Palep's 9-year-old daughter, Aviana Campello-Palep, is unreserved and unhesitant when discussing menstruation, unlike her friends who also talk openly about it. This openness has inspired Palep and her daughters to create Girls With Big Dreams, a line of undergarments for tweens, including reusable period underwear. The brand will be launched in early February, with the aim of normalizing period talk and offering environmentally friendly alternatives to disposable pads and tampons. Aviana hopes to make a positive impact by reducing the embarrassment surrounding something as natural as menstruation. This initiative reflects a shift in attitudes towards periods among Gen Z and beyond, who are more open about discussing periods and are increasingly concerned about the environmental sustainability of period products. The combination of the two ideals could indicate a change in how young people are approaching menstruation culturally. There are now more options available for reusable period products such as absorbent underwear, menstrual cups, cloth pads, panty liners, and tampons without applicators than ever before. Some of these products are specifically designed for teenagers and preteens. Michela Bedard, the executive director of Period Inc., a global nonprofit organization focused on providing access to period supplies and eliminating period stigma, stated that this movement is driven by youth. Young people who menstruate are experiencing a different way of managing their periods throughout their lives with reusable products. Although reusable products make up only a small portion of menstruation supplies purchased in the United States, with Americans spending $1.8 billion on pads and $1 billion on tampons annually, the market share for reusable products is expected to increase over the next decade. This growth is largely attributed to the growing acceptance and availability of menstrual cups in Western countries. The average person who menstruates can go through thousands of tampons in their lifetime, according to a 2021 report by the United Nations Environment Programme, which also states that single-use plastic menstrual products take around 500 years to decompose. Members of Generation Z, known for being more environmentally conscious than previous generations, are educating their parents on sustainable ways to manage their monthly cycles. Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and author, no longer has conversations about hiding tampons and pads, as younger generations question the need for secrecy. Natterson's own daughter has introduced her to new menstrual products she learns about from social media influencers and #PeriodTok videos on Instagram. Natterson said that teenagers are more interested in discussing people's experiences rather than reading five-star Amazon reviews. She recently considered using cloth pads again after her daughter suggested it, despite a failed experiment with them years ago. According to historian Lara Freidenfelds, homemade menstrual rags were commonly used until Kotex became the first successful mass-marketed pad in 1921, marking a shift towards disposability and aspirational branding in the modern era. In the 1970s, discussions about sustainability in menstrual care began with the use of cloth pads and sponges. People who were idealistic and concerned about the environment found the available products to be impractical. Over the years, convenience has often taken precedence over sustainability. Today, parents of Generation Z individuals have access to improved menstrual technology, such as more effective cloth pads and period underwear made of highly absorbent yet slim fabric. With these advancements, parents can offer their children more sustainable options and potentially reduce the more than 15 billion disposable menstrual products that end up in American landfills each year. Nadya Okamoto, a former executive director of Period Inc. and co-founder of the sustainable menstrual products brand August, expressed excitement about the future world when progressive Gen Zers become parents in 20 years. Despite cultural shifts and technological advances, there are still significant barriers to widespread use of reusable or recyclable products. Anaya Balaji, a 13-year-old, mentioned that disposable pads are the easiest to find and buy when first getting your period, with Always being a common presence in her California high school bathrooms. Anaya also serves as an online community leader for the Inner Cycle, connecting with peers on social media to provide education and awareness for the August brand. She mentioned that there are products available that are suitable for your body and also benefit the environment. However, some young individuals cannot afford reusable products, particularly in areas where period poverty is an issue. Even though investing in items like $25 underwear or a $60 cup can save money in the long run, many people do not have that extra money each month. Bedard, whose organization helps the economically disadvantaged, highlighted that reusable and recyclable products face a "tampon tax" in several states, which is seen as discriminatory and activists are working to repeal it. In 2021, some states like Louisiana, Maine, and Vermont eliminated the tax on menstrual products. Despite efforts by young people to normalize periods, the cultural stigma surrounding menstruation remains strong. Taboos related to virginity, purity, and cleanliness in various cultures and religions discourage open discussion and may hinder the use of internal menstrual products like tampons or cups. Corporate messaging often focuses on discretion and cleanliness, reinforcing the idea that periods are dirty or shameful. Chella Quint, a menstrual activist and author, believes that the disposable menstrual product industry has played a significant role in perpetuating negative taboos. According to Natterson, menstrual health is a public health concern that transcends gender. To address the stigmas related to menstruation, it is important for everyone, including those who do not menstruate, to feel comfortable discussing periods. Natterson emphasized the importance of teaching her son to be supportive and respectful towards others by being prepared to help a classmate in need of a tampon or pad. She believes that it is essential for everyone to be involved in promoting respect for others' bodies.