nookees reusable period pads vs. disposable pads
Is it time to swap your tried-and-true bleeding companion for practical, innovative, and sustainable alternatives? Are washable pads really the cotton reusables you re been searching for your whole menstruating life?
Granted, when your favourite sustainability activist brings up reusable menstruation pads, you might think of instantly-noticeable, bulky, cloth pads. But reusable pads for periods have come a long way in the past few years. By now, you’ve probably experimented with a slew of different female hygiene products including shoving a dry tampon without an applicator at age fifteen – is it just me? – opting for the most raved-about-period cups, or purring your faith on reusable period panties.
Still, your quest to find a way to be more environmentally responsible during your cycle is far from over. As it turns out, you are a pad person, through and through. Yet, you might not feel fully comfortable with the idea of contributing to the already huge environmental damage disposable pads cause.
It’s no secret that periods are a significant source of waste. Every single person who menstruates ends up using 130-260 pads/tampons per year. Or, 5,000-10,000 throughout their lifetime. In fact, in the United States alone, tampons, pads, and panty liners create about 200,000 metric tons of garbage each year. This includes products and wrappers. Yes, as ridiculous as it sounds, pads are 90% plastic. Let’s not even consider the amount of waste associated with producing period products.
So what’s the best eco-friendly solution to the one-use pads plastic problem? Spoiler alert: it’s not about ditching pads altogether. Not when sustainable reusable period pads exist.
nookees reusable period pads vs. disposable pads: Which Is Better?
Disposable pads are bad for the environment
Studies have found that an estimated 28,114 tons of waste is generated annually from menstrual products, 26,903 tons from disposable products of which about 4% (3,363 tons) is lost in the environment by flushing. According to the Women's Environment Network, your period product of choice could be up to 90% plastic (namely polythene, polypropylene and polyester), which is equivalent to four plastic shopping bags in just one pad. It’s no surprise that period products are the fifth most common single-use plastic item found on Europe’s beaches, present in greater numbers than both plastic bags and straws.
What’s more, plastic and non-compostable materials in period products can take 500 to 800 years to decompose, leaching potentially toxic substances into the soil and water. When waste is not properly managed, finding its way to air, water and soil.
Disposable pads contain toxic chemicals
Although producers are generally reluctant to reveal the exact composition of their products, the main materials of disposable menstrual pads are usually bleached rayon (cellulose made from wood pulp), cotton, and plastics. In addition, fragrance and antibacterial agents can be included.
Sanitary pads contain volatile organic compounds and phthalates and with this continued, long-term exposure a significant amount of these harmful chemicals could be absorbed via the genitals, according to a new study. What’s even more astounding? Did you know that sanitary pads are not naturally pure white? Yep, the fibres in pads are chlorine bleached to give them their clean and sterile appearance. This bleaching process creates dioxin, a highly toxic pollutant.
Also, disposable pads with odour neutralisers and other artificial fragrances are also, you guessed it, laden with chemicals that can enter the bloodstream and cause side effects.
So much so that product testing results show that Always pads release chemicals linked to cancer and reproductive and developmental harm – I’m sorry, what?!
But at least, they are leak-proof, right?
Disposable pads are, indeed, leak-proof, however, those that often advertise themselves as 'leakproof' and enhanced with an impermeable plastic layer at the bottom of pads that do not allow liquid or air to pass through. The plastic traps moisture and heat, creating an environment that promotes the growth of yeast and bacteria.
As you can probably tell, regular pads have their fair share of disadvantages. They cause tons of plastic waste, are chock full of chemicals, and can cause a slew of health issues. So let’s have a look at sustainable reusable period panties.
nookees reusable period pads are zero waste
Unlike disposable period pads, nookees reusable pads for periods are zero-waste. They are made of biodegradable and environment-friendly materials like organic cotton which is safer for the Earth and for the skin.
Organic fibres means that no pesticides or chemicals, that are harmful to health and the ecosystem, have been used.
This fibre is grown without the use of toxic chemicals and pesticides and uses significantly less water and energy resources, which makes it the best choice in terms of sustainability.
We solely use cotton that’s grown in rainy areas like parts of Uganda and Kirgisistan. This basically means that the crop needs even less water to thrive because it gets as much as it needs naturally from rainfall.
To put it simply, nookees are quite literally a zero-waste period revolution.
Our reusable period pads are non-toxic and organic
As we mentioned previously, nookees are made with resource-efficient cotton fabric. Organic cotton is so pure, breathable, super absorbent, and skin-friendly, that’s actually recommended for children. It thrives on wicking moisture away from the body and keeping you feeling fresh and cool without the use of any additional chemicals! No wonder why it’s touted as one of the safest and most allergy-friendly textiles.
It doesn’t end there. Even the snap buttons we use for nookees are nickel-free and OEKO-Tex 100 certified; this means that they have been tested for harmful substances to protect your health. The same applies to the lace on our nookees undies which is produced under STeP by OEKO-Tex standards —a certification system for environmentally friendly and socially responsible production facilities along the supply chain.
The clicking awesome unique technology
Now on to the really good part. There are hundreds of sustainable period pads on the market. So what makes nookees so darn unique? The pads are equipped with a totally different system. You don’t really have to change the whole panties multiple times per day. All you have to do is click the pad inside of the nookees panties using the snap buttons and remove them once you will like it’s time for a change. We are talking about highly absorbent menstruation pads that snap into comfortably designed panties here!
nookees leak-proof period pads are reusable & affordable
At first 49€ for three nookees pads with one, two, and three layers of absorption and 39€ for the panty might not sound like a very affordable option. However, if we consider that a typical period lasts for 5 days and a menstruating person usually needs 3 to 5 pads or tampons a day, the cost of pads or tampons per year is around 170€. Now, if we multiply it by 40 years, that’s 6,800€! So yes, if you look at the bigger picture, reusable pads for periods are the most worthy investment.
sustainable period products that give back!
By purchasing nookees reusable pads, you not only help the environment but also empower women like you around the world to feel proud of and safe during their menstruation. With every purchase of nookees sets, we send out extra pads of nookees to our partner projects in Indonesia, Uganda, Nepal, and Brasil. Period equity is a huge deal for us – including everything from the affordability, accessibility, and safety of menstrual products to education and reproductive care.
Get your sustainable reusable menstruation pads
Even the smallest of changes can make a huge impact. Regardless of whether are new to the sustainable bleeding movement or a long-time member of the eco-community, nookees organic period pads are for you! You’ll definitely find your new, leak-proof period buddy –all you have to do is stroll our virtual isles to discover even more reusable sanitary products for your exact needs. And if you are a first-timer, you can always start your zero-waste period journey with nookees THE KIT.
