Latest news with #reusable
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Why more women are switching to reusable menstrual products
Climate Choices Menstrual Products It was six months ago that Selin Celikoyar bought her last tampon and switched to a reusable menstrual disc. "I had already been wary of tampons from an environmental perspective and also from a biological perspective. I felt that they were very wasteful and expensive to consistently keep buying," she said. The flexible discs and other reusable menstrual products are gaining traction as alternatives to the billions of single-use pads and tampons that get tossed into landfills every year. Products such as the discs, silicone cups and period underwear can be reused for years, so they're cost-effective and long-lasting in addition to helping people reduce waste. The popularity of the reusable alternatives has grown since the pandemic, when it was easier to experiment with period products in the privacy of a home bathroom, according to women's health experts. Celikoyar said she used tampons and pads for years because those are the options she grew up knowing about. But when she saw her friend make the switch to a menstrual disc, she decided to try it too. 'The experience has been such a game changer,' she said. Single-use products wind up in landfills About 12 billion disposable pads and 7 billion tampons go into U.S. landfills every year, according to Dr. Luwam Semere, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara. Pads are mostly plastic. Once they're in the landfill, they take up to 800 years to degrade, according to the National Institutes of Health. Single-use pads and tampons are by far the most popular period products. Women's health expert Dr. Navya Mysore said that's not because they're better, they're just usually the first options kids are shown. 'It was often like, 'What did your mom use? What did your grandma use?' And that's how you were introduced into period hygiene,' said Mysore, a primary care physician based in New York City. Advantages and drawbacks to switching The most popular is the menstrual cup, which gets inserted much like a tampon. The discs get inserted farther in, so they don't interrupt intercourse. Both can hold several times more than a tampon and can stay inserted for up to 12 hours, instead of the four to eight hours recommended for tampons. Semere also said the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome commonly associated with tampons is much lower with menstrual cups and discs. The cons? The products require some technique to put them in right, and doing it wrong can get messy. The cups and discs also have to be cleaned regularly with soap and water. 'It's hard to do that if you're at work and you're in a shared, public restroom. It's not the most convenient,' said Mysore. Cups prevent leakage by creating a suction, so people who use intrauterine devices for contraception risk dislodging them if they pull out a menstrual cup without breaking the seal. The placement of discs, which don't use suction, can also take some getting used to. 'It's high up there, you don't feel it, but it can be sometimes harder for women to pull them out,' said Dr. Annemieke van Eijk, an epidemiologist with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. But for Celikoyar, the advantages of the discs outweighed the drawbacks. She said that longer changing window has gotten her through a back-to-back concert and red-eye flight without any concern. 'There's an ease of use there for the modern woman that is significantly better than traditional methods,' she said. Comparing costs Menstrual cups and discs typically cost between $15 and $40 and come in different shapes and sizes. They're available online and at pharmacies and big box stores. 'Ideally, you would like to experiment a bit with what type of cup works best for you. And the cost can be kind of prohibitive to do that,' van Eijk said. A reusable product can help save money over the long term. Celikoyar estimates that she was using three tampons every day for seven days, or about 20 per month. With tampons costing 20 to 25 cents each, someone who switched to a reusable product would likely break even after a few months. For people who prefer pads, the most common reusable option is period underwear, which is comparable to regular-looking underwear with an extra absorbent lining. 'Those are nice because we do see people getting irritation from pad use," said Semere. "Because of the different materials that are in the disposable pads.' The downside, just like with pads, is the inability to tell when it's absorbed all that it can. Mysore said that's why some of her patients use the underwear as a backup, and pair them cups, discs or tampons. 'You can sort of mix and match different period products, depending on how heavy your flow is and what your period is like for you,' she said. ___ The Associated Press' climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP's standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at
