Welcome to the future of period care at the intersection of comfort, sustainability, and social responsibility. In a world driven by innovation, Ruby Life proudly presents the Flow Freedom collection – a revolution in menstrual care that reflects our dedication to a cleaner, greener planet. With a strong legacy of fighting period poverty worldwide since 2011, we're proud to present our new plastic-free period underwear. 

In this comprehensive guide, we delve into the rich history and evolution of materials, benefits, and environmental impact of period underwear. Our mission is not only to equip you with knowledge but also to address the pressing global issue of period poverty.

A Glimpse into the Past: The Evolution of Period Underwear

The concept of period underwear has evolved significantly over the years and highlights the evolution of human ingenuity and societal norms surrounding menstruation. From ancient civilisations to modern times, how people have managed their menstrual cycles has undergone remarkable transformations.

Ancient Innovations: The earliest recorded evidence of menstrual management dates back to ancient civilisations. In ancient Egypt, women are believed to have used softened papyrus as an absorbent material. In other regions, women used various plant-based materials, such as moss, leaves, and even animal skins, to manage their periods.

Medieval and Renaissance Era: As societies progressed, so did menstrual management methods. Medieval European women often relied on homemade cloth pads, which they would wash and reuse. By the Renaissance, the first disposable pads made from layers of absorbent materials and fabric were introduced.

19th Century Innovations: The 19th century marked significant advancements in menstrual product development. The introduction of vulcanised rubber led to the creation of the first rubber menstrual cups. However, these early cups were often uncomfortable and lacked the convenience of modern designs.

20th Century Revolution: In the early 1920s, commercial disposable pads were introduced, making menstruation more convenient for women. Soon after, the invention of the tampon followed, offering an alternative to external products.

Modern Sustainability and Accessibility: Today, the menstrual product landscape is undergoing a significant transformation. With a growing emphasis on sustainability, there's an increased demand for reusable products like menstrual cups and period underwear. Offering comfort, convenience, and reduced waste compared to their disposable counterparts, these products also address period poverty, making it easier for people of all socioeconomic backgrounds to have access.

Menstrual Product Materials: Crafted for Comfort

The materials used to make menstrual products have evolved, with each type of product using distinct materials to provide comfort, absorbency, and functionality. Let's explore the materials commonly used in tampons, sanitary pads, menstrual cups, and period pants and determine which product is best for the environment.

Menstrual Cups:
Menstrual cups are usually made from medical-grade silicone or latex. These materials are hypoallergenic, flexible, and safe for internal use. Both materials are more sustainable choices due to their longer lifespan. Ruby Cups are made from 100% medical-grade silicone. Free of latex, bleach and unwelcome byproducts. Compliant with ISO 10993 biocompatibility standard.

Period Pants:
Period pants are crafted using materials prioritising absorbency, comfort, and leak resistance. Ruby Life Period Underwear is crafted with a unique fabric blend for maximum comfort and performance. The inner layers consist of 80% Polyester and 20% Nylon, while the middle layer is 100% Polyester for enhanced absorbency. The breathable TPU outer layer, made from 78% Nylon and 22% Spandex, ensures a secure and soft fit so you can focus on what truly matters.

The Environmental Impact of Period Products:

Regarding the environmental impact of menstrual products, reusable options tend to be more sustainable due to their reduced waste generation and longer lifespan. Let's consider the statistics:

• Tampons and Pads: A single person may use around 11,000 disposable tampons or pads in their lifetime. These products contribute significantly to landfill waste and plastic pollution. On average, a pad contains the equivalent of about four plastic bags. In the United States alone, around 20 billion pads and tampons are discarded annually, accumulating vast amounts of waste.
  
  
• Menstrual Cups: Menstrual cups are highly sustainable. A single cup can last several years with proper care, eliminating the need for thousands of disposable products. Over its lifetime, one menstrual cup is estimated to replace around 2,500 tampons.
  
  
• Period Pants: Period pants also offer a sustainable solution. Depending on the brand and usage, a pair of period pants can replace hundreds of disposable pads or tampons. Their reusable nature reduces waste and overall environmental impact.

Why Choose Period Underwear?

The decision to embrace period underwear is a choice for your well-being, the environment, and social impact:

1. Unparalleled Comfort: Ruby Life's period underwear is designed to fit your body perfectly, offering a secure and comfortable experience.
   
