Not long ago, I found myself in an organic grocery store when my period decided to make its grand entrance. “How convenient!” I thought, heading over to the feminine hygiene aisle. But there I stood, utterly bewildered by the array of options before me. There were reusable cloths, menstrual cups, pads free from chlorine and perfumes, plastic-free options, 100% organic cotton pads, and even non-applicator tampons. Not to mention sea sponges, bamboo fiber underwear designed to prevent leaks, soaking containers for reusable cloths, and plant-based stain removers. It was like stepping into a new world!
As I glanced at the adjacent shelf, I couldn’t help but notice a gluten-free lubricant. Who knew that vaginas could be vegan? In a moment of eco-conscious curiosity, I tossed a pack of ‘natural’ pads into my cart—small steps toward sustainable menstruation—and made a quick dash to the bathroom.
However, I quickly ran into my first challenge: the pads weren’t individually wrapped. How on earth was I supposed to discreetly carry a napkin the size of my forearm? What if I had to go out to a nice dinner? Did I need to roll it up in eco-friendly plastic wrap, or would a brown paper bag suffice? Surely there were biodegradable options available, but perhaps I just grabbed the ultra-earth-friendly kind by mistake.
After peeling off the adhesive backing and attempting to affix it to my high-waisted briefs, I discovered that without industrial-strength glue, it simply wouldn’t stick. As I waddled toward the produce aisle to grab some organic potatoes, I couldn’t help but pray that my eco-friendly feminine protection didn’t make an unexpected appearance at the checkout. Clearly, greening my period was proving to be quite the challenge!
Maybe menstrual cups or sustainably sourced sea sponges would be better alternatives, but the thought of maneuvering a silicone cup around my cervix felt daunting. What if it overflowed? What if it got lost? And what exactly are sustainably harvested sea sponges? Are they plants or animals? I’ve experimented with some questionable items in my life, but a sea urchin? No, thank you!
To make matters even trickier, did you know that vaginas come in sizes? At five foot two, does that mean I have a shorter vagina? How does one even determine their vagina size? It’s baffling to think I’ve gone this long without knowing!
And then there are the committed women who embrace cloth menstrual pads. They are the supermoms of the eco-world—likely the same folks who home birth, homeschool, and whip up homemade baby food. I admire their dedication, but I can barely keep up with my laundry, so the idea of managing soaked, stained rags feels overwhelming. Isn’t sorting my plastics for recycling enough to contribute to the planet?
I do wrestle with guilt about my past menstrual choices. How many non-biodegradable tampon applicators and scented overnight pads have been tossed into landfills? How many cycles do I have left, and if I switch to eco-friendly products now, will it make a difference? It feels like a late realization in the green movement.
This whole experience has been eye-opening and a bit chaotic. Perhaps I should just hibernate for five days each month. Or better yet, maybe my partner can construct a menstruation retreat complete with Wi-Fi, a wet bar, and air conditioning. I could manage my natural cycle in peace while reducing my carbon footprint and escaping dish duty.
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In summary, exploring eco-friendly menstrual options can be overwhelming but is an important step toward reducing waste. With the right mindset and a bit of research, we can make more sustainable choices that align with our values.