The amount of waste laid out around my body in the opening picture, is what one person would use in one year, if using liners and tampons. The cup I am holding in my hand represents what one person would use over 10 years, if using a menstrual cup.

You can tell by the look on my face (which is usually smiling) what is going through my mind… menstrual product waste is a major issue: we need to get smarter.

A team successfully battling this issue: MyCup.

Late October, I spent two days with the MyCup team (read more about MyCup here), filming educational videos- and having a ball of a time! We documented how to use every type of menstrual product, eco-friendly or not, and focused in on the environmental benefits of switching to a cup.

I spent two days inserting tampons into the vagina mannequin, practicing how to clean menstrual cups, and buttoning the sides of reusable pads in front of a camera. I knew almost all information before arriving, but spending two days immersed in the topic, made me reflect on the impact my menstrual cup has had.

My Menstrual Cup Dramatically Changed My Life

I feel more in touch with my body than ever before. I’m able to see the amount of blood I lose every month, flush it down the toilet, and know it’s not still sitting on a plastic coated cotton stick in landfill. The thought that all the menstrual products I’ve ever used in my lifetime, still exist today, grosses me out.

Not only that, but my confidence has boosted. I have a condition which means I bleed and bruise really easily. This means my periods are SUPER heavy, and I used to feel very self-conscious whenever I had my period- the risk of leaking made me want to stay home.

When I switched to a cup, it was hard to get used to. But after a few attempts, I quickly realised how liberating it was.

Now, I only use a menstrual cup when on my period. It fits in one little draw string bag that I take everywhere, just in case. No waste, so tampon strings hanging out my bikini pants, no stress of leakage, no stinky rubbish bins, and no money wasting every single month. As a runner, yogi, and water sports lover, the menstrual cup is my saviour. I literally could not imagine life without it: the best eco swap I’ve ever made.

Disposable Menstrual Products Are Wasteful

When the lovely ladies of MyCup bought out the baskets of disposable menstrual products used in only a year, I wanted to cry. The amount of waste contributed to landfill because of a process that represents life and womanhood, is devastating. Seeing it all laid out in front of me, fuelled me with passion for encouraging new cup users and changing the way we deal with our monthly cycles.

MyCup are leading the way in menstrual cups in New Zealand, and even make the cups here too. They use a buy-one-give-one scheme and do so much more in the community than we’d ever know. I’m proud to be a MyCup supporter, ambassador, and team member.

I know (and MyCup knows!) menstrual cups wont’ be everyone’s cup of tea. So, here are your three main options. I’ve tried them all and they work a treat!

Menstrual Products Better For You + The Planet:

• Period Underwear

• Menstrual Cup : Use code ETHICALLYKATE for 10% OFF

  • code ETHICALLYKATE30 for 30% off menstrual cups

• Reusable Pads

If you’re on the fence, here’s a blog post I wrote about how to use your menstrual cup.

I’m also excited to share with you the outcome of our two days filming!

CLICK ON THE IMAGE BELOW TO WATCH

As a rule, I only work with brands I love, use, and can whole heartedly back. This is a sponsored blog (I can't pay my electricity bill with free products), but 100% my own words, photos, and opinion.