   
2. Sustainable Choice: You reduce waste by choosing reusable period underwear and contribute to a healthier planet.
   
   
3. Cost-Effective: While the initial investment might be higher, the long-term savings are substantial. Reusable products eliminate the recurring costs of disposable items.
   
   
4. Reliable Protection: Our period underwear provides consistent protection, whether you’re exploring your first period or someone with a heavy flow.
   
   
5. Empowerment: Using period underwear is an act of self-care and body positivity, helping to break the stigma around menstruation.

Addressing Menstrual Poverty: A Global Concern

Menstrual poverty is a pressing issue affecting millions worldwide. Lack of access to menstrual products and education perpetuates inequality. According to UNESCO, 1 in 10 girls in Sub-Saharan Africa misses school due to menstruation. The situation is equally concerning in South Asia, where UNESCO reports that nearly 23 million girls drop out of school annually due to a lack of facilities and information.

Championing Environmental Wellness: Period Underwear vs. Traditional Products

Ruby Life's Flow Freedom collection offers multiple environmental benefits compared to traditional products like tampons and sanitary towels:

1. Reduced Waste: Disposable menstrual products contribute to significant waste accumulation. A single person uses around 11,000 tampons or pads in their lifetime. In contrast, reusable period underwear significantly reduces waste generation.
   
   
2. Lower Carbon Footprint: Traditional products require extensive resources and energy for production and disposal. Reusable options, like period underwear, have a lower carbon footprint over their lifespan.
   
   
3. M Plastic Pollution: The plastic content in tampons and pads adds to plastic pollution. Period underwear significantly reduces plastic waste, contributing to cleaner oceans and landscapes.
   
   
4. Cost-Effective and Eco-Conscious: Menstrual cups and period underwear, like Ruby Life's collection, are sustainable alternatives that result in long-term savings. These options minimise monthly expenditure on single-use products.

Experience Flow Freedom with Ruby Life

Ruby Life's Flow Freedom collection - a celebration of comfort, sustainability, and social impact. With Standard 100 by OEKO-TEX Certification, our period underwear prioritises your health and well-being. With a capacity equivalent to 3 tampons, you can trust Ruby Life's period underwear for dependable protection.

Giving Back:

Ruby Life's commitment to education continues with every sale of period underwear. 2% of revenue goes to supporting the Learning Centre nursery in Kisumu, Kenya, managed by our partners, the Golden Girls Foundation, fostering a love for learning among young minds.

Experience comfort, sustainability, and social responsibility with Ruby Life's Flow Freedom collection. Embrace the freedom to move, the joy of contributing to a greener future, and the power to make a difference. Order now and experience the evolution of period care.

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Using Period Underwear: Your Questions Answered

1. Can You Wear Period Underwear All Day?

Yes, you can confidently wear period underwear all day. The technology used in our collection provides leak protection and comfort throughout the day.

2. Do You Just Wash Period Underwear?

Yes, washing period underwear is simple. After use, rinse with cold water and then launder with your regular laundry. Avoid fabric softeners to maintain absorbency.

3. Do Gynecologists Recommend Period Underwear?

Many gynaecologists endorse period underwear for its comfort, breathability, and environmental benefits.

4. Do Period Pants Work?

Absolutely. Ruby Life's period underwear employs advanced technology to prevent leaks, making it a reliable choice for your menstrual needs.

5. Is It OK to Wear Period Pants All Day?

Yes, it's entirely safe to wear period underwear all day. The breathable fabrics and design ensure your comfort and well-being.

6. What Are the Disadvantages of Period Pants?

While the advantages of period underwear are substantial, some users might find the initial cost higher than disposable products. However, this cost is quickly offset by long-term savings.

7. Do Period Pants Feel Wet?

No, they don't. Ruby Life's period underwear wicks moisture away from your body, keeping you dry and comfortable.

Sources:

• UNESCO. "Puberty Education & Menstrual Hygiene Management."
• BBC News. "Period poverty: MPs call for free sanitary products to end stigma."
• National Geographic. "Periods, poverty, and plastic waste: Menstrual equity in America."
• The Guardian. "What a waste: menstrual products generate staggering amounts of plastic waste."