Biodegradable is NOT Debatable! — Lily The Wandering Gypsy

Biodegradable is NOT debatable! I wanted to share a quick post with you today, sharing one of our latest projects with Organic Initiative.

Consider using 100% pure organic cotton Oi Regular Tampons (which are free of synthetics, plastics, chlorine bleaching, perfumes and chemical dyes. Everything which should be avoided anyway!

Here are some important tips and FAQ’s that I found on the OI website, here!

At Oi we pride ourselves on giving you all the information you need to make informed choices about what you put into your body. Therefore we have answered some of the questions you may have regarding your health and environmental concerns below.

What are Oi products made from?

Oi tampons, pads and liners are made from certified organic cotton. Oi wrappers are made from bioplastic, meaning they are made from plant starches. Our boxes are recyclable and our inks are made from vegetable dyes.

All Oi products are free from chlorine, synthetics such as rayon and polypropylene, chemicals, dyes, fragrances, and lubricants, they are also biodegradable.

Oi products are sourced from sound ecologically managed producers and cruelty-free.

Where is the cotton sourced from?

Our cotton comes from a range of GOTS (Global Organic Textiles Standard) certified farms including the USA, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and Turkey.

How do you ensure production is in line with your environmental policy?

Every year, billions of plastic laden menstrual pads and tampons are disposed of and the majority of conventional pads are made from crude oil plastic which pollutes our fragile ecosystems.

Plastic waste from menstrual pads and tampons is often found littering our beaches causing disease and compromising public health. Plastics tangle marine animals, killing or injuring either by suffocation, strangulation, drowning or by the reduction of movement and thereby hampering the animal’s ability to feed.

All Oi products are BioGro certified, New Zealand's leading organisation.

By choosing Oi, you are saying no to the use of crude oil plastics.

What are other non-organic tampons and pads made from?

Most menstrual pads, liners and tampons contain synthetics.

These are made up of plastics such as polythene, polypropylene and polyacrylate super absorbent gel, surfactants and chlorine-bleached wood pulp - as well as fragrance and colours.

Tampons are commonly made from chlorine bleached rayon or a combination of conventionally grown cotton, one the most highly sprayed crops on earth and rayon.

Chlorine bleaching practises produce dioxin as a by-product - a substance linked to health issues such as cancer, endometriosis and immune system compromise. By choosing Oi you are saying No to the use of synthetics and chemicals in your tampons and pads.

Why is organic cotton better?

Many women experience vaginal itching, irritation, soreness and discharge.

Just as we are recommended cotton underwear because it is soft, pure and breathable Oi recommends all women choose 100% certified organic cotton tampons and pads.

How does natural cotton compare with organic cotton?

“Natural” cotton commonly refers to the fact there are no synthetics and plastics added to the natural fiber after the plant is harvested.

However this does not mean that the cotton is chemical free. Conventional cotton is sprayed extensively with pesticides and other dangerous chemicals.

Non-organic cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops in the world, using more than 25% of the world’s total insecticides. Organic cotton is made from non-genetically modified plant which is grown without use of any synthetic agricultural chemicals such as fertilisers or pesticides.

Is organic cotton just as reliable as synthetic products?

Yes.

I’m thinking of switching to Oi but I’m worried that the products won’t work as well as the ones I’ve been using.

Yes. You can trust that Oi products are convenient, comfortable, safe and reliable.

Where are Oi products made ?

Oi is a New Zealand owned company. Our products are made in Europe and adhere to the strict guidelines set out by GOTS (Global organic textile standard) BioGro (New Zealand’s organic certifier and the FDA (Food and drug administration) from farm to you.

What certification standards do Oi products have?

All Oi products carry the highest certifications.

These include GOTS (Global organic textile standard) and BioGro (the leading voice in organics for New Zealand and the Pacific).

What about Fair Trade?

Fair Trade is a certification for products produced in developing countries that do not have industrial labour laws. Our products are manufactured in first world, developed countries (Europe) that have fair labour laws and working conditions.