How to have a plastic free and zero waste period

Let´s talk periods.... Let´s face it every girl has it so let´s just be real about this 

The average American woman uses 16,800 tampons in her lifetime -- or up to 24,360 if she's on estrogen replacement therapy, acording to https://www.huffpost.com/entry/feminine-hygiene-products_b_3359581?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAL13BuxWaIa9rnXCUtD_xYSV6q4gd8J_1vJ7xfAZeYYhvhq_PaUXna7Gf3bSU_WJ3AFRKqMAwkehE2gBBgrgCH638Mow-SoMvtfYF2j6KeUi68XaLqmw7waZ2XS4hxZtbszNVlQHUISSw0zskU2dQRoNGRoNnr6t6bgcG2bSjasw&guccounter=2

That's a hell lot of trash that can be avoided. 

Normal pads also contains a lot of nasty things 

In fact, conventional sanitary pads can contain the equivalent of about four plastic bags! With everything we now know about the hazardous nature of plastic chemicals, this alone is cause for concern.

For example, plasticizing chemicals like BPA and BPS disrupt embryonic development. They're linked to heart disease and cancer. Phthalates, which give paper tampon applicators a smooth finish, are known to disregulate gene expression, and DEHP may lead to multiple organ damage. Synthetics and plastic restrict air flow and trap heat and dampness, potentially promoting yeast and bacteria growth in your vaginal area. Besides crude oil plastics, conventional sanitary pads can also contain other potentially hazardous ingredients, such as odor neutralizers and fragrances.https://www.huffpost.com/entry/feminine-hygiene-products_b_3359581?guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAL13BuxWaIa9rnXCUtD_xYSV6q4gd8J_1vJ7xfAZeYYhvhq_PaUXna7Gf3bSU_WJ3AFRKqMAwkehE2gBBgrgCH638Mow-SoMvtfYF2j6KeUi68XaLqmw7waZ2XS4hxZtbszNVlQHUISSw0zskU2dQRoNGRoNnr6t6bgcG2bSjasw&guccounter=2

How do tampons and pads get that ultra-white "clean" look? Usually chlorine bleach, which can create toxic dioxin and other disinfection by-products (DBPs) such as trihalomethane. Studies show dioxin collects in your fatty tissues. According to an EPA draft report, dioxin is a serious public health threat that has no "safe" level of exposure! Published reports show that even trace dioxin levels may be linked to:

• Abnormal tissue growth in the abdomen and reproductive organs
• Abnormal cell growth throughout the body
• Immune system suppression
• Hormonal and endocrine system disruption

Meanwhile, the FDA's official stance is that no expected health risks are associated with trace amounts of dioxins in tampons.

• Conventional tampons probably contain genetically-modified organisms (GMOs). According the USDA, 94 percent of all U.S. cotton is genetically engineered.
• Tampons and pads with odor neutralizers and artificial fragrances are virtually a chemical soup, laced with artificial colors, polyester, adhesives, polyethylene (PET), polypropylene and propylene glycol (PEG), contaminants linked to hormone disruption, cancer, birth defects, dryness and infertility.

using a GMO tampon several times every month may be even more dangerous than ingesting GMO food. Considering the vaginal wall is highly permeable, allowing toxins like pesticide residue and GMO proteins direct access into the bloodstream.

SO with all that in mind.... 

How do you go about your period if you want to do it low waste 

To use cloth menstrual pads is one great way to have a zero waste period. 

To use cloth panty liners is also good on certain days 

I have several sizes of menstrual pads. 

I have the large size or the ones that are sometimes also called postpartum pads. Those pads i have pads from two different companies, i have pads from Imse Vimse a company from Gotland, in Sweden in both colors and white in 100% ecological cotton. Then I have one pad from Silly panda from the UK.

Then I also have the middle size from Imse Vimse. 

I also have two different sizes of panty liners, my panty liners comes from three different  companies (pic 5-7), the first company is imse vimse and the second company is called and the third company is called 

I´ve had my cloth menstrual pads for a couple of years now and i am in love with my pads. 

There are also cloth tampoons but i have not tried that so i don't know how those work.  Picture down below 

There are also menstrual cups that you put into yourself I have not tried that either so I can´t say that those work but a lot of people recommend them instead of normal tampoons. Pictures down below

There are just so many choices when it comes to menstrual cups. There is almost one for every individual size and preference. 

There are also period panties, as they are also called. 

The period panties is a pair of specially made panties that absorb blood during your periods. They have a special lining in the branch that is extremely absorbent (without feeling like a diaper in any way). They are also moisturizing, antimicrobial and resistant to leakage, so there is no need to use an extra tampon, tie or double panties. 

But that is, of course, your own choice. 

You can choose to combine your period panties with a cloth menstrual pad, a cloth tampoon or a menstrual cup.

Or you can combine your period panties with both a cloth menstrual pad and a cloth tampoon or a cloth menstrual pad and a menstrual cup. 

The choice is up to you and varies on how much you bleed. 

The choices of what to use is endless and you no longer need to use those normal pads and tampons ever again. 

Win for your wallet and win for you health.