How monthly choices can make big changes
I was always wary of the phrases ‘wellbeing’ or ‘wellness’ and the fact it seemed like an all encompassing, all in approach to life where by you’re destined to drink green smoothies, get up at 5:30 am everyday and surround yourself with crystals, which definitely didn’t feel like something attainable or enjoyable (although I have just bought a salt lamp, does that class as a crystal?!) It was only after being diagnosed with Stage 4 Endometriosis a condition where tissue similar to the lining of the womb starts to grow in other pelvic organs, such as the ovaries and fallopian tubes that I began to understand the greater impact smaller choices can have on your health and in turn your wellbeing and the planet. It began when I read a book called ‘Take Control of Your Endometriosis’ by Henrieta Norton. Given to me by my sister, it gave simple advice around food and lifestyle choices that can help relieve symptoms and make a real impact on how you feel.
The book outlines how both eating consciously and living consciously can have a great effect on your body and massively affect your hormones, unbelievably this was something entirely new to me as up until this point I knew that eating well was essential for being healthy, but the intricacies around how a herb or a spice can have a particular effect on your body was something new and a real eye opener in terms of being able to look after yourself in a way that was practical and realistic. Understanding how small choices or additions to meals over time could help with pain or inflammation meant it was easy to start taking back control of my health. It amazes me that we are not taught the medicinal effect of herbs, spices and other natural foods from a young age in schools; if taught alongside basic psychology I’m sure we would grow up with a much more rounded view of how our bodies and minds work and the ways they’re connected, but anyway, I digress…
...back to the book, alongside the advice around food, it also opened my eyes to the lifestyle choices we make and how the chemicals and ingredients within everyday items we use can massively affect your health and in particular your hormone levels. One of the biggest eye openers for me was learning about the fact that a woman could use as many as 11,000 tampons in her lifetime, meaning your body can be exposed to a worrying level of dioxin in a very delicate and absorbent area of the body. After speaking with other people who cared about this issue too it became apparent that there were many toxic chemicals that can be found in tampons alongside microplastics and dyes. They can cause problems with reproduction, development, the immune system and also disrupt hormones. The use and disposal of tampons also creates a lot of waste — billions of plastic applicators get thrown away each year and cannot be recycled. It’s actually crazy that these products are commonly stocked in most large retailers and high-street stores, and are the go-to choice for most of us. This led me to start looking at who is doing things differently out there and I have come across several brands doing great things in the world of period products and wellness for women, that not only have a positive effect on health but also the planet. Here are my favourites that I’ve come across so far and what they stand for:
1. We Are Dame
Cutting down plastic waste with The Reusable Applicator it’s award-winning, medical grade, and uses self-sanitising technology. Easy to use and 100% keepable.They also offer an Organic Tampon Subscription, their tampons have no chemicals, plastics or harsh additives. So better for your body and the planet and even better the 1st box is free when you buy an applicator.After spending 8 months calculating the carbon emissions of every product and every process they now offset twice as much carbon as they produce — woohoo!
2. Callaly
All their products are 100% organic cotton and free from dioxins, dyes, perfumes, pesticides and other nasties. They’ve also invented a whole new product—the Tampliner, a completely new femcare product combining three parts: an organic cotton tampon, an organic cotton mini-liner, and a virtual applicator that connects the two.Their products and wrappers are biodegradable and the cardboard packaging can be recycled. They are also a registered B-corp company, which is a great achievement.
3. Ohne
These guys make organic period products to help you manage your cycle, your way.They provide a subscription service for both applicator and non applicator tampons as well as 2 different types of CBD oil designed to help balance your hormones and ease cramps. Holy Cramp, was the UK’s first pro-period CBD oil designed specifically for those times when you need some extra TLC on your period. Their tampons are 100% biodegradable with recyclable cardboard applicators, vegan and cruelty free. The tampons are made using hydroelectricity, all plastic packaging is recycled and recyclable. They also have business subscriptions as they believe periods belong in the workplace because women belong in the workplace and because period products are as essential as loo roll. Here, here to that!
4. Grace and Green
Natural, 100% organic ingredients that put safety first. They are conscious about people and the planet. They’re committed to women’s health, the environment, and tackling period poverty. They don’t just think of their ingredients, they also deeply consider their production’s impact on the environment. They work with a manufacturer who harnesses renewable energy and have developed their own highly recyclable packaging. They know the provenance and journey of each of their eco-friendly period products as they believe your period shouldn’t cost the earth.
https://graceandgreen.co/our-world/
5. Kind Organic
Kind Organic® was founded with the belief that it should be easier for women to put the needs of their body first with a kinder, more natural product. Their range combines certified organic cotton with a Smart-Weave design for effective protection and long-lasting comfort. All products are clinically proven non-irritating, suitable for sensitive skin and come with the promise of no artificial absorbents or perfumes. Skin sensitivity remains one of the most widespread concerns of women, with an estimated 50% suffering in the UK. After extensive research, they have developed a range of natural sanitary products that are not only kind to skin but also kind to the environment and kind to farmers.
These are available at Boots
6. TOTM
TOTM provides a full range subscription service from tampons to menstruation cups. They’re passionate about raising awareness and starting important conversations around period health. They use 100% organic cotton, certified by the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) and are cruelty-free with a range registered with The Vegan Society. Their tampons are 100% organic cotton with a biodegradable cardboard applicator. No rayon, fragrance or chlorine bleach. They’ve also found a way to help businesses support and empower employees by providing organic cotton period care with the Workplace Box—a solution exclusively created for businesses.
https://www.totm.com/shop/
7. YOPPIE
Yoppie is a subscription service that sells organic tampons and pads. They inspire women to embrace individuality. In their words—nobody is you and that is your power. They keep it honest and simple, so when they say something they mean it. Their products are made in Spain and only tested by humans. (not on animals). They’re also opening up the conversation about periods and feminine health with Fem Life a hub for info around feminine wellness.
https://yoppie.com
8. ALBANY MAE
Innovative, natural and biodegradable organic tampons delivered to your door. Albany Mae provide 100% Organic Tampons directly to your door, free from rayons, toxins and pesticides and also plastic free.
Albany Mae wants to empower women by providing innovative, natural and biodegradable organic tampons—Enhancing women’s health and confidence by providing a tampon which can be taken anywhere without embarrassment.
It’s good to know that there are brands out there forging forward in the way they produce what we consume 1000’s of in our lifetime. They are caring not just for our periods but for our planet too and they all bring something unique to the bathroom. It’s the small items we use everyday that can make a big impact, so one good place for all us women to start is with something you use every month.