Plastic is like that toxic friend you keep trying to cut out of your life, but they keep finding a way back in. Though historically it may have been difficult to stick to your plastic-reduction goals, Plastic-Free July is upon us, and with it comes a renewed energy for making better choices to reduce single-use plastics. But how do we do this for our skincare and beauty routines? Let’s find out:

There’s no point in pledging to reduce your plastic waste, and then proceeding to throw away all the plastic in your bathroom in the name of the environment. Instead, use ‘em up. Begin your plastic purge by using up the plastic products already in your home. 

If you have a bunch of bottles with a teeny bit of product left inside, purchase some reusable containers and squeeze all excess product into them to use for shaving your legs - this is a great way to avoid pouring products down the drain. Then, recycle as much of the plastic packaging as you possibly can. 

You may also want to ask your friends and family if they’d like to use anything before you throw it out. If you’re giving products to someone that you don’t live with, remember to share only Covid-friendly items like bottled products rather than makeup.

One of the best ways to avoid unnecessary plastic is to avoid unnecessary products. If you’re already reducing your plastic, this is the perfect time to also reduce the number of products you use on a daily or weekly basis. 

Go through your makeup bag and find products you hardly ever use, or could do without. Streamline your routine to use less plastic, and enjoy the added benefits of saving space, time and money. 

It’s time to start the fun bit - researching products. There are lots of plastic-free options out there, but they are not always easy to get a hold of. You may need to do a bit of digging and order online, but all the forward planning will be worth it in the end. A quick Google will bring up some good products, or try sites like Ethical Superstore to find more niche options. 

Search for skincare and makeup brands that use glass bottles, which are becoming more popular for their eco-friendly status and the fact that they look nice on a bathroom shelf. Other options are available depending on the products you need, like cardboard and paper packaging, and there are even some brands using biodegradable sugarcane packaging - very cool. Pai Skincare is one. 

If you travel frequently and don’t want to buy those little plastic travel-size products or pick up things on the go, experiment with zero-waste bars of soap, shampoo, and other products that come in solid form but disappear upon use. They’re travel friendly, easy to use, and there’s no need to worry about packaging at all. Solid shampoos like HiBar and the LUSH range are a great place to start. 

Don’t forget that your disposable razors also impact your plastic output, so look into reusable ones like FFS and Estrid to keep your legs and your conscience smooth. Or better yet, avoid the refills entirely by switching to a safety razor. 

No, it’s not just your grandad that uses them. It might look a bit intimidating at first, but it’s designed with safety in mind and is really easy to use. Plus a safety razor can save you money in the long run as they’re built to last. 

One product that is notorious for coming in plastic packaging is deodorant, particularly the ones with a roller ball inside. Many putty style deodorants now come in alternative packaging, like glass, metal or cardboard. 

We love brands like Wild, and also Fussy have a reusable case made from recycled plastic. Their refills are 100% compostable and made from waste material. Good for the planet and your pits!

Some brands are starting to offer the option (and sometimes incentives) to recycle your plastic packaging in a responsible way. Look out for brands that offer refillable options so you can reuse the packaging and simply purchase refill pouches to top up. Tropic Skincare do this, and offer this option across many of their skincare, body care and makeup products.

You can also send products back to some brands, for example, Garnier have a partnership with TerraCycle that makes it easier for their packaging to be recycled, and Pai Skincare’s range is great because pretty much anything you can’t recycle yourself, you can send back to them and they’ll sort it out for you. 

Our skincare and beauty routines include many products we don’t even think about; some used daily, some weekly, some hardly ever. Taking time to think about what else in your beauty or skincare routine might be made with unnecessary plastic can help you plan ahead and make sure you’re not forced to buy more plastic in lieu of a good alternative. 

Consider things like your hair brush, cotton buds, hair ties, toothbrush, floss, and so much more. Switch to bamboo options where you can, and look for anything biodegradable so it doesn’t stick around for too long. 

Are you trying to cut back on your single-use plastic for Plastic-Free July, or just because? Tell us how you’re getting on, and any tips you’ve discovered, in our private Facebook group or on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period box can get organic tampons, PMS supplements and more delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox with eco-friendliness built in, so you know you aren't adding to that big ol' landfill problem with your time of the month.

How To Create A Plastic-Free Skincare & Beauty Routine

Got questions about LGBTQIA terms you’ve come across, or how to share and ask for pronouns? Whether you identify as LGBTQIA or not, brushing up on your knowledge of terminology and pronouns is a small step that can make a big difference to those around you, making sure they feel heard and understood in daily life - something we all deserve. 

Here’s our guide to LGBTQIA terminology and pronouns, correct as of Pride Month 2021. Let’s go… 

Over the years you may have come across various iterations of the acronym, including LGBT, LGBTQ+, and later LGBTQIA. There are other letters sometimes included, but these are the most common. According to Outright International, LGBTQIA stands for:

Lesbian - Often refers to a woman who is attracted to other women

Gay - Often refers to a man who is attracted to other men

Bisexual - Often refers to someone who is attracted to more than one gender

Transgender - Often refers to someone whose gender identity/expression does not conform to the sex they were assigned at birth. Transgender people have different sexual orientations, with some identifying as straight, while others may identify as LGB

Queer and/or Questioning - Queer often refers to anyone who is not heterosexual and not cisgender. It’s used as somewhat of an umbrella term, and historically was used as a slur. More recently the term has been reclaimed by LGBTQIA communities, though some still find it offensive. Questioning refers to someone who is unsure of their sexual orientation or how they identify

Intersex - Often refers to people who naturally have biological traits which do not match what is typically identified as male or female, based on their X and Y chromosomes, ambiguous genitalia or internal sex organs. Being intersex is not linked to sexual orientation or gender identity

Asexual and/or Ally - Asexual often refers to people who do not experience (or experience low levels of) sexual desire. This can include those who are interested in having romantic relationships, and those who are not. Ally refers to people who identify as cisgender or heterosexual, and believe in equality for LGBTQIA people

A number of other terms come up in modern life, and it’s always useful to know what they mean. Here are a few: 

Cisgender means someone whose gender matches the sex they were assigned at birth. 

