tampons

28 July 2020

Saalt reusable menstrual cup
(gifted PR)

I won't insist everyone should be using a menstrual cup because some people can find them difficult to use and there should be no shame in feeling this way. I have struggled for years and have previously written an honest experience of using my period cup. Even after two years I've not fully converted to using it every month. If you are undecided about using cups it may be of interest to understand some of the benefits. I'm not an expert but I've gathered some notes through researching based on my own curiosities.

- Reusable, environmentally friendly and can last 10 years before needing to replace
- They don't dry the vagina like tampons as a menstrual cup collects your flow rather than absorb
- When used correctly you should not experience leaks
- Cups are made from medical grade silicone so unlike pads and tampons there are no concerns for chemical such as bleach and dioxin
- Many people claim a reduction in cramping when using a cup although there are no clinical studies to support this
- Cups eliminate odor often associated to menstrual fluid when exposed to air.
- More research may be required but cups are safe to use, a handful of TSS cases have been linked but there may have been other contributing factors to these infections
- Reusable products may benefit people who experience period poverty

I was recently gifted a Saalt menstrual cup who have recently launched into the UK. It's available in two sizes with two firmness options. Each cup lasts for 10 years, providing a sustainable alternative to tampons and pads. Saalt is a certified B Corporation which means they commit 2% of revenue to donate period care to regions with the most need, and help fund initiatives in menstrual health, education, and sustainability.

I think one of the first hurdles is choosing the correct cup size as each brand has different options. Saalt has a handy size guide which I found informative in comparison to others. I chose 'Regular Soft' and with hindsight I think small would have been the better option. When placed side by side the Regular Saalt menstrual cup is much larger than the one I have been using for past two years. The cup softness provides flexibility something I am used to as it feels identical my other cup. I want to be honest in my reviews and the regular size isn't comfortable so I was unable to put it to full use.

It is not my intention to discourage anyone from giving period cups a try because they can make a difference to period wellbeing. The reduction in plastic waste and monthly costs is beneficial in the long term. You will often see the claim that period cups can be worn for up to 12 hour. Speaking as someone who experiences heavy periods, I have never been able to substantiate the claim. I do need to empty my cup during the day. However I am able to achieve a longer wear time compared to tampons so there is some benefit. Personally I don't like to wear it overnight but it OK to use a menstrual cup whilst sleeping. There can be issues associated to wearing pads and tampons for more than 8 hours.

I would be happy to recommend Saalt period cups and suggest that you visit their website for further information - www.saaltco.uk

Sarah x

16 July 2020

Plastic Free July easy swaps you can make to reduce plastic in your home
(not sponsored, internal & external links)

350 million tonnes of plastic are being produced each year so Plastic Free July feels like a good campaign to get behind. According to facts available on Plastic Oceans "8 million tonnes of plastic enter the ocean every year. If waste management practices don't improve, scientists predict this amount could increase tenfold by 2025." If you can't commit to changing your entire lifestyle then lets encourage each other to make a few swaps. When choosing products look for packaging that is made from glass, metal, bamboo, compostable or biodegradable cardboard, silicone and recycled plastic.

5 March 2019

kind organic natural period care products
(Gifted - PR Samples)

"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"

I was offered the opportunity to try Kind Organic Night Pads. As you may know from other posts I have been trying to reduce plastic waste and find a good alternative for mainstream pads. Natural period products are kinder to the environment and your skin. I don't know about you but I detest mainstream brands that use perfume, it's irritating in more ways than one. The use of organic cotton reduces your exposure to the pesticides and chemicals which are banned in organic farming methods. Pads have biofilm backing sheets and biodegradable applicators for tampons.

15 January 2019

Freda organic and natural period care subscription box
Gifted PR Samples

I've been exploring greener period products for a few years and some options have been great and others have left me disappointed. It's a very personal journey with lots of opinions and I'd like to offer a space free from judgement. I haven't abandoned my menstrual cup completely however it isn't a perfect solution for me so I am still trialling organic pads as I like to use them in conjunction to the cup.

If you are looking to reduce your impact on the environment each month then let me introduce you to Freda a natural and organic period care subscription service. Freda has great eco credentials, products are made in Sweden using renewable energy and sending zero waste to landfill. Their tampons are made from organic cotton and they are currently in the process of switching over to plant based plastic for the applicators. I think it's important to provide options, not everyone is comfortable with non-applicator tampons and I personally find the cardboard version tricky to use. Freda also have pads made from 70% renewable material, whilst they do include a plastic backing this is also made from renewable material (50%).

Freda kindly sent a box of their Super Day Pads. Each pad is wrapped individually in bio-film with an absorbent core made from chlorine-free, renewable and sustainable wood pulp. In comparison to other brands (both organic and high street) I found the Super pad thicker in size. It wasn't an issue for me and doesn't affect my experience but I feel worth noting. If you are switching from brands such as Always or Bodyform it might initially take a bit of getting used to. The adhesive was secure and to my liking, worth noting because it's been problematic for me with other brands. I've experience slippage and bunching which can be disastrous as I have a heavy flow. I'd prefer a little more length to the Freda pad but was satisfied with absorbency and overall comfort.

If you'd like to support companies which give back to the community you will love that Freda have a social mission. They support initiatives raising awareness for period poverty. At this time they are partnered with Bloody Good Period, The Red Box Project and A Bloody Good Cause. They also allow customers to donate pads/tampons to the initiative of their choice, you can find more information on this when visiting their website.

