Why should you stop using disposable period products?
The study is clear! On September 28, 2023, 60 Million Consumers published an in-depth comparative test on disposable period products and their toxicity. The findings are still alarming. Toxic contaminants are still being found in many feminine hygiene products.
The well-known magazine also points out that even so-called “green brands” are affected. The same brands that promote “fragrance-free, chlorine-free, allergen-free” formulas with organic and eco-friendly certifications and logos are being called out!
But the controversy over the ingredients in pads and tampons isn’t new! For years, the major brands of feminine hygiene products have been exposed. The ingredients in disposable pads, tampons, and liners were simply a mystery and never disclosed. Women had no idea what they were buying or wearing for several days every month! The shock was huge when pesticides, glyphosate, phthalates, and petrochemical additives, among others, were discovered!
So where are we now? And why, despite some progress, is it urgent to change habits and switch to much healthier, more sustainable, washable, and reusable period products? Why avoid and ditch disposable period products? What are the alternatives, and are they worth it?
All the reasons to ditch disposable pads and tampons!
There are many reasons to stop buying tampons and pads. Ecology, health, savings, convenience—here are the main reasons to switch to something much better: safe, healthy products that finally respect you!
1 - Drastically reduce your environmental impact
Do you have certain ecological values? Does your environmental impact matter to you? Are you looking to reduce your carbon footprint? Are you particularly concerned about plastic production and the resulting pollution? Disposable menstrual products are polluting and generate a huge amount of waste: packaging, plastic wrappers, sticky tabs, plastic tampon applicators, and of course the product itself once used. Everything goes in the trash and, unfortunately, absolutely nothing gets recycled.
Disposable pads and tampons have a disastrous environmental impact. Not to mention their production, which requires excessive energy, water, and plastic. A tampon takes hundreds of years to decompose. The plastic often ends up in the ocean, contributing to the endless cycle of microplastic pollution in our water, air, and planet.
A solution? Breaking the buy/use/throw-away cycle and switching to a sustainable alternative that leaves no waste behind.
Interested in zero waste? Menstrual cups: the zero-waste alternative for your period.
2 - Protect your health and finally respect your privacy with healthy products
With their mysterious and questionable ingredients, women can’t fully trust disposable tampons or pads. Toxic shock syndrome, irritation, disrupted flora, allergies, vaginal dryness—disposable pads and tampons are not the healthiest choice. There are real risks involved.
Harmful and toxic substances are a real concern. In addition, using a tampon—an internal protection—for more than six consecutive hours increases the risk of TSS, toxic shock syndrome. It’s a very serious condition, though thankfully rare.
Want to know more about this condition? Check out our dedicated articles:
- Menstrual cups and toxic shock: what’s the real risk?
- What should you know about toxic shock syndrome?
A few tips and recommendations to follow when using tampons or a cup:
Today, you can wear ultra-absorbent underwear that’s both 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 learn more:
3 - To finally experience your period instead of enduring it
Disposable pads and tampons aren’t reliable protection. Overflow, leaks, stains—they can happen easily. Plus, it takes some planning: you have to go to the bathroom regularly to change them. It’s a waste of time in your day. It’s also a small source of stress.
Are my pants, pajamas, or sheets stained with blood? It’s so annoying and exhausting to worry about your period when you have so many other things on your mind!
With period panties, you can forget about your period—really! Period underwear has a very high and impressive absorbency that keeps you comfortable and worry-free all day long (depending on your flow and the absorbency of your underwear).
Period panties are also extremely convenient. They’re a more comfortable alternative to tampons and much more reliable than pads. No bad odors, no dampness—period panties keep you feeling calm and comfortable during your period! Phew! Sorted by menstrual flow, period panties easily hold light, medium, or heavy flow without a problem!
4 - To save money
Period poverty affects many women.
Reusable protection comes with a fairly high upfront price. But think of it as an investment that quickly pays off! Both panties and cups can be reused again and again, cycle after cycle, year after year, with proper care.
Washable pads and washable period panties can last and provide safe, reliable absorbency for several years—five years on average. So it’s a smart long-term investment. Using these kinds of products also means you don’t have to keep buying disposables at the store, which is one less thing to worry about! Considering the average woman has her period around 500 times in her life, a small investment is actually pretty smart.
Compare brands and deals—promo codes, sales, and multi-pack offers can save you a lot. Discounted period panty packs are a great deal. So don’t hesitate!
Questions about Louloucup menstrual cups or period underwear? Feel free to contact our customer service. Louloucup is a French brand with 80% of production made in Europe (France and Portugal). We are completely transparent about our product ingredients. You can find all the details for each product on our e-shop. Plus, shipping is always free in France, Europe, and worldwide, and orders are shipped within 48 hours.
