MY PERIODS IN GREEN

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For this second eco-challenge, I want to talk about a topic that concerns half of the population, every month, the women menstruation.

Yes, I know, it is a little taboo (especially for men) and we prefer not to talk about it because it is related to blood, sexuality, hormones …

Let’s stop turning a blind eye, our period are still coming to haunt us every month. Involving a whole ritual of preparations and purchases, helping us to get rid of them and if possible without pain. Better be well prepared, don’t you think ?

Today, I will talk to you about my habits before becoming aware of my ecological impact related to my femininity. And about solutions that I decided to bring to my menstrual routine when you do not live in France. I will also share my tips to facilitate this natural aspect of our femininity.

« Les règles, la fin du tabou » Courrier international

Plim Site de vente en ligne de protections hygiénique lavables.

“Le Top 10 des déchets collectés sur les plages” Les Échos

Before my Coming in Korea

My trip to South Korea was set for March 2019. I had to make a decision before living about my sanitary pads. I remembered the difficulty to find disposable chemical-free organic cotton pads during my first trip to Korea in fall 2017. Fortunately, at that time I had taken enough for my three-month travel. Seeing that it would not be wise, this time to do the same (try to take your supply for a year, good luck), I decided to switch to reusable pads.

You’re going to tell me, Camille, why you do not use cup ? It’s been here for a few years now, why did not you do it earlier ? How to tell you.. no thank you, it’s not for me, I always avoided tampons and applicators, except extreme case where I had to go to the pool during my period, and still I dodged it. I had bought a cup a few years ago, but had been discouraged by the whole process of sterilization with hot water. However, my two sisters have been using it for four years now and have boasted about it.

Even so, I want my comfort and it goes through sanitary pads and my high waist panties ! I had been able to hear several divergent opinions regarding the absorbing power of each of the proposed brands of reusable pads. My wish was to use organic cotton, dark color if possible (to avoid seeing the stains of blood of my previous period, even washing carefully they will always be a time where the stains will remain) and if possible well absorbent.

So I decided to give a try with Anaé brand, organic brand sell in the organic shop in France. Sold in pairs, I tested a first time in size L. When I change my habits I need time and want to be sure that it works before investing more and converting totally.

Convinced, I bought in total 8 pads. This makes me a complete cycle of washing it in the middle of my period. It is true that it is an investment, around 16 € the pair, I spent about 64 €, if you compare to single use pads price it will be profitable in less than one year. But now my conscience is quieter. I’m feeling as an active consumer now and it makes me want to explore even further my hygiene habits to change it for reducing my ecological impact.

For example, recently, I swapped my shampoo L’Oreal who followed me in my hair routine for 10 years for a natural bar soap. Not happy with it at the beginning (ugly and dry hair). But, lately, I see a difference coming little by little. I will talk about it in a next eco-challenge.

For the washing part, I immediately rinse my used pad in water with soap and place it in a washing bag waiting for my towels laundry time.

My Routine in Korea

Arriving in “The Land of the Morning Calm” I was surprised to see that the majority of stores selling women’s hygiene products has now offering organic pads. In a year and a half, ethical fashion has passed by.

In the feminine hygiene department of an Olive Young in Seoul

In the Olive Young (a chain of stores selling mainly cosmetics, beauty and health products) you can even buy reusable pads in organic cotton made in Korea by the brand Hannahpad. Sold in pairs in different size, the fabric is a pretty liberty style pattern and makes me want to buy it just for there cuteness.

When I returned to live in Seoul four months ago, I was lucky to join a great roommate. On 5 roommates we are 3 to use reusable pads. I’m kind of pride about it !

My Natural PainKiller Tips

I confess, before arriving in Korea, I played the easy card by taking a Nurofen (medical tablet) on my pain day. It’s the only chemical medicine I took and even if it’s only once a month I felt guilty. I knew there was other ways to relieve the pain more naturally. I just had to give it a try. I already tested sage herbal teas, but did not help effectively.

Arriving in Korea I had “forgotten” to take my pills. The first two cycles were spent without external help. It was during my volunteering work at Spaceseon (workshop offering soaps and organic wellness products) that I tested their aromatic spray for women. Unbelievably working, the pain is still there, but much more bearable. Now, I spray my bed and my sheets with this spray before going to sleep. It is magical !

And for my next cycles, I will use a hot-water bag. It helps to soften the pain. This summer it was too hot to use it. My roommate Pre, who also has his own blog: Les Pieds en Corée, also advised me to apply a cold patch or a pack of ice cubes on the belly.