roonee Getting into the habit of having plastic free periods is a great action to take in order to reduce your single waste plastic consumption, and pretty simple when you’re at home. It’s perfectly possible to have plastic free periods when you’re on the go too, whether you’re on a quick trip, or away for longer, things just might take a little planning. Here are a few notes to help with your next plastic free period on the go!
Cloth Sanitary Pads
Cloth sanitary pads are a wonderful option for plastic free periods on the go! They fold up small which makes them easy to pack away in your case or carryon. If you’ve not come across them before, they’re easy to use and just attach to the gusset of your underwear. There are lots of different brands that make cloth sanitary pads, but brands like Fern are designed to fold up small and come in three different absorbency options.
When you change your pad, just pop your used pad into a wetbag. Wetbags are designed to contain any wetness and odours, making them perfect for putting your used pads in until you can wash them.
When it comes to washing, the easiest way of cleaning your pads is to wash them in a washing machine with laundry detergent. You can rinse them in cold water first to avoid staining, and you should avoid using any fabric softener as this will decrease the absorbency! If you want to wash your pads while you’re away but don’t have access to a washing machine, simply hand wash them!
Period Pants
Period pants have gained enormous popularity in recent years, and with good cause. They are totally fuss-free, easy to use, and usually very comfy. Much like cloth sanitary pads, there are different options available depending on the flow of your period, and all kinds of different styles.
When you change out of your period pants, pop them in your wet bag, and wash them the same as you would a cloth sanitary pad! Period pants can also be hand washed, making them a reasonable option if you’re away on a longer trip.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups aren’t for everyone, but they are a great way of cutting down on plastic! Once you get used to inserting your cup and taking it out, it becomes second nature and makes periods pretty hassle-free!
Menstrual cups need sterilising between uses, so if you plan on using one when out and about, make sure you’ve got means of sterilising. Boiling water and sterilising tablets are straight forward ways of doing this, but you need to have a container big enough to do this in. Have a quick google for ready-made travel sterilisers, or get creative!