Non-binary (sometimes Genderqueer) means a person whose gender identity is not exclusively masculine or feminine‍. They can be both or neither. Some view the word queer as offensive, so if you are unsure, non-binary is typically the more accepted term. 

Genderfluid refers to a person whose gender identity tends to change over time and at different times.

What’s the difference when talking about gender vs sexuality?

Put simply, our sex, which can be taken in a physical sense, is different from our gender, which can be taken in a psychological and social sense. So regardless of the sex you were assigned at birth, you may identify as being male or female, or neither. If you identify as neither, you may be transgender, or gender non-binary.

Sexuality on the other hand, often describes the sexual feelings we experience towards others. For example, you may be straight/heterosexual, gay, lesbian, bisexual or asexual.

Remember, for both gender and sexuality, there is no reason you have to choose a label for yourself. You can explore your feelings, change your mind, settle on a label, or never do. It’s all OK. 

Pronouns are an important part of who we are, and we share them in order to avoid assuming based on appearance. By using someone’s correct pronouns, we are affirming their identity. 

The most common pronouns are ‘he’ and ‘she’, which refer to a person’s gender, but for some transgender, non-binary or queer people, these pronouns may not apply, so using them can be uncomfortable, and potentially cause a lot of stress and anxiety. One study actually showed that in the case of transgender youth, using the correct pronouns and names can reduce depression and suicide risk, so pronouns are more important than ever. 

Just as there are he/she pronouns, some people use the pronouns below:

They/them/theirs - Often used in English as a plural pronoun (more than one person), ‘they’ is also used by people who don’t identify with he/she pronouns or who identify as non-binary. An example of this would be, “Jane just nipped out for coffee but they’ll be back soon.”

Mixed pronouns - Some gender non-conforming people use a mix of pronouns, displayed as, for example, he/them, or they/her. In many cases, mixed pronouns signify the person uses both pronouns interchangeably, but potentially prefers the first pronoun mentioned. It’s best to ask what pronouns people use though, as they have unique meanings for each person.  

New pronouns and names - Although rare, some people use newer pronouns like Ze (or Zie), Zee, or Xe, while some don’t use any pronouns, and will ask to be referred to by their name alone.

How do I share my pronouns, and ask others for theirs?

Sharing pronouns is becoming common practice in many social situations. While you don’t have to do this, sharing your pronouns opens the floor for everyone to make clear how they would like to be addressed. Instead of only doing this in situations where you may be singling out specific people or communities, you can make it a habit of introducing yourself and your pronouns everywhere; “Hi, I’m Jane and my pronouns are she/her.”

Asking someone for their pronouns may feel odd in the beginning, as you don’t want to offend or pressure anyone into sharing something they’re not comfortable with, but you can do this in a friendly and respectful way. Some examples are simply “May I ask what pronouns you use?”, or “Are you comfortable sharing your pronouns?” Don’t say ‘preferred pronouns’ as this implies they are optional, which they shouldn't be. 

And remember, some people use certain pronouns in different contexts. An example of this might be a transgender person feeling comfortable using certain pronouns with friends, but using a different set of pronouns at home with family. Never assume, even if you think you know what pronouns they will use - it’s always best to ask. 

No sweat. Mistakes are bound to be made, but it’s about reacting to those mistakes with care and compassion. If you use the wrong name or pronoun, simply apologise, follow up with the pronoun you meant to use, and move on without drawing too much attention. Don’t try to apologise profusely to acknowledge how bad you feel about the mistake, as this can make everyone (especially the person whose name or pronoun was misused) feel more uncomfortable. Apologise, correct and move on with the conversation without making a fuss. 

Do you have questions about LGBTQIA terminology or pronouns? We’re always learning ourselves, but we will do our best to get you the answers you’re looking for! You can ask any questions you have over in our private Facebook group, or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period box can get organic tampons, pads, liners (and more!) delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, which is one less thing to worry about if you're someone who menstruates - whatever your gender.

A Guide To LGBTQIA+ Terminology & Pronouns

We've just finished Mental Health Awareness Week, and this year’s official theme was ‘Nature’, so we could think of no better time to dive into the topic of how being out in nature can have a positive impact on your mood-related PMS symptoms. After all, our mental health is so often connected to our menstrual cycles, and whether you experience this for a short time each month, or on a constant basis, there are things you can do to help. If you’re curious about a bit of nature therapy, right this way...

As well as the physical symptoms of PMS (you know; the bloating, the sore boobs and such), you may also experience emotional and mental symptoms like irritability, anxiety, depression and so on. 

