Periods, Pads and More! Our Guide to Eco-Friendly Personal Hygiene

Today we are continuing on into week two of our eco-friendly student living series, and this week's topic is... personal hygiene!

First up, periods. Yes we’re going there.

Check out what our Birmingham experts Rose Sanger and Emma Vaughan had to say on this juicy topic as they cover their anxieties and triumphs with the infamous… menstrual cup!

In particular, Emma said she loves the Organicup, that it's probably the best things she's ever bought and that she cannot recommend it enough. She explains that "it is so much easier than having to remember to take products with you, especially when travelling. It does take a bit of getting used to, but once you’ve nailed it it’s super easy to use, pain free, you can wear it before you’re actually started your period if you’re not sure exactly when you’ll come on, and it is WASTE FREE." And if you're worried about mess, Emma very frankly puts us in our place, saying "where the mess is concerned... in the nicest way possible, it's just something we have to get over! It's really not that bad. I promise. If I could buy everyone one I really would."

Rose adds: “It's taken me more time (and underwear) than I'd like to admit trying to get used to my menstrual cup but after realising the strings to my IUD were affecting the suction, moving from tampons and pads to a cup has been the best decision. There are quizzes online to help you but the right cup for your body.” Click here to take quiz and determine the menstrual cup right for you!

And because sharing is caring, here’s 5 more of their top hygiene tips below:

1. Safety razor. Not only will a safety razor save you money they are much better for the environment. Although the initial hefty price tag of around £20 for the razor and £10 for 100 blades can be off putting each blade can last up to 5-8 shaves depending on how much or little you decide to shave. There is no plastic in sight and blades can be collected and then taken to a recycling centre.

2. Bars. Bars of Soap, Bars of Shampoo, Bars of conditioner, bars of washing up liquid… these are a good plastic free alternatives which may be a little more costly but last a lot longer! Try to find them made without palm oil a good place to look is on plastic free online shops.

3. Coconut oil. Coconut oil has a billion and one different uses, but one you may not know of is as a makeup remover. Get a bit on your finger tips, melt it a bit and rub it over your makeup to remove even super waterproof mascara. It’s amazingly effective, way cheaper than other products, one pot lasts for ages, it’s completely natural and can be plastic free if you buy a glass jar (Aldi sell these for around £3).

4. Microfiber pads. We are all for the menstrual cup, but if it’s not for you or if you want a back-up for those heavy flow days, resuable microfiber pads could be for you. They can be found on amazon or from numerous eco-stories, for example the Clean Kilo in Birmingham. They’re comfy, easy to clean and again, save loads and loads of plastic waste, and money in the long run.

5. Deodorant. We all need it, but we’ve also all been there when you’ve tried out a natural deodorant and find yourself smelling gosh darn awful by lunchtime. Turns out, you can make your very own from apple cider vinegar and an essential oil for a specific scent if you want. Use Organic, Raw and Unfiltered ACV. Tip enough onto a cotton pad (reusable if you have them!) to saturate it, wring it out and then wipe on your pits. It’ll smell pretty vinegary for about 5 mins but once it’s dry the smell completely goes. It is a natural antibacterial, so when you start sweating it will destroy all the bacteria which make you smell. Pretty dreamy.

How exciting is it learning all the easy swaps we can make to help our daily routines be a bit more eco-friendly?! I personally am a huge menstrual cup advocate, a big coconut oil lover and am incredibly excited to give the apple cider vinegar deodorant a go. Who knew?

Turns out we don't gotta be mean to be clean.

Join us in giving these tips a try this Eco October! Because Halloween might be scary, but the climate crisis is scarier.

Let's love Brum, love our planet and love each other a bit better with these simple swaps.