October 8, 2021 Pole Junkie

Are you ready to Smoove towards a better period?

Hey there! I’m Camila, I joined the PJ team in May 2021 and, alongside with picking and packing your lovely PJ purchases, I am cofounder of a nonprofit called Neighborhood Feminists based in Amsterdam.

We focus on local, direct-impact projects to help grow and strengthen our communities. Currently we have two projects tackling the issue of period poverty: Dignity Kits, which are kits containing basic toiletries and menstrual products for people living in difficult situations, and Menstruation Stations, cabinets stocked full of period products for anyone to use and take. If you want to learn more visit our website and social media channels or feel free to reach out!

Are you ready to Smoove towards a better period?

With the launch of The Enviro Co’s Smoove period shorts we thought it was a good time to talk about zero waste periods. Luckily, this is one of my favourite topics. I’ve been managing my period with reusable products for almost 10 years now and today I’d like to share my experience and help you make a smooth and easy transition to a more sustainable period. So let’s debunk some misconceptions and myths!

Reusable products are less effective

Not really. I can count with the fingers on one hand the amount of times my products have failed me. You may need to plan a bit more than when using disposable products (for example, carrying a wet bag and wipes can make a huge difference!) but reusable menstrual products can get the job done as well as any of their single use counterparts. When it comes to the Smoove shorts they have FOUR layers of fabric specifically designed to be absorbent and breathable, I’m pretty sure these shorts can handle a training session, even on those heavy flow days (btw, I’m proud of you for moving on those days!). With any new menstrual product, I’d still advise a trial run at home, as this will give you a better idea of how you feel and how this product works for you and it’s also a good way to feel more confident when you wear them to the studio!

Cleaning reusable menstrual products takes too much time and effort

Yes and no. It’s definitely easier to use and dispose of tampons and pads than it is to clean and sterilise your reusables. But once you get used to it, the extra minute it takes to rinse or soak your period shorts won’t even bother you. Just remember to use cold water to avoid stains and then wash as you do all your pole clothes (that is, with love and care).

Reusable period products are dirty/gross and ugly

Isn’t it crazy that a biological process that half the population goes through every month is still somewhat of a taboo? People still have trouble talking openly about periods, which contributes to the shame a lot of us may feel. This makes us keep our questions to ourselves and we internalise ideas about our own bodies as dirty or gross. Nothing is further from the truth! and honestly your skin will love soft and breathable fabrics over the plasticky feel of disposable pads. As long as you follow the instructions for using and cleaning your period shorts, you can be sure you will have a healthy and happy period!

You may worry about the Smoove shorts looking bulky, after all four layers of fabric sounds like a lot, but trust me neither you nor anyone else will notice them! Just look at our flat lays and get inspired to create fierce outfits every day of the month!

You must go 100% zero waste

No! Changing our habits is hard. Nowadays I think we hold back for fear of not doing enough or not doing things perfectly, but the truth remains that “slow and steady wins the race”. There’s no need to pressure yourself into ditching all disposable menstrual products in one day! Try a few things, test something for a day or even a few hours. Every little bit helps! And before you know it you might surprise yourself with a whole new way to manage that time of the month.

Last but not least, everyone’s period is different and you know your body the best so take your time, be patient and remember that when it comes to periods there’s no “one solution fits all”. That’s why it’s so cool that now we have so many different Earth-friendly options to choose from.

Let’s normalise talking about periods and help our planet (and wallets) one LESS single use product at a time!