With the recent reports of COVID-19 increasing throughout the US, now is the time where products will undoubtedly be even harder to come by.  At Apele, we like to focus on the hope of the future, while also acknowledging the current conditions. With widely shared reports of toilet paper shortages and empty shelves, there’s no better time than now to update some of your consumption habits. This isn’t just good for the pandemic - it’s good for the planet.  Here, we list some of the top reusable products you can invest in that will be there for you for the long haul and through long periods of quarantine.  

For Vaginal Health 

Periods will come no matter what the environment looks like.  They have a schedule all their own. That said, it’s best to have reusable and sustainable products for your menstrual cycle whether you’re in an apocalypse or utopia. 

If you’re a pad user, we like the use of cloth pads,  which are alternatives to disposable pads & tampons. They feature modern washable, cloth pads which can be used time and time again.  No more purchasing bulky pads with that pink tax and no more throwing biohazard, bloody waste away just to overwhelm the landfill with products. 

Menstrual cups can be magical in their own right.  These cups hold a large amount of liquid and come in varying sizes for comfort and to accommodate flow accordingly. They stay put, and can be worn for up to 12 hours, even when you're active.

Obviously, pantyliners can catch all things - no matter what’s going on below the belt. Are we ever really not producing some form of bodily fluid?  Not really. A healthy vagina is regularly secreting among other ‘mishaps’ that happen in the form of untimely periods, excessive sweat and discharge, even incontinence from the bladder. That said, our Apele underwear are the perfect sustainable solution to pantyliners. Get all day, everyday comfort and protection.  Then wash and wear again and again! 

For Ear Health

Have you heard? Reusable cotton swabs by LastSwab are the latest Kickstarter frnaxy that was funded in just 40 minutes from launching! LastSwab is a reusable, sustainable and sanitary alternative to cotton swabs, buds, and Q-tips. It helps combat the billions of single-use cotton swabs that are produced every day. 

For Teeth Health

There are several environmentally conscious toothbrush brands on the market such as Preserve, which is made from recycled yogurt cups and offers a mail back program so toothbrushes can be re-recycled. These aren’t just reusable, they are oftentimes made from compostable products like bamboo. 

For Toilet Time

According to Greenpeace, “Americans could save more than 400,000 trees if each family bought a roll of recycled toilet paper—just once.” So, while toilet paper is certainly one of the most trending shopping items during COVID, it is also one that is consumable and not really reusable.  For that reason, you can look into buying smart, recyclable options, as well as, opting for washcloths that can be used, washed and used again. 

If you haven’t already heard of such, a bidet could go a long way in replacing toilet paper because it does so much cleaning for you, you’ll use less of that precious TP when, well, stuff hits the ...pan. Bidets are primarily used to wash and clean the genitalia, perineum, inner buttocks, and anus. Some bidets have a vertical jet intended to give easy access for washing and rinsing the perineum and anal area. Once this area is washed clean, you may just need a square of TP or your washcloth to pat dry. Talk about “going” green!

Face and Body Washing

It can be so tempting to opt for a cotton ball or makeup removing wipe each time you go to cleanse your face. However, traditional cleansing wipes can pile up in landfills just like body wipes and ultimately harm the planet if they aren't sustainable or biodegradable. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives. A quick search of eco-friendly and reusable face cloths will populate a ton of options for you to choose from and support. 

With so much of our focus currently on health and hygiene, now is the perfect time to really identify what products you use and discard daily.  Begin slowly, and maybe even use some of your frugal funds to invest in something that will pay for itself and beyond in the coming years and even decades! To learn more about Apele technology and our efforts to support COVID-19, follow us on Facebook or Instagram and share your ideas as well! 

Stay Home (and Hygenic!)

Apele Team