Five Reasons to Make the Switch to Reusable Period Products

You know that feeling when you pull out your favorite panties? You know exactly how it’s going to feel and how it’s going to make your butt look. They’re familiar and you take care of them because they are yours. That’s what it feels like to use reusable period panties and pads. Personally, I don’t know that I would ever describe menstrual cups or discs as “cute,” but they do come in cute colors. I’d say that is good enough for a health product 🤷🏾‍♀️. One of the greatest benefits of reusable products is in their sustainable impact. We’re not throwing products away after every use. Instead, we can use them for many years.

Unsurprisingly, disposable pads and tampons are very wasteful. On average, a woman will use about 11,000 disposable menstrual care items during her menstruation time. That’s 11,000 synthetic products building up in the landfills and oceans for everyone. But also, that’s 11,000 products we have to buy with our hard-earned money. What a tremendous amount of money we are quickly sending to the landfill!

In addition to being wasteful, some people actually have negative physical reactions to the chemicals used in disposable products. They can cause chaffing and allergic reactions. Not to mention death! I don’t know of any tampon user who hasn’t read and been affected by the terrifying warning on the tampon box about Toxic Shock Syndrome or TSS! (1)

Why do we use disposable menstrual products? Well, first and foremost, every woman is different. Some women prefer disposable products because it better suits their lifestyles. But perhaps most impactful on decision-making, disposable products are what we are exposed to: disposable products are the most common products taught in sex education and they are the most common products on shelves and in the advertisements. Further, because there continues to be such a stigma about menstrual cycles, people do not really get the opportunity to have conversation around this topic so that they can learn more. 

While disposable products are the right fit for some women, they are not the right solution for all women. Many people simply don’t know that reusable menstrual products are a great alternative to disposable products. They are eco-friendly, comfortable, cute, and so much better on the pocketbook in the long run.

I started the Dot Shop to help increase access to, knowledge about, and celebration of women managing their menstrual care in a way that is right for them and right for the planet. So, let’s chat about the benefits of reusable menstrual products:

1. Reusable products are eco-friendly. This one is very obvious but it still deserves to be said. Reusable products keep disposable menstrual products from ending up in landfills and oceans. By switching to reusable menstrual products, you can reduce your carbon footprint and help protect the environment.
2. They can be a healthier solution: Reusable menstrual products at The Dot Shop are made from natural materials and do not contain harmful chemicals or synthetic fibers. This makes them healthier for your body and can reduce the risk of infections and skin rashes.
3. There’s variety: Reusable menstrual products come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and materials. You can choose from menstrual cups, cloth pads, period underwear, and more. This means you can find a product that works best for your body and lifestyle…and you can be cute!
4. They save you money: Reusable menstrual products can save you a lot of money in the long run. For example, if you use disposable pads and spend about $8 every other month, you will end up spending around $2,000 over your lifetime. In contrast, reusable menstrual products can last for years, which means you will save a lot of money in the long run.
5. You can reduce menstrual stigma: By using reusable menstrual products, you can help reduce the stigma surrounding menstruation. YOU take ownership of your menstrual experience by paying more attention to your period. You get comfortable with managing it and so you get more confident with talking about it. You can also educate others about the benefits of reusable menstrual products and promote menstrual health.

Ready to try reusable products? Check out the great products we offer. And of course, feel free to reach out if you have any questions!