Palep's 9-year-old daughter, Aviana Campello-Palep, has a confident and open attitude towards discussing periods, in contrast to her friends who may feel self-conscious. This 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 launch in February with the goal of normalizing period talk and providing environmentally friendly options. The Campello-Palep girls represent a shift in attitudes towards periods, with younger generations being more open and environmentally conscious. The coming together of the two ideals could indicate a shift in how young people are approaching menstruation culturally. There are now more options for reusable period products such as absorbent underwear, menstrual cups, cloth pads, panty liners, and applicator-free tampons on the market than ever before, some specifically designed for teenagers and pre-teens. Michela Bedard, executive director of Period Inc., a global nonprofit focused on providing access to period supplies and eliminating period stigma, stated that this entire movement is driven by youth. Young people who menstruate are now managing their periods with reusables throughout their lives, resulting in a completely different experience. Reusable products make up only a small portion of menstruation supplies purchased in the United States, as Americans spend $1.8 billion on pads and $1 billion on tampons annually, which is much more than the sales of all other products combined. However, forecasters predict that the market share for reusable products will increase over the next decade, largely due 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, which can take about 500 years to decompose according to a 2021 report from the United Nations Environment Programme. Members of Gen Z, who are more likely to be involved in climate change and sustainability efforts, are educating their parents on more open and sustainable ways to manage their monthly cycle. Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and author, no longer has conversations about hiding menstrual products because young people are questioning the need to do so. Natterson's daughter has introduced her to new menstrual products from social media influencers and #PeriodTok videos. “She mentioned that teenagers are interested in hearing about people’s personal experiences rather than just reading five-star Amazon reviews. Natterson recently thought about trying cloth pads again after her teenage daughter suggested it, despite a previous unsuccessful attempt. According to Lara Freidenfelds, a historian, homemade menstrual rags were commonly used until Kotex introduced the first mass-marketed pad in 1921, emphasizing disposability as a symbol of modernity and success.” In the 1970s, discussions about sustainability in menstrual care began with the use of cloth pads and sponges. According to one source, there were always young people who were idealistic and concerned about these issues but found the available products to be impractical. Sustainability has often been overlooked in favor of convenience. Today, parents of Gen Zers have access to improved menstrual technology, such as more advanced cloth pads and highly absorbent period underwear. New menstruators now have the option to receive guidance and products from their parents that can help reduce the large number of disposable menstrual products that end up in landfills each year in America. Nadya Okamoto, a former executive director of Period Inc. and co-founder of the sustainable menstrual products brand August, is intrigued by the prospect of the world that will exist when progressive Gen Zers become parents in 20 years. Despite cultural shifts and technological advances, there are still obstacles hindering the widespread use of reusable or recyclable products. Anaya Balaji, 13, notes that disposable pads are the most readily available option for those getting their period for the first time, with Always being a common brand found in school bathrooms. Anaya, who is an online community leader for the Inner Cycle, connects with her peers on social media to promote education and awareness about sustainable menstrual products. She stated that it is possible to find products that suit your body, work well for you, and are also beneficial for the environment. However, there are some young individuals who cannot afford reusable products, particularly in communities where period poverty is prevalent. Despite the fact that investing in a $25 pair of underwear or a $60 cup could ultimately save money, many people do not have the funds to make that investment every month. Reusable and recyclable products, like disposable ones, are also subject to a "tampon tax" in numerous states. Activists believe that such taxes are discriminatory and have been working to repeal them nationwide through legislative means. 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 continues to persist. Patriarchal 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. Menstrual activist Chella Quint believes that the disposable menstrual product industry has played a significant role in perpetuating negative taboos. Menstrual health is seen as a public health issue by experts like Natterson, who emphasizes that it is not specific to any one gender. To challenge the stigmas surrounding menstruation, it is important for everyone to be able to openly discuss periods, even if they do not experience them. Natterson emphasized the importance of teaching her son to be considerate towards others by being prepared to offer assistance to classmates in need of period products. She believes that promoting respect for others' bodies is a conversation that everyone should be involved in.