How to Have a Vegan Feminist Period
The complete guide.
You may have read similar articles like “How to Have a Completely Vegan Period” or “What is free bleeding? Why the movement matters.” I want to bridge the gap between these two articles and provide how Vegan-Feminism can be applied to your menstrual cycle and how you can ensure you are upholding Vegan-Feminism even on your most painful days.
If you haven’t already, I implore you to check out my opinion piece, “Endometriosis is Ruining My Life.” In that article, I discuss how a moral philosophy, like Vegan-Feminism, intersects with how women handle their pain and what they can do about it from a philosophical standpoint. However, in this article, we will discuss the ways in which you can ensure you are still making the conscious effort to make compassionate and sustainable choices, even when on your period.
Vegan-Feminism, when related to consumption, aims to make the most ethical choices possible for all involved. This takes the environment, animal welfare, and women and other minority rights into consideration.
Collection Methods
The typical period products are single-use, disposable, made by men, chemical-ridden, tested on animals, and made of plastic. Instead of spending around $18,000 on feminine hygiene throughout your life, try one of these sustainable alternatives to the conventional pad or tampon.
Period underwear is my go-to because it’s the most comfortable, most absorbent, and most cost-effective. The only downside is the bulkiness of the underwear. If you work in an office or attend school in person, this may not be the best option if you intend to wear tighter pants like jeans or office slacks. They look and feel best underneath sweatpants or pajama pants. I’d recommend having at least two pairs so you can wear one while the other is in the wash.
Menstrual Cup (Tampon Alternative)
Menstrual cups are great if you’re an active woman, especially a swimmer. More discrete than a tampon (no long string), these are perfect for women who aren’t able to wear period underwear/reusable pads. The sensation does take some getting used to, and the removal takes even more getting used to. The common downsides I’ve experienced have been the mess it makes when I take it out and the process of cleaning/sanitizing the cup. To properly sanitize, it is recommended to place the cup into a boiling pot of water. Much more time-consuming than just throwing it in the wash, but it gets the job done.
Reusable Pads (Pad Alternative)
I have yet to try reusable pads, but I assume they work the exact same as period underwear, just with a shorter wear time. I’m assuming they would be less bulky than period underwear. However, if you work in an office for 8 hours a day or attend school in person, you will most likely have to change your pad. This means you will have to stash your reusable, soiled pad in your bag/desk/locker until you get home. That sounds tricky. Based on their absorbency rate, you would most likely have to buy several pads just so you have enough for one day, especially if you have a heavy flow.
Snacks
While I’m dealing with PMS, I love chips, chocolate, and ice cream. During my period, I only want veggie-sushi, fruit, and iced water. When my husband runs out to get me my snacks, here’s what I tell him to pick up.
Chocolate
My favorite two chocolate brands are Dr. Bronner’s and VGAN. These brands are completely vegan, taste great, and give back to the community. Sustainability and ethical business practices seem to be just as important to them as they are to me.
Chips
Jackson’s makes amazing, flavorful vegan, and gluten-free sweet potato chips that I literally can not put down. Plus, they’re family-owned! Hippeas is also vegan and gluten-free and has a great sustainability initiative.
Ice Cream
Although not entirely vegan, Ben & Jerry’s non-dairy ice cream line has nearly 40 vegan flavors, including three different base types (oat milk, almond milk, and sunflower butter)! The company is very passionate about activism and supports many social movements and sustainability efforts through its business. Hopefully, one day, they will recognize how vital animal liberation is to bettering humanity and society and will make the switch to become a completely vegan company!
Sushi
Ordering vegan sushi is pretty easy, but you can follow this guide if you want to double-check. Support a small, local sushi place to give back to your community and leave a nice tip. Make sure to avoid tempura (yes, even vegetable tempura) and fish/oyster sauce.
Pain Relief
Cramps are probably the worst part of our periods. Managing pain is important to ensure we are able to keep up with our responsibilities during our inner-winter. Here are some products I recommend.
CBD
CBD products like creams and oils can dramatically ease pain. As there are no pain medications that aren’t tested on animals, CBD is the way to go for animal-exploitation-free pain relief.
Heat Pads
Flax seed heat pads are my favorite, as they are a more sustainable option than their electronically heated cousins. Not only do I find that electric heating pads don’t get as hot as I need them to be, but also that the wire and overall texture aren’t as comfortable as a microwaveable, organic heat pad.
Weighted Blanket
Weighted blankets are great if you experience shooting pains in your legs. My endometriosis makes my legs spasm sometimes, and the extra pressure from these blankets helps calm them down.
Overall, find what feels good (and does good). I’m sending you comforting and cozy thoughts during your next (or current) period. I love you!
*None of the products or companies listed have any affiliation with XOXO Vegan Girl.
