We spoke to Susie Hewson, founder and CEO of Natracare, who is on a mission to transform period care. She’s taking plastic out of the picture to create period care that is less harmful both for female bodies and for the environment.
1. As the first company in the world to provide plastic-free certified organic cotton tampons, what was the genesis for Natracare?
Leading up to 1989, the industry was on a singular path of using synthetics, plastics and super-absorbents. It was clear to me, as an environmentalist and a mother, that this was a route to ecological damage. Health implications are not just on the users of such products, but on everyone, through pollution with dioxins and plastics in our water, soil and air. I was compelled to not only campaign to raise awareness of these issues but also to make environmentally positive and healthier alternatives available to show that it can be done. For over three decades, our philosophy has always been to make certified organic and natural period care to reduce consumers’ unnecessary exposure to chemicals of concern and reduce environmental footprints.
It was my outrage that led to the founding of Natracare and the last 35 years of our campaigning for safe period care.
2. Why is ethical production of period care products important to our bodies and the environment?
A recent study published in Environment International highlights the presence of 16 metals in 30 tampons from 14 brands and 18 product lines sold across the U.S. and Europe, raising concerns about potential health risks—something we have consistently given public voice to. The findings of this study, while concerning, are tremendously valuable because they will not only drive pressure for better regulatory measures but will also give people the information they need to choose what is best for their bodies and to hold more companies accountable to doing the same, both of which we have advocated for since our inception.
We pride ourselves on achieving numerous certifications for exceptional environmental and ethical quality.
3. Period care products are a big contributor to plastic waste in the environment. Are you concerned that if other period care brands do not adopt more environmentally friendly practices, this problem will only get worse?
Yes, we are concerned! A 5 Gyres study found that a staggering 12 billion pads and seven billion tampons enter the environment as waste each year in the U.S., which contributes to the pollution of nearly two trillion pieces of microplastics floating in our global oceans. One of the solutions to exposing hidden plastics in our products can be resolved with ingredient and plastic content labeling on packaging. This has been achieved in Europe under the Single Use Plastic Directive.
Our products eliminate oil-based plastics, reducing a woman’s period-related waste from 300 pounds to zero—unlike other products containing plastics, which will break down into catastrophic levels of microplastics that pollute our water and the food chain.
4. How can consumers do their part to reduce their carbon footprint?
Consumers can step up by informing themselves and taking action in their lives in ways that will create change for us all. The first question for everyone to ask themselves is: What is the footprint of what I purchase?
Some examples of ways to reduce your carbon footprint include:
- Ask companies for evidence of their carbon footprint. This will help you become informed before making a purchase, especially for products that can have a substantial negative impact on the environment, such as cars, refrigerators, washing machines, electrical appliances and air conditioning units.
- Switch to plastic-free period products and be “in the know” on what raw materials and ingredients are in all your personal care products by checking the packaging.
- Avoid purchasing products with fabrics that have been treated with water repellent treatments using polyfluoroalkyl substances, known as PFAS. These contain carcinogenic forever chemicals that pollute our water. Some period underwear use materials treated with PFAS, so check the brand’s labeling before purchasing.
- By taking our #BeKind Challenge to “Green Your Life. PERIOD.,” consumers can start to take action toward creating a more sustainable lifestyle and feel the positive benefits of being kind at www.natracare.com/be-kind.
Susie Hewson is a champion in the period care business. Over 30 years ago, Hewson developed the first brand of organic and natural period care products. Natracare, produces chlorine- and plastic-free products that are made out of biodegradable materials. Over the years, the company has acquired a wide range of certifications and awards for its eco-friendly practices. Hewson is a lifetime active environmentalist and disrupter with respect for humanity and the natural world.