The cause of PMS is not known, but research suggests it could be related to fluctuations in hormone and serotonin levels at certain points during your cycle. When estrogen and progesterone levels increase, it can cause those mood swings we know and don’t love. Some days these can come in like a wrecking ball and completely ruin any plans you had, so it’s always a good idea to have a toolkit ready with things you can do to make yourself feel better. One of those things could be getting out in nature. 

How can being in nature help with my PMS and mood?

We get it; you’re at the stage of your cycle where everything is irritating, your low mood is at its lowest, you don’t want to socialise, and you can barely make yourself walk to the shops to grab some food. And someone says “why don’t you go for a walk?” … it’s probably the very last thing you feel like doing. But here are a few reasons why sticking your hair in a bun, donning some leggings and dragging yourself to the nearest green space could actually be the very thing you’re missing:

According to a 2019 study measuring people’s exposure to nature, spending at least 120 minutes per week in nature is associated with good health and wellbeing, and this includes mental wellbeing. Not only has research showed a correlation between being in nature and physical benefits like optimum nervous system function, heart health, better vision, lower BMI and more, but it has also been linked to decreased levels of depression, lower stress hormone levels, and even increased attention and focus. 

According to an article in Yale Environment 360, another 2019 study even found that patients in a psychiatric unit who spent time in nature experienced reduced feelings of isolation, increased feelings of calm, and lifted mood. Its benefits are becoming so apparent in fact, that ecotherapy programs have begun as a way to manage mental health issues long term. And by the way, ecotherapy is pretty much what it sounds like; a type of therapeutic treatment that involves being in nature and taking part in outdoor activities.

Let’s not forget also, spending more time outdoors has the potential to help with other areas of life linked to our mood and mental health, for example, it helps you get more exercise, it helps you get more vitamin D which is linked to depression, it helps you be more social, it improves sleep, and more. Is there anything nature can’t do??

Fun fact: Heard the term ‘Forest Bathing’ more in recent years? It’s just a fancy way of saying spending time in the forest. From the Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku, meaning literally, forest bath, this has become popular as a way to improve health and wellbeing. Don’t worry though, you don’t need to bathe, just walk...

OK, I’m in. How often do I go outside, and what do I do there?

According to Harvard’s Health blog, even just a few times a week could be helpful. They suggest spending time in nature for 20-30 minutes, three days a week, but they also say if you’d rather save it all up and have regular weekends in the woods, that’s fine too. 

If you’re looking for some ideas of how to spend time in nature, here are our top tips;

Go for a daily walk in your nearest green space: try to do this mindfully for maximum benefits, but if you get bored, that’s what podcasts and music are for!

Start gardening: get those fingers green, and get up close and personal with nature

Organise a weekend hike with friends or family: doing this together can make your outdoor time even more beneficial, as you get the added benefit of socialising

Take your exercise routine outside: if you’re a gym lover, switch to an outdoor gym near you, or try switching up one of your usual sessions for an invigorating run 

Use your local park more: host catch-ups with friends in the park instead of indoors, and cut through the park on your walk to work instead of sticking to town 

Take a lunchtime walk: if you usually eat lunch at your desk, pack some mobile snacks and take them out on a stroll with you 

Remember, if you struggle with your mental health, whether it is related to PMS symptoms or otherwise, always visit your GP if your low mood affects your daily life or becomes progressively worse over time. They can help find a solution to improve your symptoms. 

“Nature can bring you to stillness, that is its gift to you.” – Eckhart Tolle

Have you tried spending more time outdoors in nature to help with your PMS and mood? Shout out in ou rprivate Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period box can get organic tampons, PMS supplements and more delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, so that's one less thing to do that frees up some time for this nature bathing stuff!

Why Getting Out Into Nature Can Help With PMS

There are a million different diets out there, but one that has risen to prominence in recent years is the gluten-free diet. Gluten is the name for proteins found in wheat, rye and barley, and they help foods keep their shape by acting as a glue to hold them together.

Many people with coeliac disease or gluten intolerances will look out for the GF symbol next to a dish on the menu in a restaurant, but some like to follow this diet for a range of other health reasons, for example, they believe it can help improve general health, encourage weight loss, increase energy, and more (although these claims are currently unproven). 

Let’s find out whether or not a gluten-free diet could benefit your menstrual cycle...

Firstly, how is gluten connected to hormones?

It turns out the two are way more connected than you might think. Even if you’re not allergic to or intolerant to gluten, you could be sensitive to it and not realise. There are actually several hormone-related health problems linked to gluten sensitivity, from arthritis to nutritional anaemias to mental health problems and more. 

Any gluten intolerance can put stress on the adrenal glands due to an inflammatory response in the digestive tract. If this happens on occasion it likely won’t interfere with the adrenals’ ability to function normally, but if you are sensitive to gluten, this inflammation can happen every time you eat in, and so the adrenals are constantly stressed. Since the adrenals are responsible for making the basic building block sex hormones - DHEA, estrogen, testosterone and progesterone - it means an imbalance here can lead to issues with PMS, anxiety and more. 

Can gluten sensitivity really affect your period? 

In short? Maybe. There have been more than a few anecdotal accounts of people suffering from very painful menstruation symptoms like cramps, that either improved or disappeared after they were diagnosed with coeliac disease and began a gluten-free diet. 

