Washable Liners Can End Period Poverty

In a recent study, it was reported that 65% of women under 30 felt the hardships associated with buying disposable feminine products. A woman could spend on average between $15.00 and $29.00 per month buying pads and tampons. For those on a limited income or living off student loans, that amount can be overwhelming. With “period poverty” and “period panic” becoming buzz words in the media, it is without doubt that many young women will soon attach themselves to this problem.

But why?

I agree that buying feminine products every month is a hassle and expensive, but do we really need to label young women with a problem when a solution is right in front of us? I’m a bit up in arms that society has placed yet another negative label on the plight of being a lady, when we don’t have to. Yes, having your period is not the fun-est part of your month, but feeling impoverished on top of it, seems just making it worse. I think a man must have come up with that phrase, because women already feel yucky during menstruation, I am not sure they want to add the feelings of being poor and destitute.

But hey, I could be way off the mark and missing the fact that women feel a true sense of panic each month to afford chemical filled pads and bleached soaked tampons. If that is truly the case, the solution is clear; use washables. For the past five years I have been wearing washable liners and I have never felt better, been healthier, done more for the planet, and SAVED MONEY. Not buying feminine products for 60 months, means I have kept twelve hundred dollars in my purse! Yes, that’s the price of a plane ticket abroad, a used car or rent for a month. It is staggering to think that we spend that much money on something we throw away.

I suppose, I forgot the feeling of digging in my purse for a few extra coins to buy them. I’ve glossed over wearing a disposable to the point of leakage, because I only had three left in the pack, and I still had two days to go. I’ve forgotten that mental game I used to play, convincing myself I could keep a tampon in just a little bit longer, pushing it to its limit because I had no more. Yes, I’ll admit I had all those feelings when I was younger, only I’m liberated now because I found a solution.

Using washable liners has been one of the most miraculous transition I have made in my health. It may sound ridiculous, but it is true, and Indirectly that switch has greatly increased the funds in my wallet. What a win/win. I feel better, not wasting money on throwing toxic products into the landfills. I like not shelling out cash every month. I made one single investment in a set of washables and have ended any feelings of “period poverty” what so ever.

Instead I feel empowered every month. I know if my period arrives, I have exactly what I need in my drawer; ready to be used. If I have a heavy month, I’ve got more than enough to get me through by doing one extra load of laundry. If “it” shows up early, no need to run to the convenience store and pay exorbitant prices. I always have my washables, month after month with no added costs.

It is a no brainer if you ask me.

Young girls in college with limited funds could end any stress by owning washables. Those facing financial challenges could use their cash on something else. Women of all walks of life could enjoy the freedom of more money in their pockets, by simply using a washable more often. Imagine the savings you could experience by supplementing your period with washables by even 50%. Use them on weekends at home, nights on the couch, or especially when sleeping. Wearing a washable liner for just part of your cycle will keep coins in your pocket. I believe we can obliterate the phase “period poverty and instead feel “period positive” by using washable liners. 

Canadian Entrepreneur, JB Owen believes her product- Lotus Liners, a washable feminine product, will empower women and end “period- poverty” completely. She plans to travel across Canada donating ten thousand liners to women in need and girls in schools with her Celebrate Me campaign.