Plastic cotton buds and straws have just been banned in England, but there’s another polluter that’s just as bad: plastic tampon applicators. They may look harmless enough, but their size and shape means they can easily slip through sewage waste filter systems, and then end up as marine litter, floating in oceans and being washed up on beaches.
Applicator-free tampons are much better for the environment, but neither applicator or non-applicator tampons are really that good for you. Many are made with harsh chemicals that are not good for our bodies, such as bleach, dioxins and fragrances which are all absorbed by the body. If you’re thinking that the nature of sanitary towels not being inserted into our bodies makes them a better choice – think again, as they can be made with up to as much plastic as four shopping bags worth.
Around 4.3 billion disposable sanitary products are used every year in the UK, and these can take up to 500 years to decompose. So if you want to make a more eco-friendly choice for the planet, that’s also better for your body and your wallet, a menstrual cup is the answer.
They’re easy to use, good for your body’s health and much better for the planet. By using one, you prevent the waste of around 12,000 tampons, which is just what one woman uses in a lifetime. If you’re yet to try one, start with Intimina’s Lily cup compact (£19.96), which is made from 100 per cent medical grade silicone (so no chemical nasties here), and is the world’s first collapsible cup.
(Intimina)
The Lily cup compact is exactly what it says on the tin – it’s very small and it folds down which you can carry around in a little case, meaning it’s safe and clean to use when you need it. Itcomes in two sizes: A is recommended if you’ve not given birth, or did via caesarean or have a light flow and is great for teenagers, and B is better if you’ve given birth or for those with a weaker pelvic floor or a heavier flow. Both will give up to 12 hours of non-leak protection, so you won’t need to worry about frequently changing tampons or finding a loo.
But aside from the eco value of a menstrual cup and the health benefits, there’s still one issue that periods get in the way of, which is where Intimina’s Ziggy cup (£27.99) has really got our backs – and that’s sex. Yes, it goes one step extra and makes women’s lives much easier because you can use this cup while having sex – so say goodbye to messy period sex.
(Intimina)
But how does this work, you ask? Well, the cup is made from 100 per cent medical grade silicone, which has been designed as half moon shape, meaning it’s soft and flexible, yet sturdy and fits perfectly inside you so that neither of you will notice it’s there, nor will there be any leakages. So you’re back in control of being able to have sex whenever you want, without having to worry about a thing. You’ll be able to use it for up to 10 hours, and even during sport and the night too. Even though it ticks many boxes though, it’s not a form of protection, so you’ll still need to use your preferred method.
Both cups are easy to use and clean and won’t cause irritation, as your skin can breathe and you’ll feel fresh. They also take away the worry of forgetting to top up your supply of period care for a very long time, as the cups can last up to 10 years. Neither will you be spending money every month on disposable period protection. Finally a brand that puts all of women’s needs first, and periods will never get in the way of you enjoying yourself ever again.
Visit intimina.com for more information
Source: Independent
