insideKENT Magazine Issue 101 - September 2020 | Page 83

HEALTH+WELLNESS
MORE CHOICE.
PERIOD!
WE HAVE THEM, BUT IT DOESN’T MEAN THAT WE HAVE TO PUT UP WITH THEM,
AND NOR DO WE HAVE TO SETTLE FOR STANDARD SANITARY SAFEGUARDS ANY
MORE, JESS MARSHALL GETS DOWN LOW FOR THE LOW DOWN.
The revolution towards an environmentally
friendly life has powerfully impacted the modern
world. Plastic straws in bars are a thing of the
past, public outcry has caused huge companies
to reduce their emissions drastically, and electric
cars are becoming more wide-spread and easily
available. One industry that has been growing
exponentially in recent years is alternative, ecofriendly
period products, and considering the
average sanitary towel takes between 300 and
500 years to decompose and over 100 billion
period products are thrown out every year, it
is about time we all made the switch to these
environmentally sound, safe and easy products.
So ditch those old-school tampons and pads, and
start feeling comfortable and safe on your period,
while saving the planet.
Possibly the most well-known eco-solution to
your period woes is the menstrual cup. Easy
to use, small and flexible - so it can fit into small
crevasses - cups simply collect the liquid, instead
of absorbing blood like disposable menstrual
care options, allowing the natural moisture and
pH balance of your vagina to stay intact. Most
cups are also made from medical grade silicone,
with no nasty added chemicals or fragrances, as
well as being a great financial investment with
cups lasting for nearly a decade! In fact, made
by women for women brand, SAALT, estimates
that the average user would need just four in a
menstruating lifetime, at a cost of just £100,
which when you consider the costs of single use
period products can reach nearly £5,000 in the
same time frame, the cost savings are huge. And
of course, cups mean no more frantic buying,
or stockpiling if COVID-19 gives us another
friendly visit.
Manufactured in the UK with FDA certification
Mooncup, has been leading the eco-friendly
period care way since 2002. Kath Clements,
Mooncups’ company director has seen sales
skyrocket from both older and younger women
alike, who are environmentally conscious,
and want a safe, easy solution to disposable
products. “Size A (for those over 30 or having
given birth vaginally) used to be a bigger seller
for us; it was often associated with new mothers
who would make the switch after reevaluating
their relationship with their bodies and periods
following childbirth. Now we see more and more
environmentally minded young people making
the switch. They are deeply concerned about the
planet. They also consider a company’s ethical
values and authenticity before buying their
products. Mooncup is a perfect fit for them.”
If the thought of menstrual cups is definitely not
for you, or you are simply a tampon traditionalist,
then now is the time to find some eco-friendly,
toxin-free, 100% natural alternatives. Look for
organic tampons such as those by Natracare,
which were developed as a direct response
to health and environmental concerns about
dioxin pollution caused by chlorine bleaching,
the extensive use of pesticide spraying on
conventionally grown cotton, and the use of
rayon and other synthetics in tampons. Whilst
eco-brand DAME have acknowledged the
massive issue of tampon applicators - 1.3 billion
disposable applicators are thrown away each year
in the UK alone - bringing a design-led solution
with the launch of D, the world’s first reusable
tampon applicator!
Still seeking answers, not ready for a tampon
or cup option, or simply fed up with the leaks
and increased pain associated with pads? Then
period pants maybe your perfect sustainable
alternative. Leak-proof and perfect for everyday
life, these are a great option for teens who are just
starting out on their period journey, or for adults
looking for freedom and flexibility. But how can
underwear be the answer? Marketing and CX
director, Liana Lorenzato of Modibodi - who
also offer period-proof activewear and swimwear
too! - explains: “The 3 layer technology in our
undies works by the top layer locking away
moisture and fighting odour, the middle layer
absorbs liquid and the bottom layer is extra
waterproof protection.”
One pant-pioneer, Amy Green from Love Luna
- a brand committed to making sustainability
affordable - has encouraged friends and
inquisitors alike to join the pant-wearing posse.
Many of whom have revelled in the discretion
and absorbancy - from super light up to heavy/
overnight (which in some pants can cope with up
to four tampon’s worth of liquid!) - that period
briefs can offer.
So how on earth does this work in swimwear?
Liana adds “Our swim range uses the same
super thin fabric technology to lock away liquid,
it holds up to two tampons worth of liquid, or
it can be worn as extra back up with a tampon
on heavier days.” Proving that periods no longer
have the power. Period!
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