How often have you heard the word ‘organic’ or seen it around you? Possibly a countless number of times. Maybe you’re even a user of organic products! Organic food and produce are no strangers to those aiming to live a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle. Grocery stores have aisles of packaging with ‘organic’ labels paired with the prices to prove it. Although organic produce might frequent the shelves of your nearest Whole Foods or Waitrose, how prevalent are organic tampons?
Organic tampons are made with cotton grown without pesticides or insecticides, free from chemical dyes or fragrances. Everyday tampons have to go through a non-organic process that involves a number of chemicals.
If you’ve heard the Vajingle like I have, don’t panic (unless the reason for your panic is that a vagina jingle exists). With every product concerning health and your body, there are prior checks before it is allowed to be produced and sold worldwide. In the U.S, the FDA (Food & Drug Administration) heavily regulates such products to ensure that tampons are safe for use. They test all aspects of the tampon –size, absorbency, tampon insertion methods, how it should be worn, their wear-time and finally, tampon removal and disposal.
Manufacturers do use a rayon-bleaching process with everyday tampons that subjects them to leave trace amounts of dioxin (an environmental pollutant that has been linked to causing cancer and other health problems) but all tampons in the market are made of the same few ingredients – cotton, rayon or a blend of both. With just trace amounts, it’s not a risk to health.
Another common uncertainty is the distress with the probability of getting Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). Nonetheless, TSS is a rare bacterial disease that’s only seen occurring in 1 out of 100,000 cases.
Perhaps for those more self-conscious about what they’re putting into their body, yes. It might be a healthier choice for some who choose to switch over to natural tampons but according to an article by The Cut , organic tampons might also prove for a more positive environment.
Solely based on Jessica Alba’s tampon line, the cotton used is not only organic but certified by a company that requires safe conditions and fair wages for workers. The tampon applicator is also made using a majority of plant-based material. Two factors of responsible manufacturing that might lead to a reduced carbon footprint.
In contrast to organic tampons’ positive impact to the environment, research by FitnessReloaded points out that organic cotton might actually enlarge the ecological footprint by having to use more of a horticultural method like tractors and rotary hoes. These methods are required at least twice a week and their fuel emissions, wear and tear on the equipment might harm the environment more than be one step closer to saving it.
The question should really be “Are organic tampons healthier for you? Or healthier for the environment?” It’s too soon to tell. For now, your only worry should be remembering to take your tampons out.
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