AD| I’ve lately been on a mission to reduce my plastic consumption by using alternatives or reusable products. Trade To Aid reusable sanitary pads offer plastic-free protection that does even more than just reduce plastic.

Gosh, it’s been a while since I’ve had a period. My last period was 14th February 2020. You might think it odd that I remember such a date, but that is the period I used to date my pregnancy. 4-weeks after, I had my positive pregnancy test in my hand. After having Leo, I bleed for 4 weeks and used reusable pads. Then I’ve not had any bleeding since. It can take a while for a woman’s period to return after birth. It takes breastfeeding women even longer!
A couple of weeks ago, I felt a bit of cramping in my stomach and got a few flashbacks of my labour pains. Then, when I went to the toilet, I noticed my period had started.
This was also an hour before we were leaving so swimming, I might add. After not having a period for 20 months, I felt a bit like an embarrassed teenager again. Generally, I really don’t care about my period. I don’t have too many issues with it and I’m fine with using tampons and going swimming. It’s just something I deal with and a mild inconvenience. But I’ve had horror stories about how the first one after birth can be a bad one. I was worried it would be really heavy or something, which isn’t ideal for swimming.
Of course, I was overreacting and I just put a tampon in and forgot all about it.
Well, I didn’t completely forget about it, I took it out when I got home. I have made that mistake before though, I’m not even sure how. Anyway, I need to get to the point.

The point is – reusable sanitary pads. I used reusable maternity pads during my postpartum bleeding and planning on never going back to normal sanitary pads.
Trade To Aid has sent me a box of their reusable sanitary pads. Lots of different companies make them now, but let me tell you why you should buy yours from Trade To Aid.
It helps others
Trade To Aid is a not-for-profit social business. For every pack of reusable pads you buy from Trade To Aid, they donate a pack to a refugee in need of period products. Then any additional profits are donated to fund menstrual education
So we are able to help those who live in period poverty have a better period once we buy them.
Made from recycled materials
Did you know that some sanitary pads are made from 90% plastic? Trade To Aid pads don’t have any virgin plastic and only use recycled PUL for the thin outside waterproof membrane. Plus they can be used over and over again.
It’s a sustainable project
Trade To Aid doesn’t rely on donations or handouts. It generates money through sales and puts the profits back into helping others. It also sells them to low-income counties at cost price to help those in need get reusable pads at a great price.
They’re ethical
Trade To Aid have strict sourcing requirements for our sanitary pads. Suppliers must adhere to the Fair Labor Association’s Code of Conduct. They also offset all the CO2 emissions from transporting our reusable sanitary pads.
Within each pack of sanitary pads, there are written usage and washing instructions in English, but also a simple pictorial guide so the pads are accessible for users who do not speak English or cannot read.

Reusable Maternity Pads
The boxes contain 6 pads (two light flow pads, two medium flow pads, two heavy flow pads) and a waterproof wet bag. You should aim to use about the same amount as you do normal pads. You could always buy just one box and see how you get on.
You may even prefer to only partially make the switch to reusable pads at the moment, so one pack might be perfect for you for now. We all should aim to make a full switch eventually, but it can be a good idea to do a bit of both while you’re getting used to the logistics around washing them!
The pads are soft on the skin with fleece cotton and they’re so comfortable to wear. They absorb liquid quicker than a normal pad so leave you feeling dry.
Just soak them in cold water after use for at least 30 minutes then rinse, and then you can wash them with your other coloured clothes. I usually have a bowl in my bathroom that I put them in, then wash a few together. I prefer to soak mine over night then put them in the wash in the morning.

Giveaway
Trade To Aid is giving away one box to one of my readers.
All you need to do is fill in the Rafflecopter below!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Great post.
I love that the company gives back for every purchase. Huge bonus, on top of the environmental win.
Thanks for also sharing a honest post about something women have to deal with, and how it can feel.
Oh wow, this sounds amazing! I love a company that gives back 🙂 x
In the last few years, I’ve realised just how much plastic I consume when it comes to my period and it shocked me. This could be a great changer fo rthis!
Rosie
These pads look so good. Is this giveaway for worldwide or just for UK citizens?
Great post and thank you for sharing. I unfortunately get mine about 2x a month and wasting pads and other sanitary products sucks with a heavy flow. I am going to look into this!
This company sounds great and I love how sustainable these pads are too! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I remember when I worked at a GP surgery I used to have to ask patients when their last period was- and it always surprised me when people knew, I can never remember haha. Thank you for sharing these reusable sanitary pads. I’m not sure whether they would suit my cycle, but I adore period pants x
I’ve been wanting to try sustainable period products for a while now – I don’t know why I’m so hesitant! But these look really nice
It really is a step in the right direction!
Danielle | thereluctantblogger.co.uk
Wow, it is fantastic that they help with giving back and donating with each purchase made! These designs look so great and I try as well to use reusable pads whenever possible.
I have always used reusable pads that I have sewn myself, but mine do not have those awesome buttons. I love that the Trade To Aid box has three different types of pads and are sustainably and ethically sourced; if I am buying, I want to buy from a company I feel good about.
Thanks for sharing!
i’ll be honest – i haven’t thought of switching to reusable pads but it’s something i’ll look into and try!
I’m currently trying some reusable sanitary items, hopefully I’ll get along with them!
They sound like such a great company!
Amy x
callmeamy.co.uk
I wish I had these postpartum! What a great swap to make xx
Violethollow.com
I have bought some reusable pads, and I think it is great towards the end of my cycle, as well as for the environment.