Of course, being sensitive to gluten is definitely not the same as having coeliac disease, and there isn’t enough legitimate research yet to support any connection, but some naturopathic professionals believe a gluten-free diet could improve period-related symptoms and decrease pain during menstruation. If you experience painful periods and are sensitive to gluten, it may be a good idea to ask your GP about trying out a gluten-free diet and monitoring the results to see if it helps. 

There have been some links made between endometriosis and coeliac disease, so it’s not out of the question to consider a gluten-free diet to help with endo symptoms. Endometriosis is a condition where uterine cells grow outside the uterus, causing pelvic pain, heavy periods, pain during sex and more. A 2012 study found that long-term adoption of a gluten-free diet could help reduce endometriosis symptoms, with the symptoms easing after around 12 months of the diet. 

Unfortunately there hasn’t been quite enough research carried out on the links between endometriosis and gluten yet, but some limited studies, along with anecdotal reports from those who suffer from coeliac disease, seem to show that endo may be more common in those with coeliac disease than in the general population. A 2009 study found that coeliac disease was 4x more common in women with endometriosis, so it’s no wonder we’re all thinking it… could gluten be causing more havoc to our cycles than we think?

Currently, there just hasn’t been enough solid research conducted to find any definitive connections between gluten sensitivity and menstrual cycle issues. But would you be wrong to believe in the possibility of a link? Absolutely not.  

If you struggle with a difficult menstrual cycle, PMS symptoms, or you have endometriosis, then you may wish to try cutting down on your gluten intake (or removing it from your diet altogether) as this could make a difference - it’s all about trial and error, as each individual person is different. 

If you’re interested in trying a gluten free diet to improve period-related symptoms, we would suggest speaking to a nutritionist or your healthcare provider first to get their advice, and to try going gluten-free for several weeks to make sure you are seeing the full potential benefits - the standard elimination diet is between 4 and 8 weeks, so try to stick to this to see if it works for you. 

How to start cutting out gluten from your diet

Since a gluten-free diet has become more normalised in recent years, many new brands have popped up in shops, and there are typically gluten-free options on most menus, too. Here are our top tips for making the switch: 

Locate the gluten-free section in your local supermarket (most shops have one) and get acquainted with the selection there 

Incorporate naturally gluten-free grains like quinoa and brown rice into your meals

Snack on more naturally gluten-free fruits and vegetables 

Look for whole foods whenever possible, and avoid processed or packaged foods that usually contain gluten 

Opt for gluten-free beverages like water, coffee or tea (but remember that just because a food is gluten-free, that doesn’t mean there won’t be any unhealthy ingredients in it; check those labels!)

Have you tried a gluten-free diet to help with your menstrual cycle? We’d love to know if it worked for you. Shout out in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period box can get organic tampons, supplements for bloating, and more, delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox - that's one less thing to worry about each month.

This article was fact-checked by Yoppie’s nutritionist Shona Wilkinson.

Can Going Gluten-Light (Or Gluten-Free) Help Your Cycle?

Have you ever seen an advert and thought… “who approved that?!” Well you’re about to see 10 of them. There’s no shortage of cringe-worthy period product ads out there; some historically sexist, some anatomically incorrect, and some just hilariously off-the-mark. Here are some we love to hate...

Swimming, running, playing sports, dancing, walking through the… desert, or something? This ad teaches us that there are so many opportunities to wear white from head to toe, and when you do, you DO NOT want to be caught without these tampons. If we had a penny for every time we went horse riding in pure white jodhpurs while on our period and got caught out… blimey! 

Ummm… we have no idea what this French advert is talking about. It translates as "I am like a fish in water”, but we’re not sure of the message it’s trying to convey. Your vagina smells? Your vagina is like a fish? Don’t transport marine animals in your vagina? Whatever the message, the visual will haunt us for a long, long time. 

Phewf! We were worried for a second there. It’s OK though ladies, you can use these ones even if you’re not yet blessed with a husband. Joking aside, this ad clearly came about as a result of the misinformation around virginity at the time; it was widely thought that by using a tampon, you could break your hymen (a thin piece of skin that partially covers the entrance to the vagina) and no longer be a virgin. 

Today we know this isn’t true, but in years gone by these adverts served a purpose; to clear up the rumours and let girls know that they could use tampons even if they weren’t married. 

Here’s another example of this misinformation at play, but unlike the last ad, this one is blatantly using it as a way to influence the use of sanitary towels instead of ‘internal sanitary protection’. It’s possible there was a little rivalry at play here, between the makers of the Mega Pad Belt (*gulp*) and tampon manufacturers. Today we can see it for its cheesy copy and incorrect information, but many young women likely based their sanitary protection choices on adverts like these. 

Let’s start this one by saying; Serena Williams is a goddess, and can do no wrong. And she actually does spend most of her life wearing these little white tennis skirts, so it makes sense that in this ad she is so excited to have ‘shut out Mother Nature’s monthly gift’. That said, what is with the obsession with playing tennis in period care ads? 

This is just one of many TV ads where the women depicted always seem to be playing (and winning) a game of tennis, as if that’s something we all do on a daily basis. This advert alone isn’t all that bad, but when you put it next to the hundreds of other tennis-themed ads out there… do TV execs know we can play other sports too?

These pin-up girls are supposedly whispering about the big secret that is their period. To be fair, most people today would still rather keep their period hidden if they’re in a bathing suit (a leak in the pool is never fun!) but this advert seems to actively encourage the secrecy of periods and sanitary protection. 

