If you’re getting your monthly visitor and care about reducing the amount of waste you contribute to the planet but aren’t quite ready for the menstrual cup, you’re not alone.
THINX, the beloved company that brought the world period-proof underwear, returns with yet another ingenious invention, re.t.a – the reusable tampon applicator.
This medical-grade silicone applicator works with any applicator-less tampon, like LOLA which is 100% organic cotton and available on a subscription basis. All you have to do is insert the tampon into the back of applicator and push up just like usual. The only difference now is instead of throwing the applicator in the trash, you clean it up and reuse. Minimally packaged, the box even includes some clever copy that reads, “this is the start of a new cycle.”
When washing, be sure to clean each of the three pieces individually with nonfragrant soaps and lay out to dry. In between moon cycles, similar to the menstrual cup, boil the applicator in hot water, then clean it with rubbing alcohol to sanitize and store until it’s time to whip it out again.
On a serious note, did you realize traditional plastic applicators can take up to 500 years to decompose? Let’s calculate that with 11,000 disposable menstrual products individuals throw away each year. You’re looking at landfill upon landfill of tampon applicators for centuries to come. Yes, there are other sustainable options out there like THINX period underwear, menstrual cups, and reusable pads, but there’s a tampon-using habit some of us aren’t ready to break, and that’s why re.t.a is so damn great.
This is a BIG freaking deal, people! Brands and companies the world over are just getting caught up on sustainability and plastic waste. There’s no downside for a reusable tampon applicator which can be used for any applicator-less tampon. Except for the whole cleaning part it if that’s not your thing. But if that doesn’t tickle your fancy, maybe the amount of plastic you’re diverting from a landfill will.
via: Marie Claire