The Independent
6 days ago
- Health
- The Independent
Women reveal why they've made the switch to reusable period products
Reusable menstrual products are gaining traction as alternatives to the billions of single-use pads and tampons that get tossed into landfills every year. Products such as reusable discs, silicone cups and period underwear can be reused for years, so they're cost-effective and long-lasting in addition to helping people reduce waste. The popularity of the reusable alternatives has grown since the pandemic, when it was easier to experiment with period products in the privacy of a home bathroom, according to women's health experts. Selin Celikoyar, who bought her last tampon and switched to a reusable menstrual disc six months ago, said she 'had already been wary of tampons from an environmental perspective and also from a biological perspective. I felt that they were very wasteful and expensive to consistently keep buying'. Celikoyar said she used tampons and pads for years because those are the options she grew up knowing about. But when she saw her friend make the switch to a menstrual disc, she decided to try it too. 'The experience has been such a game changer,' she said. Single-use products wind up in landfills About 12 billion disposable pads and 7 billion tampons go into U.S. landfills every year, according to Dr. Luwam Semere, chief of obstetrics and gynecology at Kaiser Permanente Santa Clara. Pads are mostly plastic. Once they're in the landfill, they take up to 800 years to degrade, according to the National Institutes of Health. Single-use pads and tampons are by far the most popular period products. Women's health expert Dr. Navya Mysore said that's not because they're better, they're just usually the first options kids are shown. 'It was often like, 'What did your mom use? What did your grandma use?' And that's how you were introduced into period hygiene,' said Mysore, a primary care physician. Advantages and drawbacks to switching The most popular is the menstrual cup, which gets inserted much like a tampon. The discs get inserted farther in, so they don't interrupt intercourse. Both can hold several times more than a tampon and can stay inserted for up to 12 hours, instead of the four to eight hours recommended for tampons. Semere also said the risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome, commonly associated with tampons, is much lower with menstrual cups and discs. The cons? The products require some technique to put them in right, and doing it wrong can get messy. The cups and discs also have to be cleaned regularly with soap and water. 'It's hard to do that if you're at work and you're in a shared, public restroom. It's not the most convenient,' said Mysore. Cups prevent leakage by creating a suction, so people who use intrauterine devices for contraception risk dislodging them if they pull out a menstrual cup without breaking the seal. The placement of discs, which don't use suction, can also take some getting used to. 'It's high up there, you don't feel it, but it can be sometimes harder for women to pull them out,' said Dr. Annemieke van Eijk, an epidemiologist with the Liverpool School of Tropical Medicine. But for Celikoyar, the advantages of the discs outweighed the drawbacks. She said that a longer changing window has gotten her through a back-to-back concert and red-eye flight without any concern. 'There's an ease of use there for the modern woman that is significantly better than traditional methods,' she said. Comparing costs Menstrual cups and discs typically cost between U$15 and $40 and come in different shapes and sizes. They're available online and at pharmacies and big box stores. 'Ideally, you would like to experiment a bit with what type of cup works best for you. And the cost can be kind of prohibitive to do that,' van Eijk said. A reusable product can help save money over the long term. Celikoyar estimates that she was using three tampons every day for seven days, or about 20 per month. With tampons costing 20 to 25 cents each, someone who switched to a reusable product would likely break even after a few months. For people who prefer pads, the most common reusable option is period underwear, which is comparable to regular-looking underwear with an extra absorbent lining. 'Those are nice because we do see people getting irritated from pad use," said Semere. "Because of the different materials that are in the disposable pads.' The downside, just like with pads, is the inability to tell when it's absorbed all that it can. Mysore said that's why some of her patients use the underwear as a backup, and pair them with cups, discs or tampons. 'You can sort of mix and match different period products, depending on how heavy your flow is and what your period is like for you,' she said.
