Why should you stop using disposable period products?
The study is crystal clear! On 28 September 2023, 60 Millions de Consommateurs published an in‑depth comparative test on disposable period products and their toxicity. The findings are still alarming. Toxic contaminants are still being detected in many period products intended for intimate feminine hygiene.
The well‑known magazine also points out that even so‑called “green brands” are affected. The very ones that highlight “fragrance‑free, chlorine‑free, allergen‑free” formulas with organic and eco‑friendly certifications and logos are being called out!
Yet the scandal around the composition of pads and tampons is nothing new! It’s been years since the main brands of feminine hygiene products were first exposed. The composition of disposable pads, tampons and panty liners was completely opaque and not disclosed. Women had no idea what they were buying or what they were wearing for several days every month! The shock was huge when pesticides, glyphosate, phthalates and petrochemical additives, among others, were discovered!
Where do we stand today? And why, despite some limited progress, is it urgent to change our habits and switch to menstrual products that are much healthier, more durable, washable and reusable? Why should we avoid and ditch disposable period products? What are the alternatives, and are they really worth it?
All the reasons to say no to disposable pads and tampons!
The reasons pushing us to stop buying tampons and pads are many. Environmental concerns, health, savings, practicality – these are the main arguments that will help you switch to something much better: safe, healthy protection that finally respects you!
1 – Drastically reduce your environmental impact
Do you care about environmental values? Is your impact on the planet important to you? Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint? Are you particularly sensitive to plastic production and the resulting pollution?
Disposable menstrual products are polluting and generate a huge amount of waste: packaging, plastic wrappers, adhesive strips, plastic tampon applicators, and of course the used product itself. Everything ends up in the bin and unfortunately absolutely none of it is recycled.
Disposable pads and tampons have a disastrous environmental impact. Not to mention their production, which requires huge amounts of energy, water and plastic. A tampon takes hundreds of years to break down. The plastic often ends up in the ocean and feeds into the vicious cycle of pollution by plastic microparticles in our water, our air and our planet.
One solution? Break the buy/consume/throw away cycle and switch to a sustainable alternative that leaves absolutely no waste behind.
Interested in the idea of zero waste? Menstrual cups: the zero-waste alternative for your period.
2 – Protect your health and finally respect your intimacy with safe products
With their vague and questionable composition, it’s impossible for women to have 100% confidence in tampons or disposable pads. Toxic shock syndrome, irritation, disruption of the vaginal flora, allergies, intimate dryness… in short, pads and tampons are far from being your best health allies. There are real, concrete risks.
Harmful and toxic substances are a legitimate concern. What’s more, using a tampon, an internal protection, for more than six consecutive hours increases the risk of TSS, toxic shock syndrome. A very serious condition, but fortunately a rare one.
Want to know more about this condition? Check out our dedicated articles:
- Menstrual cup and toxic shock: what is the real risk?
- What should you remember about toxic shock syndrome?
A few tips and recommendations to follow when using tampons or a cup:
Today, you can wear extremely absorbent panties that are organic and vegan. Lined with certified organic cotton, free from toxic substances and made from quality fabrics, these period panties are a healthy, safe alternative to pads and tampons and can be worn both day and night.
To find out more:
3 – To finally live with your period instead of suffering through it
Disposable pads and tampons are not fully reliable protections. Saturation, overflow, stains and leaks can easily happen. They also require a certain amount of logistics: you need to go to the bathroom regularly to change them. It’s a waste of time in your day and a constant source of stress.
Is my pants, my pyjamas, my sheets stained with blood? How annoying and exhausting it is to worry about your period when you have so many other things to think about!
With period underwear, you simply forget about your period! Period panties have a very high and impressive absorbency that lets you feel comfortable and worry-free all day long (depending on the intensity of your flow and the absorbency level of your underwear).
Period underwear is also extremely practical. It’s a more comfortable alternative to tampons and far more reliable than pads. With no bad odour and no dampness, period panties offer peace of mind and comfort throughout your period. Phew! Categorised by flow level, period underwear easily holds light, medium or heavy flow without any problem!
4 – To save money
Period poverty affects many women.
Reusable protection has a relatively high purchase price. However, you should see it as an investment that quickly pays for itself! Panties and cups can be reused again and again, cycle after cycle, year after year, with no problem if they’re properly cared for.
Washable pads and washable period panties can last and provide safe, reliable absorbency for several years, on average five. So it’s cost-effective in the long run. Using this type of protection also avoids repeated supermarket purchases and lightens your mental load! No more having to think about it! When you know that a woman has her period on average 500 times in her life, a small investment is actually very smart.
Compare brands and offers – promo codes, sales, packs or bundles of panties help you save money. Discounted or sliding-scale period panty packs are great deals. So don’t hesitate!
Questions about Louloucup menstrual cups and period panties? Don’t hesitate to contact our customer service. Louloucup is a French brand with 80% of its production made in Europe (France and Portugal). We are completely transparent about the composition of our products. You can find all the details on each product page in our e-shop. Finally, note that shipping is always free in France, in Europe and worldwide, and orders are dispatched within 48 hours.
