Know what’s in your products,
Know who made your products,
Know your products’ impact.
Shop with purpose.*
-
Safe for your body.
As there are few regulations around the chemicals in menstrual products, be sure to carefully read labels, and look for words like fragrance-free, unbleached, and natural.
-
Safe for the environment.
Almost 20 billion tampons, pads, and applicators end up in landfills every year in North America alone. These items can also put harmful chemicals into the environment. Try to use reusable products such as menstrual cups, period underwear, or reusable pads. If you do use single use items, do your best to make sure they are nontoxic to lessen their environmental impact. Calculate the environmental impact of your period here.
-
Pay it forward.
There are many menstrual product companies that also donate products to those in need. If you can, try to learn a little about the company that you’re purchasing your products from and buy from those that make a difference.
*We recognize that for many, it is not really possible to put this much thought into the products that they purchase. However, for those of you that have the privilege of being able to do so, please try to take the extra time to make decisions that are safer for you and the environment.
For those without that option, here are some ways to make your period as safe as possible for you:
Wash your hands before and after using menstrual products, especially for items you are inserting into your body, like tampons.
Change your tampon often. (Every 4-8 hours, no matter the absorbency. If you can wear a tampon for longer than that, the absorbency could be too high.)
Use the lowest absorbency tampon needed.
If something doesn’t feel right, contact a health professional. Symptoms such as unusual pain, discomfort, dizziness, or discharge, vomiting, or diarrhea should be addressed right away.