8 brilliant sustainable things that eco friendly people need

Inside this post: What you can do to be greener with 8 easy convenient swaps

The panic would set in when my period rolled around again before last months irritation had completely cleared up, it was soul destroying.

Juggling breast feeding, the house, the baby, and twin 5 yr oIds needed a calm undercarriage!

I made the switch to reusable sanitary products ten years ago when the birth of my third child left me with an allergy to tampons and disposable pads. I was using and loving cloth nappies for the baby so it was a simple swap for me with instant relief.

The door was open to sustainable living and easy ways that I could change our home life to save money, save our natural resources and save mine and my children's skin!

1. Period proof underwear instead of tampons
2. Cloth sanitary pads instead of disposable pads
3. Reusable cloth wipes instead of disposable wipes
4. Soap and shampoo bars instead of liquid in plastic bottles
5. Cloth nappies instead of disposable nappies
6. Bamboo or cotton wipes instead of single use cotton wool pads
7. Coconut oil instead of cleansers
8. Washable breast pads instead of throw away pads
9. Choose Reusable Pet Wipes instead of disposable wipes

Period proof underwear instead of tampons

Picture the mortification of a tampon whizzing out of my ring binder as I lifted it out of my school bag and watching it fly across the desk into the hand of a grinning boy!

I didn't want this for my daughter when the time came, I assumed we'd be using a mix of tampons, disposable pads and reusables when my teen got her first period 2 years ago, but period pants were completely mainstream for her age group.

She has taken to them with gusto and finds period underwear far easier to manage at school than rustling pads and confusing tampons.

Not all school toilets have single use sanitary disposal in each stall and most primaries have NO bins for them at all. Leaving your stall with it all bundled up in tissue, or worse, having to deposit it in the open paper towels bin is worrying when you don't want anyone to know.

Our washable menstrual underwear can be worn all day on light to moderate days, and for heavier days add a pad that can be whipped out at lunchtime. We have pretty little wetbags they can be stored in to bring home! We have styles and absorbency levels to suit everyone. For expert advice and guidance complete our period protection questionnaire.

"Simply the best I’ve been wearing cheeky wipes period wear for a few months. Switching was the best decision I’ve made. The pants are comfortable, fashionable and no leaks. I’ve never slept better whilst on my period. I’ve worn them with my work uniform and jeans and never had to worry about leaks. I team up with the cheeky wipes pads whilst in work or if I’m out. Love love love them. I no longer dread my period and added bonus no waste. Just wear wash repeat."JG Nov 2021 Trustpilot

Cloth Sanitary Pads instead of disposable pads

Ever run out when you came on unexpectedly?? Given yourself an accidental bikini wax?? Stuck one to your bum cheek?? I have!

The benefits that we, and our customers have found with reusable sanitary pads over disposables are that they - 

• are super absorbent
• have easy to use poppers
• feel comfortable
• are breathable
• last for years and years
• never run out of supplies
• are easy to clean
• reduce plastic waste in your home and landfill
• no chemicals
• cute patterns
• make you look forward to your period!

We have cotton pads to suit lighter flow and bamboo pads for heavier days and both come in three sizes - liners, day pads and night pads. Our care guides are great to learn more.

 "My daughter has used cheeky wipes pads and pants since her first period. I wish I'd had the same chance. We both think they're great." Sarah, October 2021 trustpilot

Reusable wipes instead of single use disposable wipes

 The news has been flooded with the evidence of the environmental impact of flushed disposable wet wipes and their contributions to fatbergs in our sewers, waterways and the effects this is having on our wildlife. Disposable wipes are a hot contender to be added to the Governments list of banned single use plastics.

Since 2016, Cheeky Wipes have saved 40m packs of disposable wet wipes from landfill. Using reusable baby wipes is a brilliant alternative to disposable baby wipes or toilet wipes and is surprisingly easy!

Not sure where to start? Which fabric would suit you and your family best? Our cloth wipes questionnaire will give you a tailored recommendation of what you need and is answered by a real person, who has used the wipes! I still have some of my OG workhorse wipes from ten years ago!

 "Top products and service I'm a big fan of cheeky wipes for my babies bum... Work so much better than baby wipes and good quality.... Mine are being used in baby number 2 no problem so great for reducing waste. And I have recently discovered Top customer service too.... Really quick response to email and they really did go out of their way to help me!" Liz Nov 2021 Trustpilot

Soap and shampoo bars instead of liquid bottles

Bars of soap have historically had a bad rap, and some may worry they are unhygienic during our current Pandemic - 

"A bar of soap is equally as effective as antibacterial soap or liquid soap, and therefore hygienic," says Dr Rachel Nazarian of Schweiger Dermatology Group in NYC. "The surfactants in the soap in combination with water help to lift the bacteria and the viruses off, remove them from our skin and wash them down the drain,"

Now the formulas have been upgraded to be gentler and they are comparable - if not more - moisturising than their water filled counterparts! I've been trying them on and off for the last year and have now replaced all liquid hand soap in our house, the kids haven't noticed (they are washing their hands ....... hopefully) and a bar is lasting us well over three months - so much cheaper.