As previously mentioned Freda offer a subscription service so you can have products delivered monthly to your letterbox. You have the choice of pre-selected boxes or create your own mix of products. A box contains 16 products and you can add more as a one off when required. You decide how often you need a delivery plus Freda have a helpful Period Calculator if you want to sync deliveries with your cycle. 

Sarah x

7 January 2016

Review Veeda natural cotton tampons and ultra thin towels
I had recently discovered Veeda at Boots and then coincidentally was contacted by them. Many mainstream tampons are a blend of cotton and synthetic materials. You're basically putting into your body a product which could possibly contain dioxins from the bleaching process, pesticide and herbicide residues, synthetic chemicals, artificial fragrances, and dyes. Veeda tampons are like any other brand from the way they look to the performance but the difference is they are made with 100% natural cotton.

Veeda initially caught my attention because the range includes the choice of tampons with BPA free plastic applicator. Here's where it gets TMI......I hate those cardboard applicator, I know they are better for the environment but they are uncomfortable. 

Majority of the time I favour using towels and the Veeda ones are comfortable and secure. No bunching and the wings have a good hold unlike other brands. The biofilm packaging on the Veeda towels is biodegradable and breaks down in six to twelve months. For me, regular pads are only suitable for lighter days. I find that my heavy periods are what holds me back from making the full switch to "greener" products because performance in comparison to Bodyform and Always isn't adequate. Sadly, I wasn't able to get hold of the super towels in time to include them in this review. 

Overall I was very happy to use Veeda products and I would look to buy more in the future. For now, Veeda is available at Boots, Ebay, Amazon and directly through their website.

Sarah x

Disclaimer - PR samples

28 October 2015

The Soil Association Campaign Glyphosate #notinourbread
I have recently been following a Soil Association campaign in which they are petitioning for the removal of glyphosate from UK bread. Glyphosate is a weedkiller sold around the world. The Soil Association states a report by the World Health Organisation’s International Agency for Research on Cancer has found that Glyphosate is a probable carcinogen for humans. 

“Government figures show its use in UK farming has increased by a shocking 400% in the last 20 years. Nearly a third of UK cereal crops (over 1 million hectares) were sprayed with glyphosate in 2013. Sadly, glyphosate doesn’t break down immediately, and can follow the grain into food manufacturing processes. Tests by the Defra committee on Pesticide Residues in Food (PRiF) have found that as much as 30% of UK bread contained this weedkiller. It’s even making its way into our bodies.”

27 November 2014

TOTM organic cotton period products
(Gifted PR Samples)

Back in October I introduced readers to TOTM (Time of the Month) organic cotton pads. As promised, I am back with a review. I received two TOTM Ultra Thin Day Pads and two Ultra Thin Night pads (both products have wings). For a point of reference, the products I normally use are Bodyform (Ultra Long Wings) and Always Night.

I have to be totally honest, due to the fact that I experience heavy periods, TOTM pads didn't always perform as I wish. I ended up using the night pad during the day as I preferred the extra length it provided. As I sat down to write this review I studied every inch of the pad. Sadly I came to the conclusion that Bodyform is offering me marginally better protection when it comes to preventing leaks. The shape of TOTM in comparison to mainstream brands is rectangular with ridges whereas others are smooth with shaping and markings to the top layer of the pad.

TOTM pads are soft to the touch and similar in thickness to high street products. Whilst using the pad I noted that the adhesive was sufficient to keep it in place, an important factor for me since I have used other organic brands which have let me down. In principal, I would happily ditch mainstream for TOTM. I appreciate the differences. They are better for the environment and my body because they lack "harsh" ingredients (chlorine, perfumes, dioxin) found in mainstream brands. I have previously, tried Natracare and I would recommend TOTM over those. 

Although my experience was not perfect, I would still encourage switching over to TOTM, even more so if you prefer using tampons. You will pay extra for organic period products but I am sure we can agree that we cannot put a price on the environment and our health.

Sarah x

12 October 2014

TOTM organic cotton period products tampons pads
(Gifted PR Samples)

Lets chat about a topic which often we only speak about in hushed tones, Periods. I have blogged about my lady problems before and mentioned I wanted to learn more about having an eco-friendly period. Most Green Bloggers will promote menstrual cups as a replacement for tampons but I am turning my attention to pads and liners as these are the products I prefer usingI recently was approached by TOTM (Time of the Month) they offer 100% organic cotton pads and tampons. TOTM products are free from cellulose pulp, perfume, viscose, rayon, chlorine, dioxin and 95% biodegradable. I have received samples. I won’t be reviewing right away but I wanted to bring TOTM to everyone’s attention.

A little research into familiar brands of tampons and pads reveals some thought provoking facts about the ingredients and materials in these products. I have always been concerned about the environmental impact on landfills but recently started to wonder if my problem periods could be linked to toxic ingredients. I have noticed a trend for fragrance pads and that's not ideal for sensitive skin and allergies. It drives me crazy that manufacturers feel my natural bodily functions are so repulsive that I need to scent them with air freshener. Do I really need my underwear to like smell alpine fresh? 

TOTM offer a subscription service via their website. You can receive monthly deliveries of the products you need, on a date chosen by you. Packaging is sleek and discreet which makes a pleasant changed from all the lurid floral designs. Are love heart supposed to make my period more enjoyable? When Aunty Flow visits next month, I will update you on how I got on with the pads. Until then, do check out TOTM’S website for further information. 

Have you switched to eco-friendly period products?

Sarah x

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