Biodegradable tampons and menstrual cups: how to reduce the environmental impact

Whenever your day comes menstruation you are already starting to suffer from skin discomfort and waste from the various pads conventional used in the period? The scenario is really not the most pleasant, either due to allergies or concerns about the environment🇧🇷

But, with some changes when choosing the product to accompany you through the menstrual cycle, this reality can be resignified.

From more veteran brand options, such as ecoabsthe most recent ones, such as the panties and Yuperbiodegradable and reusable solutions are gaining more and more space in the makeup bag of people who menstruate.

To understand the features and compositions of these alternatives, entrepreneurs, consumers and a specialist share their experiences, concerns and tips on tampons, absorbent panties and menstrual cups.

destroying taboos

“Menstruation is still a big taboo and, certainly, there is an age group of women who were exposed to these prejudices with the menstrual cycle”, explains Ana Paula Silva, one of the creators of Ecoabs.

The entrepreneur recalls that one of the myths linked to menstruation is the bad odor. “Actually, this only happens due to the plastic composition that the disposable absorbent has. In other sustainable options, it is possible to notice that the blood resembles the smell of iron”, explains Ana Paula Silva, one of the creators of the ecoabs🇧🇷

Ana says that there are three justifications for abandoning unsustainable options. The first would be for health, since the sustainable product does not have toxic components.

The second point is the environmental impact. “From puberty to menopause, a woman has 450 cycles, which are equivalent to 10 thousand disposable pads, 200 kilos of garbage, which take 400 years to decompose”, reveals Ana. Finally, the third point is the savings that the person who menstruates has with these alternatives.

ecoabs

Ecoabs, an initiative of Morada da Floresta, a social enterprise that since 2009 has offered solutions to reduce waste in the environment, produced cloth pads and imported menstrual cups from the United Kingdom. 🇧🇷At that time, it was very different to talk about the subject, as taboos about menstruation were even stronger and more present in society”, recalls Ana.

THE ecoabs emerged after a partnership between Bela Gil and Forest House for the creation of ecoabsorbents. Cloth pads and panties are made of cotton and last for an average of more than 5 years. Both options are handmade by seamstresses. The menstrual cup, on the other hand, is made of medical silicone and lasts an average of three years.

The menstrual cup costs 85 reais, the absorbent panties 95 reais and the cloth pad 36 reais.

Customers can even find a Lunar Diary, which helps teens know their cycles. The product is being sold for 80 reais. To buy, Click here.

panties

Emily Ewell, founding partner of pantiesstarted creating absorbent panties four years ago for Brazil after working for an e-commerce investor in Boston.

After a lot of growth and adaptation in the market, she created the safe, pioneer in the field of biodegradable tampons. The solution, which does not harm nature and decomposes in six months, is free of plastics, chemicals and toxins harmful to the body.

“We thought about bringing more sustainable options to women, in order to make them feel empowered. We also imagine something innovative for the market. The study and creation process took 18 months, as it required many tests, with the most varied sizes of tampons. We plan everything with care for our consumers”, says Emily.

Today the entrepreneur does not sell only to Brazil, but to everyone and helps women with donations. With each post on Instagram by a customer recounting her experience with the brand’s products, a partner project or Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) wins a pair of absorbent panties.

But, for that to happen, the user needs to post a photo of the product, tag @pantys and, if she has a private profile, send a print of the publication in the company’s direct. After a month, the customer will know which institution the product was donated to.

The intense flow absorbent panties are sold at 99 reais. They are made of biodegradable outer fabrics and their duration depends on the user’s care. On the other hand, biodegradable internal absorbents, in pack of 8 tubes, are sold for 16 reais. 🇧🇷Click here to buy🇧🇷

Yuper

Newborn, on June 14, 2021, the Yuper comes with the mission to bring freedom of choice to women and quality of life. Menstrual cups are approved by Anvisa and last an average of three years. They must be changed every 12 hours.

The CEO of yuper, Elisa Spader, says the product is the first to produce zero waste. ”Our collector is the first 100% recyclable in Brazil. After the final validity of the product, the customer can sterilize and dispose of it at a collection point or send it back to us, so we recycle it correctly and she receives a discount on her next purchase”, explains the creator.

Before buying the collector, you need to pay attention to the size you will need to use. The S model is for young people up to 18 years old, M from 19 to 29 years old and L from 30 years old or people who have already become pregnant.

The alternative is made of TPE, a medical grade material that is odorless, hypoallergenic and non-toxic. Customers can find the product for 70 reais a unit. (Buy here)🇧🇷

Users’ opinion

Ana Cysne, 33 years old, is a pelvic physiotherapist and has tried the Yuper cup. 🇧🇷The absorption is great, the blood collects inside the cup, so there is no chance of leakage like the disposable absorbent, which often leaks”, he says.

Who also approved the brand’s product was the influencer Priscila Brenner, 26 years old. 🇧🇷With conventional pads, I did an average of six to seven changes a day. I change the menstrual cup basically only when I go to bed and wake up. I am completely calm during the day and night and without fear of leaks or worrying about having to carry several pads in my bag everywhere”, he guarantees.

Integrative Women’s Health Therapist Barbara Bolzani, 37, cshared a little about his experience with the cloth absorbent, panties and collector from ecoabs🇧🇷 “Not only do I recommend it, but I also encourage all the women I know to substitute it, as it changes the woman’s global relationship with her blood and feminine nature”, she says.

Another who fell in love with the alternatives of ecoabs was the singer, Carla Sinisgali, 42 years old. “I have been using sustainable alternatives for 10 years, as soon as I tried them I felt totally free, it was an immense joy for not polluting the planet in this way. As for leaks it is very rare to have,” she says.

It was liberating for Mariana Marcotti, student and college soccer player, try out the biodegradable tampon from panties🇧🇷 “I found it to be much more comfortable than usual. Before, I changed pads every two hours, but with the sustainable alternative, I use up to three a day. Which helps a lot in my routine and in the practice of sports”, he points out.

Photographer Julia Pavin, 27, tested the panties of panties and stuck for life. “I’ve been using the panties for over a year and they’ve never leaked. It’s infinitely more comfortable than a regular pad,” she comments.

medical opinion

The gynecologist Marcella Maia says that the choice of the ideal sanitary pad should come from the person who menstruates. “Menstruating is not always a pleasant situation, so the choice of pad must be individualized, taking into account comfort, safety and practicality for each woman”, she explains.

The expert still remembers that it is important to research the options well before joining. “Natural sponges, still little talked about in Brazil, must be disinfected, washed and dried by the manufacturer before being sold. Therefore, knowing the origin of the product is important to avoid the existence of harmful microorganisms. They can lead to allergic processes because they are biological material”, she points out.

Attention to hygiene must also be maintained with sustainable alternatives. ”Intimate hygiene should be done with neutral soap, suitable for the region. Reusable pads, such as menstrual cups, must be removed, washed and reinserted. After the end of the menstrual cycle, it is recommended that it be boiled in an appropriate container”, he advises and continues.

“The reusable pads and panties, after being used, can be rinsed and reused after drying”, guides the professional. Now, just test and see which option best fits your routine and your body.