Menstruation is still a taboo. But we’re all concerned: we either own a uterus ourselves or know someone who does, right?
About half of the population spends one fourth of their time menstruating for several decades in life. That means approximately 500 menstrual cycles in a lifetime. So choosing the right menstrual product is quite an important decision.
Nowadays, there are many types of menstrual products, but it’s usually the same getting the limelight. I was curious whether people are aware that alternatives to the traditional tampon or pad exist. So, with a colleague we got out of the office, grabbed our phone and interviewed people on the streets in Brussels. It turns out we were amazed by how little people know about menstrual cups. Let’s get down to it.
Nowadays, there are many types of menstrual products, but it’s usually the same getting the limelight
Menstrual cup…what’s that?
“Is it a measuring cup? Do you put it in the ground? Is it a contraceptive?”
Confronted with the sight of a menstrual cup, most people we approached in the street had no clue, but much creativity.
Although menstrual cups have existed as an alternative for decades, they have been gaining popularity only recently. It’s due to a combination of environmental awareness growing and the cultural taboo shrinking.
Why menstrual cups are safe, easy, and cheap
A menstrual cup is made from a soft material, usually medical silicone or natural rubber. It can be worn just like a tampon. After several hours, the user has to empty the cup, rinse it, and insert it again. The user won’t feel the presence of the cup which allows to move around freely. When the menstrual phase is over, the cup just needs to be disinfected – boiling it for a few minutes will do – then it’s ready for reuse the next month.
Do menstrual cups perform as well as tampons? Yes, according to German consumer organisation Stiftung Warentest. Their test participants found the cups offer just as reliable a protection as tampons. Cups capture at least as much blood as a tampon and can stay in the body for longer. This makes it more convenient if one has no access to a bathroom for a while.
What’s more, menstrual cups are cheaper than single-use products. One cup will cost between €10 and €30, and can be used for several years. While single-use menstrual products cost an estimated €4,500 over a lifetime, the overall price tag for several menstrual cups ranges between €100 and €200. Financially speaking, it’s a no brainer!
Menstrual cups are more eco-friendly
If you’re not convinced yet, here is another argument for using reusable menstrual products: it’s far more sustainable than the throw-away counterparts. Tampons and pads usually end up in landfills or get incinerated as they are not recyclable. They add to the mountains of plastic litter in the environment. Using menstrual cups can prevent quite the volume of single-use menstrual products from ending up as waste. Italian consumer organisation Altroconsumo estimates that over a lifetime single-use sanitary pads lead to 55kg of waste per person and 35kg for tampons. By contrast, using menstrual cups generates less than one mere kilo.
And good news, thanks to recent decisions, they are getting even safer and more sustainable.
The EU Ecolabel for hygiene products
Menstrual cups are now covered by the EU Ecolabel.[1] This official green label in Europe ensures certified products have a lower environmental impact and are safe for our health. It is voluntary, so it is up to manufacturers and retailers to apply for it (and there are plenty of good reasons for them to do so).
For menstrual cups, the EU Ecolabel sets criteria from the manufacturing process to the packaging and information on correct disposal. Importantly, the EU Ecolabel guarantees that cups are free from substances dangerous for our health, such as endocrine disruptors, phthalates, and formaldehyde.
Be patient, though, as you may not see the flower logo bloom on menstrual cups overnight. It will take a while for companies to adapt their production and apply for the label. Until then, you can look for the EU Ecolabel on other hygiene products such as tampons and pads. Even some baby diapers are certified. And by the way, the EU Ecolabel covers much more than sanitary items, from detergents and textiles to hotels and campsites.
Be patient, though, as you may not see the flower logo bloom overnight
The best way to find out whether menstrual cups are good for you (or your wife, daughter, partner…), is to try them. By the way, environmentally friendly solutions do not stop at menstrual cups. Washable panties, for example, are also a good reusable alternative to save waste. And whatever product you go for, one thing is sure: looking for the EU Ecolabel will lead you to the more sustainable option, period.
[1] BEUC forms part of the EU Ecolabelling Board, the official governance body behind the label. This means we can contribute to the criteria development with the support of our members’ experts. That’s why we are convinced the EU Ecolabel is good for consumers and the environment.