Is period underwear really better for the environment?

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Is period underwear really better for the environment?
Thanks for asking. Period underwear came out in 2013, but has increased in popularity largely as they claim to be better for the environment and they're easy to use.
However, in January 2023, Thinx, a leading US manufacturer of period underwear, who branded themselves as a sustainable alternative to single-use menstrual products, has just settled a lawsuit regarding the presence of PFAS, also known as forever chemicals. Now people are wondering if period underwear is really as good as companies have made them out to be. What is period underwear? It's underwear made from special moisture-wicking fabric that is designed to work like a traditional menstrual pad in that it soaks up blood and stops leaking. Unlike a pad, though, they can be washed and reused, making them more sustainable. But there are other advantages too. They're easy to use, which is great, especially for younger people who've just started their period and might find pads or tampons uncomfortable, and they can be used alone or as extra protection. They're also good for people who have irregular periods, and over time they're more economical. What are forever chemicals? PFAS are often referred to as forever chemicals because of how incredibly durable they are. They can be found in a wide range of products including cooking brands, shampoo and cosmetics. They can help products be resistant to heat, water or oil. They can also help make clothing water resistant, which according to the lawsuit is how Thinx has been using them. The problem is that PFAS are, according to the Environmental Protection Agency, widely used long lasting chemicals, components of which break down very slowly over time. These chemicals have been found in the blood of people and animals all over the world and may be linked to harmful health effects in humans. However, researchers are still just not sure how harmful PFAS are to humans, but this has left consumers worried that they have unknowingly exposed themselves to toxic chemicals. Even more concerning for some customers, Thinx also has a line for young people called Thinx Teen. But because of this lawsuit, the whole industry of period underwear is being brought into question. What alternatives are there to period underwear? There are a range of alternatives, but many of them are unsatisfying. Traditional menstrual pads or tampons are not great for the environment and also contain chemicals. Reusable pads can be bulky and not always very efficient, while the reusable silicone cups such as the Diva Cup can be hard to use and not always a comfortable fit.
And considering that over 1.8 billion people worldwide menstruate each month, it's surely time to find some better solutions that are both good for the environment and the people using them. There you have it.
Now you know if period underwear is really better for the environment. In under 3 minutes, we answer your questions and help you understand the true meaning behind the trends, concepts and acronyms that are making headlines. Listen along and you really will know for sure.

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