Yahoo
04-08-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
12 wasteful things to stop buying — and what to get instead
With apologies to Kermit the Frog, it's not exactly easy being green — but it is getting easier. Wasteful but oh-so-convenient household staples like paper towels, plastic baggies and dryer sheets may seem tricky to forgo, but the reality is that you've got more options than ever. That's because the market for sustainable products continues to expand, and they're getting less expensive, according to New York University's Stern Center for Sustainable Business. Curious? You could switch out those paper towels for ultra-absorbent Swedish dishcloths, or your pricey coffee pods for a reusable filter that'll let you brew a less expensive cup of joe without the side of plastic. Check out those eco-friendly swaps and more. Paper towels Sure, some packages of paper towels trumpet the fact that they're made from recycled materials, but that's only half the story. The fibers in those towels are probably too short to make them a candidate for recycling once again — and that's only possible if those fibers are clean to begin with, not saturated in ketchup, cooking oil or cat puke. Less wasteful, and a lot cheaper? Reusable alternatives that can be tossed in the washing machine, not the trash. Single-use coffee pods It's hard to resists the convenience of a pod coffee maker (and we've put 'em all to the test — check out our picks for the best Keurig and best Nespresso machines). "The moment you start shopping for a single-serve coffee maker, you'll find that every brand touts sustainability," notes Yahoo Senior Home Editor Jessica Dodell-Feder. "The bottom line, though, is that using coffee pods creates waste." That said, both Keurig and Nespresso have made efforts to be more eco-friendly: You can recycle K-Cups and Nespresso pods. An even better option? Try a reusable filter that you fill with your own coffee grounds. It can save you a pretty penny in the long run too. Parchment paper and aluminum foil Who doesn't love these kitchen helpers for mess-free baking? The problem, of course, is that they're wadded up and pitched in the trash after every use. Foil is technically recyclable, but like paper towels, once it's contaminated by food waste — that is, crusted over with the cheese from your leftover pizza or coated in cooking oil — that's no longer the case. Parchment paper has a silicone coating that may earmark it for the landfill. Sticky lint rollers Ah, the agony of the pet parent: That sleek black outfit will no longer be sleek (or black!) if you brush up against any household surface. You might be armed with lint rollers that trap hairs with sticky disposable sheets, but be honest — it probably takes you half the roll to be presentable again, to say nothing of de-fuzzing your hair-covered couch. Plus, the sheets aren't easily recycled because sticker-like adhesive coatings can contaminate other recyclables and even damage equipment. Dryer sheets Like many of the items on this list, dryer sheets are one-and-done purchases that head to the trash heap after they leave your clothes scented and static-free. And for some allergy-prone shoppers, the fragrances and other ingredients in them are of equal concern. Plastic baggies I'm sure I'm not the only one who cringes when they think of all the single-use plastic baggies they tossed in school cafeteria trash cans as a kid. And while these baggies can be recycled through certain plastic-film specialty programs, that means investigating options beyond your curbside bin. An easier solution? Buying reusable bags made of heavy-duty plastic or silicone, many of which can even be cleaned in the dishwasher. Household cleaners If you're picking up standard bottles of household cleaner at your local big-box store or grocery, we have good news: The plastic used in those bottles is typically recyclable. Still, it takes energy to recycle them, and you could free up space in your recycling bin and potentially save a little cash by ditching those bottles entirely. How? Mix your own cleaner and stick to the same container long-term, a task made easier with buys like the ones below. Plastic wrap I've never been a fan of plastic wrap, despite its convenience (sorry, Ina Garten!). It's almost impossible to tear correctly, and half the time, it sticks to itself instead of whatever container you're trying to cover. And don't get me started on painful nicks I've sustained from those serrated box edges. Adding yet another layer to my disdain: It's tricky to recycle — it requires specialized equipment that your curbside program probably doesn't have. This is one common product I'm all too glad to replace (wink, nudge). Plastic water bottles This one's a bit of a no-brainer, but it bears repeating: There's very little reason to swig your water from single-use plastic bottles in this day and age. Despite their recyclable nature, 85% of them are trashed and they can take up to 1,000 years to degrade, according to a report by the United Nations. And why deprive yourself of the chance to get the latest trendy water bottle, like an editor-approved Stanley or Owala? Disposable mop pads and dusters It's hard to deny the appeal of a Swiffer. Once one of those pads is covered in dirt, crumbs, hair and dust, tossing it in the trash seems like an obvious next step (worth noting: Swiffer does participate in a free recycling program for its pads, though it'll take some effort on your part). But there are other lightweight mops and dusters that trade in the single-use refills for reusable microfiber — just toss 'em in the wash when you're done. Alkaline batteries Confession: I have an entire laundry room cabinet devoted to various sizes of alkaline batteries, plus a freezer bag full of spent batteries that I'll get around to recycling ... er, some day. While the EPA says standard alkalines can go in the trash, the agency recommends sending them to a battery recycler, as they can leach small amounts of material over time. Why not invest in some rechargeables instead? Traditional wrapping paper What's traditional wrapping paper, you ask? Probably what you've been using for years, assuming you're buying rolls of the stuff from your local big-box store. But it's not all easily recyclable. According to the American Forest and Paper Association, "if you can scrunch it up and it stays in a tight ball, it is paper-based and can be recycled. Other types made from foil or plastic wrap, or if it's covered in glitter, should be reused." So in general, the plainer the better — kraft paper is typically a good bet, but there are other eco-friendly options. If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.) The reviews quoted above reflect the most recent versions at the time of publication.
Washington Post
30-06-2025
- Business
- Washington Post
‘Please return me.' Reusable cups are replacing recycling at concerts.