Back in the day, nobody talked about periods (unless, it seems, you were whispering to your mate at the beach), and women would do a lot to keep their ‘secret safe even in a bathing suit’. We’re glad these days periods are talked about more openly - more of that please!

This poor man has paid for a room, only to discover that his lady friend is on her period. What darn bad luck! It’s tough being a guy when your partner is on their period, apparently, so we do hope he gets his money back for this swanky MOTEL room he hired for the romantic evening. 

But hey, we can take a joke, so we’re going to assume that the ad execs knew what they were doing when they commissioned this one. We’re also going to assume that this guy’s partner is off playing tennis somewhere instead. Happy days. 

We had to Google to see if these were real, and it looks like they were. Sanitary bloomers! As hideous as they are completely unnecessary. But then again, if Gigi Hadid wore them tomorrow they’d be all the rage once again. The part that concerns us most is where it says they are ‘made of all rubber’... yikes. 

Another one that encouraged the needless hiding of sanitary protection, but at the time this innovation was probably pretty handy for those who didn’t want anyone to know they were on their period. 

Nowadays many of us are happy to shout loud and proud about our periods, but there were legitimate reasons for wanting to keep your menstrual cycle on the down-low back in the day. For example, when society finally accepted women pursuing higher education or a career, rather than being assumed as a ‘housewife’, many likely wanted to keep their period out of the workplace so they were not treated differently throughout the month. Thankfully today we don’t have to carry our towels with quite so much secrecy, even if we’re at work. 

Tampons for teeth?! Maybe this ad was a result of the Twilight hype, or maybe it’s a Halloween special, but either way it’s disturbing on multiple levels. As if Edward Cullen wasn’t already the perfect boyfriend, now he comes equipped for all your um… sanitary needs? *dry heave*

Kotex Classic - SNL

We’ll leave you with this timeless parody sketch from SNL called ‘Kotex Classic’, which we think captures the cringey essence of almost all TV ads for period products. Fun fact: Writer Tina Fey had to fight to get this onto Saturday Night Live because the men in the writer’s room literally had no idea what the maxi pad belt was. This will never not be funny. 

Seen any other period ads that make you cringe? We’re always up for a laugh - shout out in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period box can get eco-friendly organic tampons, PMS supplements and more delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox. We don't even mind if you want to do something other than play tennis while you're using them. 😉

Awkward Old Period Care Ads That Make Us Cringe

Oh the shame!! You’ve come on your period unexpectedly, and now your underwear is stained with blood or discharge. It happens to us all - sometimes it’s even a monthly occurrence - but for some reason we all HATE talking about it, and proceed to shove our period-y pants to the bottom of the laundry basket in fear of someone coming across the crime scene. Since we at Yoppie love to talk about the things that nobody else wants to… let’s dig out those embarrassing stains and see what’s going on.

Right?! What a gross and unnecessary accompaniment to your period! Except it’s not gross or unnecessary. Discharge is a common, totally normal thing to happen around your period. It’s your body’s way of preparing for the blood to arrive. Healthy discharge is basically just fluid and bacteria from vaginal cells. Normally, you’ll produce a little less than a teaspoon’s worth of white, clear or cloudy discharge every day (that’s about 4ml). Discharge may be annoying, but it’s actually pretty handy as it helps to lubricate the vagina and remove any unwanted bacteria. 

Got excess discharge? This can sometimes be a sign that you should see your GP. Watch out for any bad smells (usually fishy) which could mean bacterial vaginosis, lumpy white discharge that could be thrush, and any sores or pelvic pain which could be a sign of a number of STIs. It’s probably nothing, but always best to get checked. You can also take a look at our guide to the different colours of blood to watch out for.

A study of menstrual tracking found that the 5 main reasons for tracking periods were to be aware of general health, to understand the body's reactions to different phases of the cycle, to become pregnant, to inform conversations with healthcare providers, and... to be prepared. By planning ahead, you can ensure you always have the tools you need to protect your pants from dreaded period stain. 

There are all sorts of apps and special journals you can buy, but all you really need is a calendar - for the first two or three months it’s just about finding a pattern. Eventually, you’ll be able to identify the specific week, sometimes day, and even down to the hour if you’re lucky, so you know when to be ready. 

In case you’ve never thought to use liners before, these are like sanitary towels, but smaller and less absorbent. Their purpose is not to soak up periods or heavy bleeding, but simply to stop your underwear being stained by discharge or light period flow. Genius!

You shouldn’t be using tampons if you’re not bleeding, so these compact and comfortable discharge-catchers (yes, let’s call them that) could be exactly what you need to protect that precious new thong you just purchased. And yep, you can get our own super-soft organic cotton pantyliners as part of your Yoppie box so you never run out: winner.

What to do if you leak through your clothes

Everyone has leaked through their clothes before, and no matter how embarrassing your experience, there’s always someone with a story that will blow yours out of the water - so don’t worry! It’s handy to carry a bag or pouch with emergency sanitary supplies. Pop a fresh pair of pants in there, or carry a change of trousers if you’re really worried. Wearing dark colours also helps, and layers, so you can tie one around your waist to cover stains. 

