switching to
organic period products
#OrganicSeptember – Why you should switch to organic period products today
Switching period products can feel a bit of a risk – will it leak? will it be comfortable? will it be overpriced? Organic and plastic-free options feel like they might be a healthier and more sustainable option, but what is the difference really? In celebration of Organic September, Natracare are helping to explain what ‘organic period care’ really means and some of the benefits of switching to organic cotton-based period products.
The benefits for you
Your vagina is one of the most absorbent parts of your body and what is placed near or inside it can become easily irritated and uncomfortable, so it’s important to consider the ingredients of your period products, and how these could affect your body.
Conventional tampons and pads may contain dioxins, which is a by-product of the chlorine bleaching process, to make cotton/wood pulp look white and clean. This chemical has no place in tampons and pads, not even in trace amounts! And it’s not just dioxin. Exposure to other chemicals within conventional products like dyes, perfumes, plastics, latex and surfactants have been linked to irritation and health implications.
Organic period products are regulated and are not permitted to contain questionable chemicals or plastics. Organic brands typically contain minimal ingredients, and the brands often display their ingredients lists openly. For example, Natracare tampons are made from 100% organic cotton and nothing else, whilst the pads and liners are made with organic cotton, plant cellulose and compost-friendly glue.
Organic is better for farmers
It’s not just your health that benefits from organic, it’s farmers too. Pesticide use in conventional farming is often linked to ill health such as infertility and birth defects in nearby communities. And unfortunately, many farmers are often locked into expensive contracts with big corporations – did you know 95% of the cotton seed market is owned by GMO giant Monsanto-Bayer!?
An organic farm with organic principles protects workers from being exposed to these harmful chemicals when cultivating the crop. In addition, women farmers and cotton pickers on organic farms gain their own income at a fair wage, which has a hugely beneficial knock-on effect on the education and livelihoods of their children and the wider community.
Organic is better for the planet
As well as protecting people, organic protects the planet. Organic cotton emits 46% less greenhouse gases than non-organic. Harmful pesticides are not used in organic farming and therefore these chemicals don’t leach into waterways, they don’t harm wildlife (and the bees), and organic matter helps to preserve soil for longer. Healthier soil (with more carbon) helps stores water better, and so organic uses 91% less water than conventional cotton – overall it’s a win, win for the environment.
You don’t compromise on performance
Millions of women around the world have switched to organic period products, and love them. These products are designed to perform, and the breathable materials can make for a much comfier period experience. Leaks can happen to all of us, it’s just about finding the right fit product for you.
Make sure it’s certified!
Keep an eye out for the Global Organic Textiles Standard (GOTS) certification or the Soil Association Certification when shopping for organic period products. This is a clear way to be sure that the products you buy are grown, manufactured and treated to a high organic standard. There’s a lot of greenwashing out there, so certifications give you the confidence to buy products that have been tried, tested, and monitored for their organic claims.
If you like the sound of organic period products and want to make the switch, Natracare sells certified organic tampons and pads made with organic cotton. You can see the full range of products here.