COLUMBIA, Md. — Michael Martin likes to tell people he sells 'ugly cups.' The hope is no one will like them enough to want to keep them. Martin, who runs a reusable serveware company called tried offering nicer-looking cups as part of his quest to reduce the mountains of plastic bottles left behind at concerts and music festivals. For a small refundable deposit, attendees could get their beer and soft drinks in sturdy cups branded with band logos.
TechCrunch
25-06-2025
- Business
- TechCrunch
New space startup Lux Aeterna wants to make satellites reusable
Satellites can accomplish incredible tasks like provide internet, or help monitor wildfires. But many of them ultimately meet a fiery death burning up in the Earth's atmosphere. Others use their last bit of fuel to move to so-called 'graveyard' orbits, where they circle the planet in a perpetual deep freeze. A new startup called Lux Aeterna wants to change this. The Denver-based company, which is coming out of stealth today, has designed a reusable satellite called Delphi that it aims to launch — and land — in 2027. If successful, it could help slash the cost to get satellite payloads into space. It would also make the process far more flexible than it is today, since satellites are designed to stay in orbit for years and essentially can't be modified for other uses. These attributes have already piqued the interest of the Department of Defense, which has made low-Earth orbit an important part of the United States' military strategy. Venture capitalists have also taken notice — and written checks. The startup's pitch was attractive enough to generate $4 million in pre-seed funding, led by Space Capital and including other early-stage funds like Dynamo Ventures and Mission One Capital. Founder and CEO Brian Taylor said the idea for Lux Aeterna came to him last year while he watched his former employer, SpaceX, launch one of its Starship test vehicles into space. 'I want to fill Starship with something amazing, and something that changes the entire industry,' Taylor recalled thinking during an interview with TechCrunch. Techcrunch event Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Save $200+ on your TechCrunch All Stage pass Build smarter. Scale faster. Connect deeper. Join visionaries from Precursor Ventures, NEA, Index Ventures, Underscore VC, and beyond for a day packed with strategies, workshops, and meaningful connections. Boston, MA | REGISTER NOW Starship is the biggest rocket ever built. As part of that, it has the potential to send larger payloads into space than was previously possible. Size matters for people who build satellites and other spacecraft, since they're often working backwards from the simple constraint of what can fit inside a rocket's cargo area. And Starship is not alone — there are other heavy-lift rockets in the works, too, like Blue Origin's New Glenn. It's hard to design a satellite that can survive the brutal forces of re-entering the Earth's atmosphere at high speeds. But with the extra space afforded by heavy-lift rockets, Taylor said it's possible to build one that can survive multiple re-entries without having to compromise on the technology because of cost or weight tradeoffs. In the case of Lux Aeterna, that means using a heat shield. In the rendering the startup released Wednesday, the Delphi satellite's conical heat shield is reminiscent of the ones that protected some of NASA's most famous spacecraft. There's a reason for that, according to Taylor: Those designs worked. 'We definitely looked at what NASA had done in the past on exploratory missions [and] sample return missions, and that really helped justify the architecture that we've gone with,' he said. 'I think it's very important, when you're doing something ambitious like this, that you're not reinventing the wheel on everything, right?' Taylor declined to get into further specifics about how the Delphi satellite will work, or how Lux Aeterna will refurbish the craft between launches. (The design appears to involve the ability to fold the satellite bus structure so that it fits safely behind the heat shield.) To be sure, he has plenty of experience in the satellite world. In addition to working on Starlink at SpaceX, Taylor also worked on Amazon's Kuiper satellite program, and at space infrastructure startup Loft Orbital. The plan for Delphi is to launch on a SpaceX Falcon 9 rocket in 2027, perform a full orbital flight, and then come back down to Earth. Then Lux Aeterna wants to do that all over again to prove out Delphi's reusability. From there, Taylor said his team is working on a larger production vehicle that will demonstrate far greater reusability. Despite decades of spaceflight innovation, Taylor said he believes the industry is still very young, which leaves plenty of opportunity for a company like Lux Aeterna to establish a long-running business. 'It's not to the maturity level of [computer] chips. It's not at the maturity level of automotive,' he said. Satellite reusability will help change that. And while Taylor is committed to that cause, he said he's thrilled about all the things he can't imagine that will exist in a space-based economy. 'We don't know what we don't know is going to come,' he said. 'That's probably the most exciting part.'