Remember, most women will feel your pain when it comes to embarrassing leaks, so don’t be afraid to ask someone - even a stranger - for sanitary products or to discreetly help you get to a nearby loo. Lastly, if you leak and you can’t cover it, own it. It’s happened to us all at some point, but if you need a bit more inspiration, there’s the ever-empowering story of when Kiran Gandhi ran the London Marathon with blood stains down her legs. Yes, yes, yes!

How to clean stained underwear, clothes and bedsheets

To save your fabrics, there are a few top tips you can try:

Use a dedicated stain remover - Good Housekeeping has a whole blog post on the best stain removers. We know… riveting stuff! But it might just save that new pair of briefs you bought. 

Get them in a soak or laundry load straight away if you can, so there’s more chance of their survival.

Run them under cold water. Hot water can make stains set, but cold will often remove most of the blood and soften any crusty discharge before you stick it in a wash later.

On lighter fabrics, try lemon juice. Apply it directly to the stained area and let it sit for about half an hour before you put it in the wash. Don’t do this for dark coloured garments though, as it could bleach them. 

Sometimes the sad truth is… the pants are unsalvageable. If so, treat yourself to a new pair of undies!

Do you have any tips for getting period stains out? Shout out in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period box can get organic tampons, PMS supplements and more delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, which is one less thing to worry about each cycle.

Managing Discharge & Period Stains

You’ve just changed your tampon/pad/liner, and you need to get rid of the used one… do you:

Wrap it in loo roll and shove it in the bin?

Stick it in an envelope and send it to your enemies?

As much as it might amuse you to stick a first class stamp on that bio-waste, the truth is there’s really only one right answer here, and we’re about to tell you why… 

The average person spends around 2,280 days on their period and uses 11,000+ tampons or pads in their lifetime. Around the world an estimated 100+ billion menstrual hygiene products are disposed of each year, many made using plastic and other non-biodegradable materials, meaning they take 500-800 years to decompose - a landfill nightmare. 

But disposable period products can go on to pollute waterways and harm marine wildlife too. In fact, in a single day in 2015, the non-profit Trash Free Seas program at Ocean Conservancy collected 27,938 used tampons and applicators on beaches around the world. Why? Because too many people still think it’s OK to flush their used menstrual products, even applicators, down the toilet - whether due to lack of knowledge, or lack of caring. 

One study into public awareness of the ‘environmental impact of menstrual products and product choice’ found that education and awareness around this topic could and should be improved, whether through school curriculums, public awareness campaigns, better labelling on products, and changes in legislation to create forced action. 

In an eye-opening survey, almost half of UK people who menstruate say they flush tampons down the loo, and the Journal of the Institution of Environmental Sciences found that around 2.5 million tampons, 1.4 million sanitary napkins and 700,000 liners are flushed every day. 

To put it bluntly, they clog sewer pipes, causing untreated wastewater to overflow and end up in rivers and other waterways. Many people don’t consider that period products are designed to be absorbent, which means when they’re flushed, they grow larger and get stuck in the plumbing pipes, causing serious blockages. 

But if you’re thinking “that’s not my problem, when I flush them they just disappear…” you could be building up to some pretty gross sewage backflow into your home, and costly repairs. Not only this, it can clog the waste systems in your local area, leading to sewage backflow to nearby streets. 

We can’t say it better than Lanes for Drains, who tackled the infamous Whitechapel fatberg in 2017, and say on their website; “Underneath our feet, a war is being waged between our ailing Victorian-era sewers and a torrent of sanitary products clogging up our pipes, drains and water courseways.”  Dramatic, sure. But they really hit the nail on the head - our sewage systems are NOT designed for sanitary products. 

Good question. A great rule to live by is; never flush anything that isn’t one of the three Ps - paper, poop or pee! To be more specific, you should only be flushing human waste, and the only non-human waste that can be flushed is toilet paper. That’s because loo roll is manufactured to break down almost immediately after being flushed. 

No other products are created this way, so you should never flush things like makeup, cleaning or baby wipes (even if they’re labelled ‘flushable’ - they’re not!), paper towels, dental floss, nappies, cotton buds, condoms, and of course, your pads and ‘pons. 

How to dispose of period products properly 

If you’re not up for switching to reusable pads or a cup, and disposable menstrual products are just your jam, then the best thing you can do is look for organic, biodegradable products. This means they’re made from cotton that has not been treated with pesticides and other toxic chemicals. Organic cotton is the best material for the quickest break-down. 

When you go to the loo, wrap used products in some toilet roll and put them in the bin - having a small bathroom bin is handy, but you can take it out to the kitchen bin too, or pop it in the dedicated sanitary disposal bins when you’re out and about. 

We get it - in some situations flushing seems easier. In most establishments there should be a sanitary bin to dispose of used menstrual products, but we’ve all found ourselves in unlikely situations over the years when a bin is not available. Example: you’re visiting Grandma. There’s no bin in the bathroom. You discreetly wrap your used tampon in loo roll, do a Tom Cruise-style mission to dispose of the evidence and hope she doesn’t notice! 

These situations can be embarrassing, but the alternative - flushing used products - is not only terrible for the environment, but could result in ever further embarrassment if it blocks the toilet. Best to avoid this altogether, and instead, bin it or pop it in a dedicated pouch that you carry with you (like this one, or this one, or this odour-proof one) and take it home to dispose of in your own bin. 

Got a question about switching from flushing to binning? Shout out in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period box can get organic tampons, PMS supplements and more delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox with eco-friendliness built in, so you know you aren't adding to that big ol' landfill problem with your time of the month.

