Why WUKA Period Pants Are Better For The Planet

I remember the moment I first discovered WUKA period pants, and the feeling of joy and elation that swept over me. For years I had been wearing uncomfortable pads, and tampons, mentally exhausted by constantly having to change them so often, because of how much I would leak. There were embarassing spills during school, my horror mounting as blood seeped over the seats, in chaotic disarray. I was mortified, and didn’t have the period positivity that I had today. I was already a late bloomer, starting periods aged 14/15, and my heavy periods made me feel like a freak. I didn’t realize that I had Menorrhagia, often dismayed by the clumpy blood clots that appeared in the toliet bowl. As for how long I would have periods for? They were long enough, let’s get that straight. While they would last 2-3 weeks before I had my implant in, after the implant, I would get periods that would last months on end. The record? I had a period from October 2020 until April 2021 without stopping.

These days, my periods are starting to regulate, and become my version of normal, which quite frankly is a relief. Instead of six month periods, my average period is now lasting 3 weeks, to a month. I get that this is a long time for most people, when the average person has a 4-5 day period, but trust me, this feels like heaven for my body. However, knowing me and my body, I never know when I am going to get my period. They aren’t regular, I can’t track my periods, and as you guessed, they are longer than your average person’s period. Knowing that I would have to wear tampons for months on end felt, s**t, but what could I do, when it was what I was used to? But then in 2018, my life changed, and I found WUKA, whose eco-friendly, and sustainable period pants were cruelty-free and vegan. Finally, the period alternative that I had been after. Underwear which I could sleep in, party in, and play in, even when I was on the heaviest of period flows. I realized that I didn’t have to let my periods control me any longer. I had found happiness.

My journey to being period positive started when I found periods pants. Why? Because, they use state-of the-art moisture-wicking technology to absorb period flows, and wick moisture from the body. Some period pants even have a pocket on the front panel that can hold a small heat pack, to seek relief from menstrual cramps. Between using period pants, and CBD oil, I found that my period felt less ‘crampy’, than it would, when I would use tampons and pads. I know that period pants are not for everyone, but for me it changed my life. It helped me feel comfortable in my body, and embrace body positivity, even when I felt sluggish, bloated, and tired. I learnt to embrace the changes that came with being on my period, and became thankful instead. After all, my heavy periods taught me to make the most of my ‘flow’ and focus on mindful self-care habits such as hot bubble baths, where I soaked in Epsom Bath Salts. There were peppermint herbal teas to aid the bloating, and CBD oil to help with menstrual cramps. Most of all, there was optimism.

Tampons had always felt like the easiest option to me. After all, mentrual cups I used rarely, pads, was as a back up, and instead of making my periods shorter, and lighter, my implant did the exact opposite. But using pants made me realize that actually they were the easier option. Whether I needed heavy duty, heavy flow pants for the heaviest days of my periods, wanted a period underwear set, with a comfy bralette, or wanted a period thong, there were so many options available to me. I did love tampons for their ease before, but now I am 100% a period pant convert. It wasn’t just how good they made me feel on my period either. I loved that they prevented against leaks, were easy to wash, and as I became interested in sustainability. I fell in love even more. I realized that period pants weren’t just comfy, but they were eco-friendly too.

Carbon neutral, good for the planet, and made from sustainable materials, period pants were changing the menstrual game. But when it came to testing out period pants that had the greatest impact on the environment, noone did it better than WUKA. Why? Because their award-winning period underwear has 5x less carbon footprint than disposable pads and tampons. When you think about it, a year’s worth of disposable pads and tampons for one person produces 8.9kg of CO2 emissions, the same as charging a mobile phone more than 1000 times. Considering that we tend to charge our phones once a day, or every two days, that’s a crazy amount of plastic waste, that is being dumped into landfill. I started my journey with WUKA back in 2018 for myself, but by 2020, I continued for its environmental benefits too.

I wanted to minimize my carbon footprint, and offset the amount of plastic period products that I was using. Now, I can proudly say that I have not used tampons, pads, or other plastic menstrual products for over a year. In light of COP26, it is more important than ever, to offset climate change, and make a lasting change, even through the period care, that we choose to use. For me, I feel good knowing that my period pants, contributes to a cleaner, greener planet, and am adamant that it is an investment worth making. I know the price can put people off, and believe me I am a budget girl myself, but at the same time, saving our planet is worth it. I have 7+ pairs of period underwear that I use, and am hoping for a day, where period swimwear will be invented, so I can add that to my eco-friendly shopping list. While it might seem like I have a lot of period underwear, you also have to bear in mind, that my periods last quite a while, so I like to have fresh pairs on the go!

