Exactly How to Put Together an Eco Friendly First Period Kit
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It’s wild to think that even today, periods are seen as taboo, let’s change that by gifting the youth in our lives an eco friendly first period kit for them to feel cared for and ready for their menstrual cycles.
This post includes all the best eco friendly period products that will help someone to feel comfortable wherever they are to take care of themselves and the natural process of their period. Best of all, the products on this list are the current sustainable options on the market that are safe for you and the planet!
Everyone has different needs and preferences but by the end of this post you will feel equipped with different ideas to put together a great beginner eco friendly first period kit!
This post is all about eco friendly period kits for teens.
The Best Eco Friendly First Period Kit Ideas
1. Put period kit in a reusable silicone Stasher bag
Let’s start with what will be holding all of the first period kit supplies! Stasher bags are reusable silicone bags that can be used in place of ziploc bags and they come in tons of cute colors.
They are a bit see through so they don’t offer privacy if that was a priority for your first period kit but they are washable!
I suggest packing two Stasher bags, one for used period items and one for fresh period products. I promise they are worth the initial investment as they can be used again and again or other uses if it ends up not working for your first period kit!
2. Thinx period underwear
I am absolutely obsessed with Thinx underwear and I would give anything to go back in time and give period panties to my younger self when I first started my period. Instead of intimidating tampons or uncomfortable pads, consider giving your teen something more hassle free.
Period underwear is great because you just throw them on and when they are full, take them off and wash them! That is really all there is to it.
I don’t know the exact science behind this magical product but you can learn more here. These truly work for heavier flows and light days. It is pretty impressive.
The best part is that they have a line specifically for teens!
Whether you are looking for period pants or a boxer brief they have plenty of products with super absorbent material that actually works.
3. Organic tampons depending on their comfort levels
Tampons can be SO incredibly intimidating for youth when they first get their period. I personally, was terrified. If no one explains to you how to use them it can be a really odd and scary experience.
So before we recommend a tampon brand, I want to encourage you, that if you decide to put them in your eco friendly first period kit you equip the recipient with knowledge about how to use them!
I suggest these organic tampons that don’t have a bunch of random chemicals in them. Of course, it isn’t ideal that they will create waste but some people find tampons convenient and comfortable over other period products.
We don’t need to be perfect in our sustainable living goals but we can make better choices in what we use. Every action counts!
4. Reusable cotton pads for every period flow
Both pads and tampons are disposable options that litter our oceans and add to the overfill of landfills.
Why not just swap it to a reusable pad that is similar to period underwear and can be used and then washed and use again and again?!
Of course, this is not a “new” product. Women in the past have used clothes for centuries but there are some companies coming out with fabric in the shape of pads which is really helpful! When you’re done using it you can just place it in your Stasher bag to be brought home to be washed. Hassle free.
These reusable pads come in different sizes for heavy flow days or lighter ones. These are also great for younger girls since nothing needs to be inserted.
5. Gentle Wipes and extra toilet paper
So these are not the most sustainable options but they can help youth to feel fresh after changing their period product. Wipes are great if the period kit is being brought to school or on an outing. You can’t forget extra toilet paper as well!
I really love these wipes since they are mostly water and some fruit extract!
Why we love water wipes for periods:
- Made of only two ingredients: water & fruit extract.
- Vegan and cruelty free
- Recyclable boxes & bags are partially made from post consumer products.
- Wipes are able to be home composted
- Wipes are plastic free
Many traditional feminine wipes contain many fragrances and chemicals but these are great because they are so basic!
6. Hand sanitizer
When changing period products it is super important that you are using clean hands!
If a sink and soap are not available it can be helpful to have a mini hand sanitizer in the bag as well.
7. Menstrual cup for a reusable option
So period cups may not be the best option for a first-period kit but I had to put them on the list because they are a really amazing new sustainable period product that I think everyone should know about!
They have a bit of a learning curve to learn how to insert them but once you figure it out you are good to go.
Essentially, period cups are a reusable tampon that you take out, wash and reuse!
They are amazing because they cut down on SO much waste that comes from period products and are super convenient!
You can’t machine wash your period cup but you can use a bit of castile soap and water to clean it. Some people even boil them in water to disinfect them.
8. Extra pair of underwear
Don’t forget these! It is better to be over prepared than not.
The main priority of a first period kit is providing all the comfort and care you can. Having backup undies helps with the unpredictability that sometimes comes with periods.
{RECOMMENDED POST: Life Changing Zero Waste Period Products and My Simple Routine}
9. Organic chocolate or their favorite snack
This tip is just for fun but it helps to round out the first period kit and sometimes a little sweetness can go a long way if someone is feeling overwhelmed.
Middle school can be rough in so many ways so all the extra support can go a long way!
10. A note with words of encouragement
It may seem silly now but your first period or even the first year of having your period can be super overwhelming and confusing. Your body is changing and you are trying to learn how to best support yourself.
Writing a little note of encouragement and support can help the kiddo you are gifting the kit to to feel confident and welcomed to reach out to you if they need anything.
Periods are normal and hopefully the next generation feels less taboo about periods and can discuss them freely!
Teen period products and period poverty
Reusables are a great way to cut costs in the long tern but there is no denying that the up front cost can be steep. Even traditional teen pads, panty liners and regular tampons can get expensive!
UN Women explains that “Period poverty refers to the inability to afford and access menstrual products, sanitation and hygiene facilities and education and awareness to manage menstrual health.”
If your family or those in your community are in need of free period products for teens here are some places you can check:
- Many schools offer free period products in the restrooms or with school nurses
- Some Planned Parenthood sites offer free menstrual products
- Public libraries and community centers (non profit organizations will donate period products here)
- Local shelters and food banks are expanding to offer period products
I hope this list of teen period products helps you navigate teaching your teen about their menstrual cycle and helps them to feel comfortable in this new journey. Young women have so many options when it comes to period supplies and your guidance is so important in this process!
Would you add anything else to an eco friendly first period kit for a teen girl? Let us know in the comments below! I’m sure others in the community would love to learn from you as well!
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Stay well,
Maggie
This post was all about the best teen period products to add to an eco friendly period kit.
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