The Future of Menstrual Health is Sustainable and Accessible. Period.

It’s no secret that mainstream period care is unsustainable. Plastic menstrual products generate more than 200,000 tons of waste per year, and can take as long as 500 years to decompose. 

Pads and tampons as we know them have existed for 100 years. That means every non-biodegradable period product that’s ever been used is still on this planet, taking up space in landfills or littering our waterways and ecosystems. 

Mainstream products are often made with toxic chemicals like bleach, dioxins and fragrance ingredients, which are also harmful to our bodies, the soi,l and water that absorb them when they’re thrown out. 

Luckily, there are other options. Joni and Aisle, for example, are known for their comfortable and planet-friendly period care. From organic, compostable pads and tampons, to reusable products like menstrual cups and discs, period underwear, and cloth pads- sustainable period care makes a huge difference. 

Holding space for conversations about accessibility is just as important as sustainable period care itself. We can’t preach its importance without acknowledging that having access to it is a privilege. Not everyone has:

• Clean water to wash their reusable products

• Money to invest in these products, which has a higher upfront cost 

• The option to buy sustainable products where they live

• Access to education about what these products are, and how to use them

It’s great to educate menstruators about the benefits of sustainable period care — it’s one of our favorite education sessions at The Period Purse. That said, we should never pressure or shame anyone for how they choose to manage their periods.

Switching to sustainable period care is an impactful way to show we care about the planet. But let’s not let our drive for sustainability conflict with our commitments to accessibility and inclusivity. It's possible to have both, and essential in the fight for menstrual equity!

Wanna learn more about reusable period products, sign your workplace/ school up for period positive presentation to learn everything about reusable period products with us!