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Gifted items.
I’ve teamed up with Trade To Aid for this review. Have you been thinking making the switch to reusable period products? Then read on – and you are also in for the chance to win a set!
In recent years, awareness around menstrual health and sustainability has highlighted the shortcomings of conventional period products when compared to reusable options. Traditional items, such as disposable pads and tampons, are often made from synthetic materials that take hundreds of years to decompose. Once disposed of, these products contribute significantly to landfill waste, which poses an environmental challenge. The sheer volume of these items, estimated in the billions, exacerbates pollution and raises concerns over the long-term effects on ecosystems.
Why swap for reusable period products?
Regular period products are made of a lot of nasty stuff, much like nappies. A conventional sanitary pad is made of up to 90% plastic – another is that a pack of menstrual pads is equivalent to 4 plastic bags . Tampons have plastic in them too – even in the string – and plastic applicators are made from polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP). And other chemicals. All of this of course cannot be recycled, they go straight to landfill as they are classified as medical waste.
How conventional period products can pose a health issue?
Conventional products can also be marked by health implications. Many disposable pads and tampons are treated with harmful chemicals, such as bleach and fragrances (apart form the ones mentioned above), which can cause irritation or allergic reactions for some users. The long-term implications of regular usage of such products are still being studied, but the potential risks are concerning to many.
Which reusable period product is the best for you?
It really depends on your personal preferences, but I think trying them all is the best way to decide. If you find the one that works the best for you, just stick to that. To decide which product is best for you, consider factors such as your flow, comfort level, environmental impact, and budget.
Why I prefer reusable sanitary pads over other options?
For me, it’s reusable pads. Simply, because I prefer the external solution that’s easy to remove and change at anytime of the day. I find that reusable pads are softer and more breathable than many disposable options, which makes them a more pleasant experience during my period. They come in various sizes and absorbencies, so I can choose what suits my needs best.
What reusable period products are there?
1. Menstrual Cups
These silicone or rubber cups are inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual fluid. They can hold more than traditional products and can be used for up to 10 years with proper care.
2. Cloth Sanitary Pads
These are washable pads made from cotton or bamboo, providing a soft and skin-friendly alternative. They come in different sizes and absorbencies to suit your needs.
3. Period Underwear
Designed to be worn alone or as a backup, period underwear absorbs menstrual flow and eliminates the need for additional products. They are comfortable and come in various styles.
Reusable Sanitary Pads – That Give Back!
These reusable period pads are made from high-quality super-soft bamboo charcoal and recycled plastic. Includes: two light pads, two medium pads, two heavy pads, one waterproof wet bag.
Trade To Aid reusable period pads are comfortable, secure and save you money.
Save money. Reduce waste. Help others.
For every pack of reusable pads you buy from Trade To Aid, they donate a pack to a refugee in need of period products.
Period poverty is a global issue that we need to tackle, not tomorrow, but now. Trade To Aid is dedicated to helping women and girls in need. For every pack of pads you buy, we will donate one to women and girls in need.
About Trade To Aid
Trade To Aid is a non-profit social enterprise – meaning 100% of the profits supports the good cause. Through selling the reusable period pad kits, Trade To Aid aims to:
- to alleviate period poverty around the globe
- provide women and girls in refugee camps with sanitary products
- support menstrual education programmes for young people in West Africa
Period products can be much more expensive in remote parts of the world than they are in the UK. This means that these reusable pads are even better value and save even more money – and environmentally friendly!
Review: What I thought about Trade to Aid reusable pads
It’s definitely the size of pads I like: long enough and wide enough to feel safe. Therefore, I found that they don’t move around that much so that’s something crucial that I don’t have to worry about.
Secondly, they are soft microfibre feel material that’s made of bamboo and recycled plastic. It feels comfortable. It’s also thick enough to hold quite a lot of fluid.
On the other hand it’s a very warm material so in hot weather they feel too warm and uncomfortable for me.
Washing and taking care of them is easy, I just wash them in the washing machine. They last a few years (I’m just updating the post with this info) but not more than 2-3 in my view, the material just gets too rigid after a lot of washing. To be honest, it’s still a lot better the environment and cheaper than the regular sanitary pads!
13 comments
No i haven’t its one eco friendly product,i’m still yet to try
Not yet but would like to
Not tried any yet.
We are just starting to think about this, but some countries have been doing it for years. \more so poorer countries, have used folded cloth and then change it and they wash the one just took off. At the end of the day its your blood, and think of the money you save .
I have actually. Recently I have been using Bodyform but sadly it still overflows and leaks during the night so I had to make the conscious decision to use pads again at night. Maybe if I win these I can use reusable pads at night instead
No, I have quite a heavy flow and I worry they wouldn’t be enough to sop leaks! They’re quite expensive so I don’t want to waste my money if they are no good x
My partner says she has never tried them yet.
No I have not tried any yet.
I havent tried the pads yet – I do use period pants which frankly are a complete game changer – unfortunately I get at least 2 days of super heavy flow during my period so have to resort to pads in the pants (cant use moon cups at work due to the open toilet situation – gender free cubicles with shared sink space is not great for this – really wish they would do self contained cubicles with loo and sink in would make this much easier) – have been looking into getting some reusable pads but haven’t made the jump yet
No, I have never tried them.
Not yet but they sound like a good idea
I use the period cup, brought it over a year ago and have not had to buy disposable products since, they are more reassuring too, I do not feel so self conscious wearing it. These pants are great for younger girls though as cups are for specific ages, i would hopefully have mydaughter using these when it is her time, which doesn’t appear that far away now.
I’ve never tried them before, but they look great