Did you know the average Australian woman will use around 10,000 -12,000 disposable menstrual products in her lifetime.
Can you imagine if every liner, pad, and tampon you’d ever used magically appeared in a huge pile in front of you? Now imagine that huge pile multiplied by every woman in the world.
Feminine hygiene is such an important issue for many reasons. Many women around the world don’t have access to the necessary products to help manage their period; often resulting in precious time off school or work. Luckily, here in Australia and many other parts of the world, we have the choice every month to produce less waste – with a little help from menstrual cups, reusable pads, and period panties!
Here at Flora & Fauna, we’re passionate about reducing waste in any way we can. OrganiCup, Hannahpad, and ModiBodi are three amazing companies working with women to educate, inspire and implement positive change.
Keep reading to find out F&F’s top three menstrual products – they’re better for your health, better for the environment, and better for your pocket in the long run!
OrganiCup
OrganiCup is an award-winning Danish company that makes menstrual cups. If you’re hesitant about the idea of a menstrual cup, don’t stress! Many women have found them to completely fuss-free, easy to insert and easy to clean. Here are some more benefits of using a menstrual cup:
- Environmentally friendly as there is nothing to dispose of
- A good choice financially as a single menstrual cup can last for up to 10 years
- Comfortable, reliable, and free from leaks and odours
- Can collect more than 3 tampons worth of blood (great for medium-heavy flow)
- Can be worn for up to 12 hours (perfect for busy days out and about!)
- Won’t cause vaginal dryness or irritation like some tampons
- Hygienic, easy to clean and disinfect
- Made from medical grade silicone.
Curious to give one a try? There are 3 sizes to choose from Mini, Model A and Model B.
- Mini is suitable for teens or those who need a smaller size.
- Model A is recommended if you have a light-medium flow and have not given birth.
- Model B is recommended if you have a medium-heavy flow or have given birth.
You can also purchase the OrganiCup Menstrual Cup Wash or Wipes to clean your cup. Check out our blog post How To Use A Menstrual Cup for more information about insertion and removal.
Hannahpad
Hannahpad is a Korean brand that creates certified organic, reusable, and washable sanitary pads! The pads come in several different sizes for your flow: Pantyliner, Small, Medium, Overnight, Ultra and Super Ultra. Each has a specific shape and level of absorbency. You can even use them between periods for spotting and leaks.
So, a reusable pad? How does that work?
- Hannahpads are environmentally friendly (zero waste!) and eliminate the need for standard cotton pads
- They’re washable and reusable for 2-3 years
- Hannahpads come with a 100% organic cotton top layer, internal organic cotton layers, and an external waterproof coating
- Hannahpads have wings with buttons to secure over your underwear
- They can be hand washed with any gentle soap or the hannahpad Probiotic Laundry Soap.
- Comes in a huge range of beautiful designs!
Read The Hannahpad Explained for everything you need to know about sizes, aftercare, and FAQ’s.
Modibodi
Modibodi is an Australian brand that makes underwear specifically for your period! Period underwear has gained a lot of popularity recently in the zero waste community – combining comfort, durability and reliability, the Modibodi underwear is the perfect accompaniment to your period.
So, how does it work?
- Modibodi underwear has Breathable Modifier Technology™, a super-slim (3mm), super absorbent, stain and bacteria-fighting lining for modern periods, bladder leaks and discharge
- Modibodi fits like normal underwear
- They’re super easy to clean. Simply rinse under cold water, put through a cold machine wash, hang to dry, reuse and repeat
- Great for light bladder leakage and all stages of pregnancy (including post-partum)
We have two types available at Flora & Fauna.
- Light/Moderate: For light-medium period days or backup on heavy period days.
- Heavy/Overnight: Can be used alone on heavy period days or overnight to protect your white sheets!
Are you keen to make some eco-friendly changes with your period? Share your experiences! Leave any questions, concerns or tips in the comments below.
