Women have a lot to be responsible for, especially when it comes to our bodies, and extra-especially when it comes to our bodies during that time of the month. It might seem like the last place we need to go organic, but give the topic of organic tampons a second thought and, just like we did, we’re pretty sure you’ll soon see the light.
We’re genuinely thrilled about the new premium delivery service called Cora, who has designed a whole experience around that tampon-oriented time of month – and we can’t believe hasn’t landed in our laps sooner. Cora’s well-designed, organic tampons arrive through a subscription delivery service that keep us from wasting time on that dreaded drugstore trip (why did razors even beat this product to the punch?). The leather accessories and chic packaging take the whole experience to the next level and there is even a giving back component to the company’s structure. Why didn’t we think of this first?
Cora’s founder, Molly Hayward, is giving us the lay of the land below, as well as celebrating the brand’s entrance into over 200 Target stores today – a major moment for any company. Best part of all? We’re giving away three full year custom subscriptions to Cora below. Read and be amazed, then enter to win…
Dangers of conventional cotton
The typical tampon is made with viscose rayon, a highly absorbent synthetic material created through a chemical-heavy process and then bleached to achieve a bright white cotton-y appearance.
Conventional (non-organic) cotton is considered to be the dirtiest crop in the world due to its heavy use of pesticides. The cotton is also increasingly genetically modified.
Conventional tampon manufacturers have also increased the absorbent density of tampons. Higher absorbency materials (like rayon) increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS) by creating an environment that feeds the bacteria that cause TSS.
Synthetic fibers that get left behind when you remove a conventional tampon can cause irritation that leads to endometriosis and chronic inflammation, which can lead to infertility.
Since tampons are classified as a class 2 medical device, the FDA does not require tampon manufacturers to conduct studies or disclose the ingredients in their products. In other words, you have no idea what’s being put directly inside your body. The FDA does not do any testing themselves, they just rely on manufacturers to report to them.
The Issue of Eco-Waste
The average woman throws away up to 300 pounds of tampons, pads and liners in her lifetime. Those made with synthetics or chemicals will end up in landfills – and they never biodegrade.
Cora tampons are completely biodegradable and compostable, and their packaging is made from more than 60-percent post-consumer recycled content and is recyclable. Because Cora tampons are 100% organic cotton, they’ve also been made without introducing more pesticides into the environment.
Why Things Need To Change
Millions of girls around the world lack access to adequate menstrual products. For every month’s supply sold, Cora gives a month’s supply of sustainable pads to a girl in a developing country.
Cora does this by partnering with an organization in India that supports adolescent girls’ education and produces an innovative plant-based, biodegradable brand of high-quality sanitary pads. Produced in small women-owned and -operated mini factories, the organizations create jobs for women – and a sustainable, affordable, local source of biodegradable pads for the women of the community.
Cora believes that every woman on the planet should have access to safe and effective ways to manage her periods. In rural India, one in four adolescent girls, ages 12 to 18 years old, drops out of school after she begins menstruating because of inadequate access to proper feminine-care products. Those who stay in school are often absent about five days each month. When girls are given access to proper products, the dropout rate goes down by 90 percent.
Cora recently profiled a girl in India named Ankita who has benefited from the pads Cora gives. She talks about feeling confident, going to school, seeing her friends and having the opportunity now to get a job after she graduates.
