Earth-Friendly and Plant-Powered Vaginal Care
Although we generally associate the idea of motherhood with nature (ahem, “Mother Earth”), vaginal and maternal care products have long harmed the environment through waste and chemicals. Sustainability has historically been considered negligible, given the many factors that have taken priority, including availability, stigma, cost, affordability, and health needs. However, fortunately, a growing awareness of environmental issues has led to an increased emphasis on sustainable personal care items. In addition, environmental justice is also becoming more synonymous with reproductive justice, as research shows that environmental contaminants, pollution, and chemicals have adverse impacts on reproductive/maternal health and pregnancy outcomes.
“Environmental justice is also becoming more synonymous with reproductive justice, as research shows that environmental contaminants, pollution, and chemicals have adverse impacts on reproductive/maternal health and pregnancy outcomes.”
Sweet Bee doulas embrace a holistic approach to fertility and maternal care that takes into account our clients’ well-being as well as environmental sustainability. For Earth Day, we’re affirming the importance of environmental justice in maternal justice, especially given the disproportionate impact of environmental issues on Black and brown communities. In honor of the earth and all the homeopathic remedies it provides, we wanted to help you out with some options to incorporate sustainability in your self-care. Here are some products and practices you can incorporate into your vaginal or maternal care regimen:
Reusable period products
We highly recommend silicone menstrual cups and period panties. While they are a bigger investment up front, they have many benefits that may outweigh the costs. They are eco-friendly because you can get more use out of them than you can from disposable products. In addition, they can offer discretion for those in communities where period shame exists and a longer-term option for those who face scarcity.
Plastic-free or reduced-plastic tampons
Pad wearers aren’t the only ones with sustainable options! Team Tampon also has some earth-friendlier options for that time of the month. Brands new and old are answering the demand for low- to zero-waste period products with tampons with varying amounts of plastic. There are tampon brands that flaunt any combination of organic, plastic-free, reduced-plastic, biodegradable, and BPA-free properties.
Biodegradable and/or naturally-derived feminine wipes
Like tampons, feminine wipes come with multiple features aimed at making them more eco-friendly. There are both flushable and non-flushable wipes that are naturally derived and biodegradable. With some research, you can find a brand that is committed to reducing waste and using formulas that won’t release pollutants into the environment.
Vaginal steaming
The sustainable qualities of vaginal steaming are twofold. (1) It’s composed simply of water and herbal plants; essentially, a tea for your vagina. Those plants can be composted and returned to the ground. (2) I always tell clients that vaginal steaming contributes indirectly to sustainability by helping people bleed efficiently, which could reduce product use over time. In addition to contributing to sustainability, vaginal steaming can help treat a range of health concerns, from inflammation to aiding postpartum recovery.
Incorporating sustainable practices into our self-care routines is not just about personal health but also about collective well-being and environmental stewardship. By choosing earth-friendly options for vaginal care, we are not only nurturing our bodies but also demonstrating our commitment to preserving the planet for future generations. Let's embrace these eco-conscious choices as part of our journey towards holistic health, environmental justice, and sustainability.
