Having a Better Period with WUKA*

Does anyone else just dread when their period rolls around? I do, it’s just such an inconvenience and it feels so unfair that men don’t need to deal with all the up front thinking you have to do around it. Do I have enough sanitary products? Have I got some pain killers? Do I have anything on that my period is going to mess with because of cramps or what I want to wear? My first day I need to know I have plenty of time to relax and I need to work around that. But as very few of us are able to predict exactly what day will be our worst day each month! Because of all the inconveniences Aunt Flo brings, I am always looking for ways to have a better period! And WUKA are going to help me do just that.

Who Are WUKA?

WUKA stands for Wake Up Kick Ass, which we all know is what we as woman do every day, believe periods should not cost the Earth. Their mission is to ensure sustainable periods are accessible to all. They are a female led (because we know best when it comes to period) start up that created the UK’s first reusable and leak proof period wear. Not only are their products sustainable, but they are a body positive brand that I can get behind. Founded by Ruby, an environmental scientist from Nepal, experienced a lot of shame when she started her period (way worse than we experience here in the UK) so part of WUKA’s ethos is to stop the stigma around period talk and break down body taboos.

Why Is Period Sustainability Important?

Over the last decade we have seen a shift to try and live a more sustainable life. This is due global warming rising at an alarming rate. People are looking at ways to be more sustainable when it comes to things like fashion, the way they eat and in their home. But as women, there is another way to reduce your carbon footprint and that is through your use of sanitary products. While you might be aware that a lot of tampon applicators are clearly plastic, did you know that pads are of up to 90% plastic? This accounts for over 200,000 sent the landfill each year! Due to the lifespan of reusable menstruation products, you can save over 200 single use items from polluting the ocean or being sent to a landfill each year! That alone is worth the switch.

What Options are Available for a Eco Friendly Period with WUKA?

WUKA really have you covered when it comes to their period pants and their brand new pads.

I’m personally a pad wearer these days unless it calls for a tampon (I have to admit I’m often too distracted to remember I have one in) so I was so excited to give the WUKA pads a try. They’re made from organic cotton and are actually off-cuts from their period underwear! They’re soft and comfortable to wear and have a lining of COOLMAX® technology to keep them leak-proof with ultra absorbency. I was a bit apprehensive at first but they really worked! They have a press stud so you don’t need to worry about them rolling up when you’re on the move. The pads are best for medium flows. You can wear them for up to 8 hours before they need changed. They can be washed on a normal cycle and then air dried so they don’t even give you any extra washing.

WUKA have a fantastic range of period underwear that you’ll feel good about wearing. They cover all flows from light to extra heavy and come in a huge range of styles including some incredibly cute lacy editions. They’re integrated with absorbent and leak proof layers layers and I love the high gusset in the back and front offers extra protection. And did you know they even do swimwear?

Did I Have a Better Period?

YES! This is my first foray into sustainable period products and I’m a convert. I especially loved the fact they’re chemical free. WUKA products are also perfume free while still remaining odour free (admit it, we all worry about this when we’re on). The pants are stretchy while still looking cute and the pads were so soft while they stayed in place. I feel good knowing they can last for over two years and will save so much money on menstrual care. But best of all, I’m doing my bit to reduce my carbon footprint and I’m not adding to the landfills each month.

WUKA believe periods are not a luxury and everyone should be able to afford a sustainable period. I believe they are doing just that! I love reading about their mission, it covers so many important points. I’m a parent of a girl so reading their views on education here in the UK and the fact they donate their pants to schools across the country. I know when the time comes, I’ll be introducing my daughter to WUKA so she can always benefit from a better period.