Periods are a natural and unavoidable part of life for many people. However, traditional menstrual products like pads and tampons can be wasteful, expensive, and harmful to the environment. In recent years, there has been a growing demand for sustainable and ethical alternatives to these products. Thinx, a company that makes period underwear, is one such solution.

Thinx is committed to providing people with sustainable and ethical options for menstrual products. Here's how they're doing it:

Sustainable Manufacturing

One of the ways Thinx is promoting sustainability is through their manufacturing processes. They partner with MAS, a global leader in ethical manufacturing based in Sri Lanka, which promotes environmental sustainability and has high goals for zero-waste production. Their facility also focuses on upcycling any fabric waste into new products. MAS is committed to working on reducing water usage and factory emissions and has safe chemical management practices to reduce human and environmental impact.

Thinx is also intentional about the fibers they use in their products. Their signature Modal Cotton blend is made using materials that positively impact the environment. They are continually researching sustainable materials that meet their comfort, absorbency, and wearability criteria.

Ethical Working Conditions

Thinx is committed to ethical working conditions for the people who make their products. Their manufacturing partner, MAS, prioritizes diversity, inclusion, well-being, fair pay, and performance-based recognition. They have programs like Women Go Beyond, which creates opportunities for women. Thinx ensures that every pair is made with mindfulness and dignity.

GiveRise: Thinx's Mission and Giveback Program

Thinx's mission is to create a healthier world through sustainable solutions to menstruation and incontinence. To achieve this goal, they have a giveback program called GiveRise. For every pair of underwear purchased, they donate a pair to one of their trusted giveback partners who help fight period poverty and promote access to reproductive health. 

Thinx is fighting for better access to sustainable period solutions, amplifying grassroots activism, and donating their products and time.

Thinx is proud to have supported more than 14 grassroots organizations, including Alliance for Period Supplies, Black Mamas Matter Alliance, The Center for Reproductive Rights, The National Latina Institute for Reproductive Justice, and The Trevor Project, to expand access to menstrual health products and community services like reproductive healthcare and mentoring. So far, they have donated over 50,000 pairs of period underwear in 2022 alone (that's over $1M worth of product!).

Thinx's commitment to ethical and sustainable manufacturing practices, combined with their GiveRise program, makes them a leader in the movement for sustainable menstrual products. Their products not only provide comfort and confidence to people during their periods but also support initiatives that impact folks around the world.

Final Thoughts

Thinx is a company that is dedicated to providing sustainable and ethical period underwear. From their eco-friendly manufacturing partner and intentional fiber choices to their GiveRise program, Thinx is committed to positively impacting the environment and people's lives. With their focus on innovation, sustainability, and social impact, Thinx is changing how people think about and experience menstruation.

Related Topic:

Period Positivity: Addressing the Environmental and Health Impacts of Menstrual Care

Menstrual care is a critical aspect of women's health and well-being. However, the production, use, and disposal of traditional menstrual care products have significant environmental and health impacts. In this blog post, we'll explore the importance of addressing these impacts and discuss sustainable practices for menstrual care.

Environmental Impact of Menstrual Care

Traditional menstrual care products like tampons and pads are typically made from a combination of plastics, synthetic fibers, and other materials that take a long time to decompose. When these products are disposed of in landfills, they can take hundreds of years to break down, contributing to the growing problem of plastic waste. Moreover, the manufacturing process for these products can lead to air and water pollution and the depletion of natural resources.

Furthermore, improper disposal of menstrual products can harm the environment. When tampons and pads are flushed down the toilet, they can clog sewage pipes and cause backups, leading to potential exposure to harmful bacteria and waterborne diseases.

The good news is that there are eco-friendly and sustainable menstrual care options available. Reusable cloth pads and menstrual cups are excellent alternatives to traditional disposable products. These products are designed to last for several years and can significantly reduce waste.

Health Impact of Menstrual Care

Conventional tampons and pads may contain potentially harmful chemicals such as dioxins, synthetic fragrances, and chlorine bleach. These chemicals can cause adverse health effects, irritate sensitive skin, and increase the risk of infections and allergies. Additionally, when tampons are left in for too long, they can increase the risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS), a rare but potentially life-threatening condition caused by a bacterial infection.

Choosing eco-friendly menstrual care options like organic cotton pads and reusable cloth pads can help reduce the risk of exposure to harmful chemicals and minimize the risk of TSS. It is also important to follow the instructions for use provided by the manufacturer and change menstrual products regularly.

Sustainable Practices for Menstrual Care

There are several sustainable practices for menstrual care that individuals can adopt to reduce the environmental and health impacts of traditional menstrual care products. These practices include:

• Using reusable products like menstrual cups, organic cotton pads, and cloth pads
• Choosing eco-friendly disposable options made from biodegradable materials
• Properly disposing of menstrual products in designated waste bins or regular garbage
• Composting menstrual products made from biodegradable materials
• Donating unused menstrual products to local organizations that support individuals in need.

Final Thoughts

Menstrual care is an essential aspect of women's health and well-being, but the environmental and health impacts of traditional menstrual care products are significant. By adopting sustainable practices like using reusable products and eco-friendly options, properly disposing of menstrual products, and donating unused products to those in need, we can help reduce the environmental and health impacts of menstrual care. Together, we can promote a more sustainable and healthy future for all.