifetime, you can only imagine what this does to our environment. Meanwhile, menstrual waste is the 5th most common item found on Europe’s beaches. Yikes.
Solution: Made from 100% hypoallergenic medical-grade silicone, menstrual/period cups last up to 10 years and since you only need ONE, you save our planet a LOT of waste! But also 100% certified organic cotton period products that are free of toxic chemicals or bleach, like our panty liners, pads, and tampons wrapped in recyclable paper that come either without applicators or with biodegradable cardboard applicators, are 100% biodegradable and save our precious planet!
Other plastic-free alternatives include period underwear and washable pads made from natural materials such as organic cotton or bamboo.
Were you aware of the health risks and the environmental impact caused by conventional period products that contain plastic? Spread the word, you may inspire your friends to switch to plastic-free alternatives and contribute to a better tomorrow 💚
