Why are eco-friendly periods the next BIG thing?

Have you just discovered menstrual cups or have you been thinking about making the swap for a little while?

With many actively looking for eco-friendly periods, the team at intheflow thought it would be a good idea to highlight why it's a good time to buy a menstrual cup and share how much of a positive impact this will be; for you, the planet, and others.

We are going to be honest, we found it hard to think of some cons, but here are some definite pros!

1. Environmental Impact: Earth Day in 2022 had us thinking, a day in the calendar first set in 1970 to raise awareness around environmental issues. The world is facing a growing environmental crisis, and with the demand of literally half the population in the world, menstrual products massively contribute to this issue. At the time of writing this, I am visiting family in the states and have found that in the US alone, the annual waste produced from period products sits in at approx 12 billion sanitary towels and 7 billion tampons. Breaking that down to a single person, this could range from between 5,000 - 15,000 units over on average 37.5 years. These single-use items are made up of 90% plastic, taking between 500 to 1,000 years to break down. With the majority being disposed of as domestic waste, 87% of this ends up in landfill or on our shores. Just take a moment to imagine how that looks, and what that means for our wildlife. Menstrual cups, on the other hand, can be sterilised and reused month on month. The environmental impact of traditional period products is a massive influence towards people searching for eco-friendly and sustainable periods and if you are considering making the swap, you have come to the right place my friend, we’ve got you covered. But first, let’s look at some more stats as they really are important and the whole reason behind us launching intheflow.

Let's look at some comparative data 

Reference: Author: L.A.G. Blair,Y. Bajón -Fernández,R. Villa

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Calculated over 5 years data. **Calculated over 3 years data.

Read more here

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S2666790822000404#:~:text=The%20study%20found%20that%20an,in%20the%20environment%20by%20flushing.

Financial Saving: On average, people spend between £8 - £16 on period products each month. This might be a combination of pads, pantyliners and tampons. With a one time purchase of an intheflow menstrual cup at £19.99, menstrual cups are a more cost-effective option in the long run. While the initial cost may be higher than disposable products, menstrual cups can last for up to 10 years with proper care, meaning you can save money by not having to purchase disposable products month on month.

Tackling Period Poverty: Our pledge at intheflow is to do our bit for people and the planet. For every sale of an intheflow menstrual cup, we will make a donation to low income communities in an attempt to tackle period poverty. Not only are you making a great swap for your own personal health, finances and environmental impact, you are also helping us with our donations and we are super grateful for being able to make a difference with you on our side, so thank you! 

Convenience: Menstrual cups are more convenient than single use, disposable products. Unlike tampons and pads, which can be uncomfortable to wear and need to be changed every few hours, menstrual cups are super comfortable and can be worn for up to 12 hours, reducing the need for frequent changes. It allows more freedom and flexibility which makes it a great option for those wanting to change their cup in the comfort of their own home after a long day at work. Additionally, menstrual cups are more discreet and can be worn during physical activity such as swimming, exercising, or sleeping. As there is no string made out of fabric, there is no leaking, you will feel far more comfortable and confident in your day to day activities as well as what clothes you chose to wear. Many report that since making the swap to a menstrual cup, they feel more confident and less anxious towards the potential of leaking and love that they can sleep comfortably with a menstrual cup and not have to worry about staining any sheets. 

Health Benefits: Our intheflow menstrual cup is made from a high-quality, medical-grade silicone, making them a safer option for people who may be sensitive to the chemicals in disposable products. Additionally, because menstrual cups collect rather than absorb menstrual fluid, they can reduce the risk of irritation, toxic shock syndrome and infection.

Accessibility: With the rise of online shopping and delivery services, menstrual cups are more accessible than ever before. There are a wide range of sizes and designs with the option to buy a twin pack to find the right size that is most comfortable for your body and appropriate for your flow. The twin pack is also a nice option to have a spare menstrual cup to leave at home, carry in your bag or leave at work/school.

Can you think of any other reasons why now is a good time to make the swap? 

Thank you for considering switching to a intheflow menstrual cup. Not only are they better for the environment, more cost-effective, and convenient, but they also offer health benefits and increased accessibility, empowering you to get on with your day to day activities. By making the switch to a menstrual cup, individuals can take a step towards a more sustainable and healthier menstrual experience as well as tackle period poverty.

For you, the planet, and others.