So why are WUKA period pants better for the planet?

WUKA Period Pants Are Carbon Neutral 

It goes without saying that we are in a climate emergency. After all, climate change is the DEFINING  crisis of our time, and is responsible for rising temperatures, natural disasters, and weather extremes. The increase in temperature is fueling environmental degradation, while disrupting the economy, and creating conflict. Sea levels are rising, the arctic is melting, and our great forests are burning. No matter where you live in the world, the consequences of global warming is devestating.

While period care might seem inconsequential in the grand scheme of things, even the small changes that you make can make a big difference to the planet. After all, the menstural market is worth £29 billion, and the disposal of single use menstrual products (tampons, pads, and applicators) generates 200,000 tonnes of waste per year. It’s a huge market, and one that could be far more eco-friendly if you choose to buy period underwear from brands like WUKA. This is because disposable period care dosen’t just equate to waste, but tampons, and pads, are generally made from plastic, contributing to plastic pollution. In fact pads and tampons with applicators are made up of 90% plastic. These unsustainable menstruation products, are damaging our environment, and even the habitats of animals too.

Although menstruation is a natural bodily function, the period products that use to manage it has a large carbon footprint. From manufacturing, to shipping, and even recycling, this all contributes to climate change. When you choose a cruelty-free, vegan and eco-friendly alternative like WUKA, it helps you make the world a better place. WUKA period pants are completely carbon neutral plus, and they have recently released their full carbon footprint analysis report which you can find here. But what does being carbon neutral mean?

Being Carbon neutral means that any CO₂ released into the atmosphere from a company’s activities is balanced by an equivalent amount being removed. In WUKA’s case, they are part of a mass movemt towards a low carbon global economy to halt the rise in global temperatures, which is a huge threat to humanity, animals, and the environment. Moreover, they use sustainable materials like  Tencel™ and Organic Cotton to keep their footprint naturally small, and for the rest they offset more than they use.

WUKA Uses Sustainable Materials 

Speaking of organic cotton, for those of you in the know, it is super-eco friendly. Made from non-genetically modified plants that are grown without the use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilisers or pesticides, this is better for our health, the environment, and the climate. But have you heard of Tencel™? A man made fabric, manufactured from the wood and cellulose of sustainably harvested Eucalyptus trees, it is extremely environmentally friendly. It requires less energy and water than conventional cotton, is certified biodegradable and is adept at soaking up moisture. This super absorbent hi-tech fabric and moisture barrier makes WUKA period proof, making you feel amazing on your period.

While many period pants use plastic, Merino wool (NOT VEGAN) and Elastane, WUKA repurposes materials, uses organic cotton, and the aforementioned Tencel. In January 2021, they even launched their perform range made from ‘upcyled nylon’. While that might come as a surprise considering Nylon’s impact on ocean life, they have recyled nylon from ocean waste, to ensure this pre-existing plastic is being used in a way that reduces waste. When they use recycled or upcyled fabrics, they use less energy to produce their period wear, compared to traditional manufacturing processes.

Moreover, with every purchase from the Perform range, 1% of sales are donated to the charity ‘Surfers Against Sewage’ , a national marine conservation and campaigning charity that inspires, unites and empowers communities to take action in order to protect the ocean, beaches and wildlife. Like me, they are passionate about protecting the ocean and keeping it clean. For me personally, knowing that I support a brand, who protects animals and the environment as much as I do is heartwarming.

WUKA Period Pants are also scientifically proven to be at least five times less damaging than disposable alternatives, protecting the environment with each pair. This is because every pair of WUKA, saves 200 disposables from going to landfill, preventing waste, and saving you money in the long run. They are cost-effective, as they can be used again and again, and whether you pay £15 or £65, it beats spending £500 a year on tampons and pads. In fact, the average person spends £5,000 on period products in their lifetime, which is a scary amount. It’s no wonder that many of us have experienced period poverty which WUKA aims to eradicate.

WUKA’s Repurpose Collection Helps Prevent Waste 

When it comes to waste, there is no doubt that period products are a massive culprit. During Black Friday especially, fast fashion brands are capitalizing on disposable period products made from unsustainable materials, which are often used once. Instead of spending money on brands whose period products are negatively impacting the environment, choose WUKA for period care that is better for you and the planet. Naturally Black Friday is the biggest event in the retail industry, but we can still shop consciously throughout. I choose WUKA because I can make a purposeful impact with my purchase, and make sustainable and ethical choices.