Stop Flushing Your Period Products!

Going through a chocolate bar a day on your period? What’s that you say? TWO a day? Three? No judgement from us! We’ve all succumbed to those PMS chocolate cravings, but if you’re downing it on a regular basis you may be wondering… how ethical and eco-friendly is my chocolate habit? Good question. 

We’re looking into how our nationwide obsession with chocolate affects our planet, how it can be more sustainable, and picking out the best chocolate brands-to-watch who are making us all feel less guilty. Let’s go!

How chocolate production affects the planet 

Whether you’re chowing down on white, milk or dark chocolate, it’s all made using cocoa beans, and these much-sought-after beans can cause quite a few problems down the supply chain. An estimated 70% of the world’s cocoa beans are grown in West Africa, and it can take a whole year for one cocoa tree to produce enough to make half a pound of chocolate. You know what that means… more trees. 

Cocoa farmers commonly clear tropical forests to plant new trees instead of reusing land, which causes a lot of deforestation, particularly in Ivory Coast. Good agricultural practices in the industry are vital to protect the environment and animals, as well as avoid child labour, which is often used to help grow, harvest and transport cocoa beans. In the 2013-14 growing season alone, an estimated 2 million children were used for hazardous labour in Ghana and Ivory Coast - a major problem. 

Did you know… chocolate is the UK's number 1 confectionery product? We are the 6th highest-consuming chocolate country in the world, with the average Brit eating around 8kg (17.6 pounds) of chocolate a year. Is our PMS out of control?!

One of the biggest environmental issues in the chocolate industry is packaging. Chocolate is often sold in plastic or paperboard containers, sometimes inside multiple layers, and products are then carried home in plastic bags. Aluminium foil is also a common chocolate covering, and chocolates that come individually wrapped cause even more waste. Many types of packaging production can lead to excess greenhouse gas emissions, and water and land pollution. But what’s the answer? 

The entire chocolate industry has a long way to go to improve, but positive changes are already being made, and many new brands are popping up and taking their ethical responsibilities seriously. Experts have identified farming techniques that could make existing cocoa farms more productive and reduce deforestation. And super-brand Mars has only gone and mapped the cocoa genome, identifying trees that are 3-4 times as productive and more climate resistant than the varieties typically used - exciting developments all round! 

If you want to make a change at home, one of the best ways to avoid supporting child labour is to buy fair trade. Many brands now sell Fairtrade certified chocolate, and it’s much easier to find out how your favourite treats rank in terms of sustainability and ethical practices, as the Good Shopping Guide provides all the info you need. 

Another easy solution is to stop buying products with unnecessary packaging, like fun-size, and individually wrapped chocolates. Yes they’re great for Halloween, but avoiding these could cut down on wasteful packaging and force brands to change.  

There’s no shortage of companies trying to make the chocolate industry a better place, and you can start in your local supermarket aisle. Many shops now have own-brand Fairtrade chocolate, including M&S, Waitrose, Co-op and impressively, Lidl, where a premium from every bar sold will support a living wage for cocoa farmers in Ghana. If you want to help out a charity at the same time, you can grab your choco treats from your local Oxfam shop - they always have Fairtrade snack brands like Cocoa Loco and Divine. 

Want to try something new? Other brands to watch are: 

Tony’s Chocolonely - On a mission to fully eradicate child slavery in chocolate production, they openly share supply chain details, trace where ingredients come from, pay higher prices to farmers, invest in long-term commitment and farm cooperatives to empower farmers, and much more. 

Eat Your Hat - Organic, sustainable, and fair. What’s not to love? Their chocolate is World Fair Trade Organisation certified, their cacao comes from smallholder farms in Central Africa, and their organic sugar comes from the Philippines. Oh, and their packaging is plant-based and compostable. Win!

Seed & Bean - Using organic, small scale suppliers, they pay above market price for their cacao, which is always FLO certified. It’s made in small batches, their packaging is 100% compostable, and the inner foil is made from eucalyptus tree pulp.

There are loooads more brands out there, so do some research and check out the UK chocolatiers mentioned on the Slave Free Chocolate website, including Forever Cacao, Montezuma’s, and Play In Choc. 

Three bonus tips for recycling chocolate packaging

Collect your foil wrappings and roll them into a fist-sized ball so you can recycle it as normal. We’re looking at you, Easter eggs… 

Make an eco-brick with your plastic wrappers, and either repurpose in your garden or collect more and drop them at an eco-brick centre 

Avoid buying individually wrapped chocolates. You can also grab some loose chocolates from the pick ‘n’ mix stand with the more eco-friendly paper cups

Are you a BIG chocolate fan? Do you have more ideas on how to make your chocolate addiction more sustainable? We’re all ears! Shout out in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period box can get organic tampons, PMS supplements and more delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox with eco-friendliness built in. That's one more thing for the sustainability guilt-free list, at least.

A Guide To Eco-Friendly & Ethical Chocolate

We’ve all been there; you say you’re off chocolate for the month, then your PMS kicks in, and you would give a limb just to have one bite of the chocolate bar you know is at the back of the cupboard, even though it’s hidden under a mountain of healthy snacks. Sometimes chocolate feels like a non-negotiable, especially when your period kicks in. But why?

We’re chomping into this sugar craving to find out why it’s the treat on everyone’s mind at certain points in their cycle, when to try and kick the habit, and when to listen to your sweet tooth and embrace the health benefits (yes, health benefits) of those cocoa cravings. 