I was buying liquid handwash EVERY WEEKLY SHOP. We have teamed up with Faith in Nature for soap, shampoo and conditioner allowing for completely plastic free showering.

Cloth nappies instead of disposables

This has always been my favourite swap and a brilliant way to reduce your carbon footprint too! Cloth nappies are adorable, colourful, fun, co-ordinate with clothes, are easy to store and wash and save you money! We estimate over £300 saved in switching to cloth nappies just for one child!

Now my babies have grown up I only have the office doll to dress in them, you'll see him in our 'how to' videos on nappies and wraps. Our two part bamboo cloth nappy bundles are great value. Super slim, super absorbent, designed and tested by parents to be poonami-proof!

We have a trial bundle that is part of our 45 day trial, have a look at our guides on how to fit them and how to clean them! Did you know that many local councils offer incentives to encourage parents to make the switch to reusable nappies?

 "It's such an amazing thirsty product! Cheeky have really done their homework on this amazing super absorbent nappy!" Heidi Nov 2021

Bamboo or cotton make up wipes instead of cotton wool

This is a like for like swap, switch to reusable makeup pads.   Instead of cotton wool pads, try our cotton reusable pads - same size, same shape, wash them instead of putting them in the bin. Simple. They work well for cleanser and toners that are water based and come in a variety of patterns.

If you like to apply lotions to your face and then wipe clean with cotton wool, our bamboo make up pads are right for you, they are bigger so have great surface coverage, have gorgeous designs and are so soft. Go for a kit with our coconut oil for a natural, low cost skin care routine.

Coconut oil instead of cleansers

The easiest and most body loving swap I have made! I needed a stitch just under my eye recently, I assumed I would have a small scar forever. I carried on my new routine of rubbing coconut oil onto my face to remove my make up and over a month the scar became invisible! SOLD!

It is also inexpensive compared to all the other lotions and potions (and the many containers) I had used to date. Its all I need when married up with our bamboo make up pads to melt my mascara, and I have started buying our sets as gifts for all my female relatives. It has anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial and anti-fungal properties and as an added bonus I no longer have chapped lips either! 

 "I love this product, I love the fact that you can re-use the wipes time and time again and the tub of coconut oil is delightful. It makes my skin so soft and takes my waterproof mascara off with ease. I will definitely be recommending your products. Sam x" March 2020 trustpilot

Washable breast pads instead of disposables

OUCH to the toe curling pain of my cracked nipple sticking to the shiny side of a throw away breast pad! No-one knows what to expect when feeding newborns, over production, under production, expressing, bottle feeding all lead to some leakage. I had to fight for every ounce with my third whilst first time round my let down nearly washed away my smaller twin! I could have set up shop!

Our easy to use reusable breast pads have a stay dry soft layer that will soothe you in between feeds, they can be cooled in the fridge too! Even better they can be saved for the next baby or repurposed as make up wipes!

 "Booby pads. Highly recommend. Having used cheeky wipes on my little boy i decided to buy reusable breast pads for myself. Not only are they soft, they absorb alot of milk (even after 4 months of feeding I still leak) they last all day, no leakages and are very comfortable. I barely even know they are there. Highly recommend." Lucy April 2020 Trustpilot

Reusable Pet Wipes Instead of Disposable Pet Wipes

If you've got a mucky four-legged friend, chances are that they need wiping after a walk, either before they get into the car to come home, or before they enter the house.  Cheeky Reusable Pet Cleaning Wipes are brilliant for a quick rub down using just water to gently cleanse.

We haven't even mentioned our reusable snack bags! 

We hope you've enjoyed our Cheeky guide to sustainable swaps and that the door is open for you to try some too.  If you enjoyed this we think you would like this blog on a Dads Point Of View on reusable wipes!

As always, if you're unsure of what you need to make the switch, please do drop the team a line or use the online chat function.  The team all use the products themselves and just LOVE to chat pee poo and periods, all day long, nothing is TMI and we all love to overshare based on our own experiences...

About the Author:  Kirstin Scriven is part of the Customer Experience team at Cheeky Wipes, which since 2008 has been selling the original reusable wipes kit. She is mum to 3 and loves the forest, the sea and the hills!

Along with the rest of our crack team, she spends most days talking about poo, pee and periods and loves a chance to overshare. The business was recognised with a Queens Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development in 2021, celebrating their hard work over the last 13 years.