When we put the planet first, we say no to fast fashion, and embrace sustainable, reusable, and affordable period products. With the average person spending £275 during Black Friday, we can offset some of those costs with an earth friendly gift to ourselves, or loved ones. Your periods will thank you. That’s why I am excited about WUKA’s new Repurpose collection, made from recycled second-hand fast fashion fabrics. They have transformed rolls of fabric that would have gone to waste into stunning, trendy period pants in three styles: French Cut Bikini, Brazilian Thong and High Waist. It is a little different to my other WUKA pants, but I personally love how unique they are, and feel good knowing that it saves fabric from going to waste. With 30% off their reusable period pants, and Repurpose collection, you can have a sustainable period from here on out.

For me, I pair my repurpose period knickers with a super soft, and cozy everyday bralette made from responsibly-sourced wood pulp from carefully managed beech tree forests. 3.5 times softer than cotton, it gives me second skin comfort, that goes oh so well with my period briefs. With ultimate support, they are just as snug as my pants are, and helps create a more sustainable, ethical world. Passionate about advocating against waste, I am so pleased that WUKA has created a collection that saves fabric from going to landfill. The French Cut Bikini is especially gorge, made from cotton gusset, and recyled nylon. Carbon reducing undies that tell a story, it has a gentle seamless feel, with mesh waistband detailing. Its high cut leg has coverage, protecting you from leaks and spills during medium flow days.

WUKA Uses Compostable Packaging

It might not be the first thing that comes to mind, but often the brands we buy from use unsustainable packaging. But why is this bad? Well, because materials such as plastic, paper, tin and glass take hundreds, sometimes thousands of years to decompose. When we eliminate the use of toxic materials in the production of packaging, we reduce our impact on energy consumption and natural resources.That’s why WUKA uses compostable packaging, that is also recycleable, and biodegradable.

This means it can be broken down naturally (by microorganisms like bacteria). Because it’s compostable,  it won’t produce toxic residue as it breaks down! An FSC Certification means products made from wood and paper are dedicated to promoting responsible forestry. FSC certifies forests all over the world to ensure they meet the highest environmental and social standards.This certification is considered the “gold standard” designation for wood harvested from forests that are responsibly managed, socially beneficial, environmentally conscious, and economically viable. What’s more by buying from WUKA, you get sustainable period wear, and packaging that offsets how much carbon dioxide is in the atmosphere.

To date, WUKA customers like me have prevented an estimated 3500 tonnes of  CO2, the same as planting 60000 trees, which is INCREDIBLE. If 15 million women and individuals who menstruate in the UK switched to WUKA Period Pants, we would save 4.2 million tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent. Or more than 2.5 million return economy class flights from London to New York. Its crazy to think that the period wear you use can have such a positive or negative impact on the environment. Therefore its time that we educated ourselves on the amazing benefits of WUKA underwear, and how it contributes to a kinder planet.

WUKA Is Vegan And Cruelty-Free 

As someone who is proudly vegetarian, and cruelty-free, I only buy from brands who do not test on animals, and use cruelty-free ingredients. That’s why I use WUKA, one of the few period underwear brands around that are actually registered by The Vegan Society and approved by PETA. After all, when it comes to protecting the environment, animals come into that equation, so I am here to protect them as much as I can. No animal, big or small, is harmed in the entire WUKA lifecycle, which makes my heart happy.

In fact, by choosing WUKA Period Pants instead of flushing tampons, we’re also protecting water-based animals which can be harmed by plastic pollution on our ocean and rivers. Animals such as sea turtles, crabs and toothed whales, are the species most effected by plastic pollution, and often wash up on shore, or get heavily injured as a result. Knowing that my period pants protects animals, as opposed to animals is what I strive for, and I love that animals, and the environment come first. Many period pants also use chemicals such as PFAS, which is terrible for our planet. They do not break down, and accumulate over time in humans, animals and our environment. They have been found in the Arctic and in open ocean waters.

Whether you buy everyday period pants, heavy duty pants, or even stunning WUKA lingerie, you can feel proud knowing that animals are at the forefront of every design. The lingerie, is primarily designed to recconect with yourself, embrace sexuality, and redefine your version of sexiness, but to me it also represents hope. Hope for the animals, hope for humans, and hope for the future. With fabrics such as wool, silk, suede, and leather used frequently in the lingerie industry, WUKA’s vegan lingerie collection offsets this notion that you need to wear animals to look and feel good. To me, that’s the opposite of how I would feel if I was wearing animal materials.

Have You Ever Tried WUKA Period Pants?

*Disclaimer

Please note this is a collaborative post but all thoughts are my own and are not affected by monetary compensation. I am passionate about removing the taboo around periods, sharing my personal period journey, and advocating my love of period pants. No joke, they have changed my life. Period.

See what I did there?