Does Gen Z Actually Care About Sustainability? Look at Natural Period Care
by Zana Shabani, Marketing Intern at Viv
Over the past years, I have noticed a significant change in rising sustainable awareness amongst the new generation. Some may say it is because Gen Z are trendsetters and followers of trends, but education and easier access to news across the world are also some of the main reasons for this.
Who really is Gen Z? Gen Z is known for growing up in a digital age with widespread access to technology and the internet from a young age. Digital fluency, inclusivity and sustainable awareness are typical characteristics for people born in this era.
Gen Z is very aware of sustainability as a whole, but what about sustainable period care? How accessible is it, and how much is the younger generation willing to pay for it? Does price trump sustainability? Before starting my internship at Viv, I can honestly say that I had never explored sustainable period products, and just went with the period products that my mother and sisters had given me from a young age.
It didn’t take long after starting my internship at Viv to realize the negative impact that traditional pads have on the environment. I was mildly shocked when I learned that it takes up to 800 years for one pad to break down. The fascination and guilt hit me like a combo box of Viv liners and pads (see what I did there), and I was ready to learn more about sustainable period care.
I asked my Gen Z friends and acquaintances what they look for when shopping for period care. Price and accessibility were the two factors that played the biggest role. Some admitted they have little knowledge about sustainable period care and that they don’t prioritize it when they get their period. On the contrary, they said that they wish they knew more about sustainable period products and that if it was more visible on store shelves, they would reach for it before any other traditional pad or tampon. Furthermore, the menstrual cup is not the first thing they think about when looking for period care. I am going to try the Viv Cup for the first time this week and can’t wait to see how it goes!
Think about the stress you go through when you have a beach day, long flight or a long hike planned, but you know you will be on your period. We have all been there, when you need to plan & find the closest toilet and bring an emergency kit “just in case”. Imagine the stress relief just by using a cup that you can leave in up to 12 hours before needing to change it. Yes please!
As a generation, Gen Z does care more about sustainability and is more aware of our sustainable footprint on the world, but period care is something that needs more attention and more accessible education. Many people think they need to make big changes to contribute to sustainability in the world, but it is the small steps that count. Starting with adjusting your routine when it’s that time of the month can have a huge impact! And why not start right here, with your cool older sister, Viv? I know I will.
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