Why do we crave chocolate, of all things?

There are a few theories as to why chocolate is one of the most popular pantry picks when your period rolls around. Sometimes when you’re experiencing cramps and low mood, and you don’t want to go out, chocolate feels like a warm hug. It’s a comfort many of us reach for to distract from PMS frustrations and sadness - but is it habit or hormonal? Maybe a bit of both. Some believe chocolate is the snack of choice due to hormonal imbalances during the menstrual cycle. When estrogen, progesterone and serotonin (the happiness hormone) levels drop, and cortisol (the stress hormone) rises, the result is a sugar craving. 

But there’s another theory. One study looked at chocolate cravings of Spanish and American women, and found that while the American women reached for chocolate most often during their period, many of the Spanish women said they wanted chocolate around dinnertime or while working, not specifically during their period, which shows hormones may have nothing to do with cravings - it could simply be ingrained cues that have us reaching for the chocolate.

While hormonal changes might not directly cause our chocolate addiction, they could be a contributing factor, as let’s face it: PMS can make you feel stressed, tired, and well… blerggghhh. And when you feel blerggghhh, chocolate is a nice pick-me-up. We have grown to associate our periods with eating chocolate, and this could be why we now crave it on autopilot at certain times of the month. 

Cocoa is made using roasted cacao seeds which have many health benefits, so chocolate cravings aren’t all bad! It offers an energy boost when you’re feeling low (as long as you don’t overdo it), and there’s an argument for treating yourself if you suffer from low mood during your cycle. If you don’t let it become a crutch, it can provide a temporary endorphin boost that’s handy when you feel the blerggghhh coming on. If the blerggghhh turns into a deeper depression, you should always speak to your GP about how they can help. 

If you really want to maximise the choco benefits, you’ll want to switch to dark chocolate that contains 70% cocoa. Its health benefits include potentially lowering heart disease risk, and increasing brain function. 

Dark chocolate can also be a great source of magnesium (good for easing cramps), it can increase serotonin, and it’s high in iron - handy if you have heavy periods and suffer from anaemia (although remember there are other ways to up your iron levels, like eating tofu, spinach, beans and lentils).

While raw cocoa holds many health benefits, the chocolate we buy from shops uses cocoa mixed with sugar, milk and more, which could be considered less than healthy. The resulting product is often high in fat and sugar, so the benefits of cocoa are often lost. High sugar content can lead to weight gain, which may affect your health if your weight already fluctuates throughout the month or if you suffer from excessive bloating. 

The sugar in chocolate is also thought to affect skin, so if you’re already prone to hormonal acne breakouts during your menstrual cycle this could worsen the effects. 

Some people also believe that cocoa’s tyramine, histamine, and phenylalanine content can contribute to headaches or migraines, so if you already experience these during your cycle you may want to avoid too much chocolate. 

How to get the health benefits from chocolate

Put simply, chocolate is one of the most common foods people crave before their period, and in moderation, you can embrace this. Binging on excessive amounts, though, could do more harm than good. The best ways to ensure you’re milking the benefits are: 

Enjoy it sparingly! Easier said than done but the trick is to enjoy a little, then distract yourself with something else that benefits your PMS, like a gentle walk or ginger tea. 

Stick with dark chocolate, as it’s packed with lots more health benefits and less of the ‘bad stuff’. It’s high in antioxidants and minerals, so a couple of squares when you’re feeling PMS-y can boost your mood AND benefit your health. 

Satisfy your sweet tooth with other treats that taste good but don’t have as many negatives, like healthy smoothies, fruit and nut mix, yoghurt, honey, and energy bars. 

Do you crave chocolate at certain times during your period? How do you make sure you’re staying healthy while enjoying a sweet treat every now and then? We’d love to hear from you! Shout out in our private Facebook group or drop us a note on Insta @itsyoppie. Don't forget that our personalised period box can get organic tampons, PMS supplements and more delivered easily and regularly through your letterbox, which might just help take the edge off those really bad GOTTA CHOC days...!

Period Chocolate Cravings: The Lowdown

“Oh, go on then, just one more bite…”

How many times have you uttered this line the closer you get to your period? It’s not uncommon for your appetite to increase at certain times during your cycle, but what if it’s more than just one more biscuit? One more cake? Or one more scoop of Nutella straight out the jar? (Don’t lie, we’ve all been there…)

If you find yourself regularly indulging in emotional eating, then it could be time to figure out a) what’s causing it, and b) how to regulate the sudden urge to unhinge your jaw and shovel in everything your snack cupboard has to offer. 

It’s difficult to define. Many of us associate any kind of overindulgence with feelings of guilt and shame, but you should never feel this way in your day-to-day life. When it comes to food, you do you! If that means the occasional takeaway and chocolate bender then we’re never going to tell you not to enjoy. But let’s talk about what happens when you yourself feel that your food is controlling you, rather than the other way around, and when you feel your health and energy levels could be suffering as a result. 

You can call it emotional eating or stress eating. The general idea is that we overindulge in food when we feel stressed, anxious or depressed. We turn to food as a comfort, providing a temporary boost in positive emotions thanks to dopamine in our brains, and the more we do this, the more we train our brains to believe that whenever we’re feeling a bit glum, something tasty will perk us right back up. And it does... for a while.  

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