Palep's 9-year-old daughter, Aviana Campello-Palep, has a refreshing attitude towards discussing periods, approaching the topic without any self-consciousness. Aviana and her younger sister Anaya, 8, have collaborated with their mother to create Girls With Big Dreams, a line of undergarments for tweens, including reusable period underwear. Their brand is set to launch in February and will be available online. Aviana hopes to remove the stigma surrounding periods and make a positive impact on others' lives. This family's openness about menstruation reflects a larger trend among Gen Z and beyond, who are more open about their periods and are interested in environmentally sustainable period products. The combination of the two ideals may indicate a cultural change in how young people are approaching menstruation. There are now more options available for reusable period products such as absorbent underwear, menstrual cups, cloth pads, panty liners, and applicator-free tampons than ever before, some specifically designed for teens and tweens. Michela Bedard, the executive director of Period Inc., a global nonprofit organization focused on providing access to period supplies and reducing period stigma, stated that this movement is driven by young people. Young individuals who menstruate are experiencing a different way of managing their periods with reusable products throughout their lives. Despite reusable products only making up 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, far exceeding the sales of all other products combined, the market share for reusable products is expected to increase over the next decade. This growth is largely due to the greater acceptance and availability of menstrual cups in Western countries. The average person who menstruates can go through thousands of tampons in their lifetime, and a recent report from the United Nations Environment Programme revealed that single-use plastic menstrual products can take up to 500 years to decompose. Gen Z, known for their involvement in climate change and sustainability efforts, are educating their parents on more open and eco-friendly ways to manage their monthly cycles. Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and author, has noticed a shift in attitudes among young people who question the need to hide their menstrual products and are more open about discussing new sustainable options. Her own daughter has introduced her to innovative products she finds on social media platforms like Instagram and #PeriodTok videos. According to Natterson, teenagers prefer to discuss people's experiences rather than relying on five-star Amazon reviews. Natterson recently reconsidered using cloth pads after her daughter suggested it, despite a previous failed attempt. Lara Freidenfelds, a historian, notes that the current trend of environmental sustainability and menstruation is not new, as homemade menstrual rags were common until the mass-marketing of Kotex in 1921. In the 1970s, discussions about sustainability in menstrual care began with experiments using cloth pads and sponges. Young idealistic individuals were dissatisfied with the lack of practical products available. Convenience has historically taken precedence over sustainability. Today, advancements in menstrual technology benefit parents of Gen Zers, with modern cloth pads and absorbent period underwear being more practical options. New menstruators often seek advice and products from their parents, who can now offer more eco-friendly alternatives to disposable pads and tampons, potentially reducing the 15 billion disposable products that end up in American landfills each year. Nadya Okamoto, former executive director of Period Inc. and co-founder of August, a sustainable menstrual products brand, expressed excitement about the future world shaped by progressive Gen Zers becoming parents in 20 years. Despite cultural shifts and technological advancements, there are obstacles to the widespread use of reusable or recyclable products. Anaya Balaji, a 13-year-old, highlighted the convenience of disposable pads when starting menstruation, noting their prevalence in school bathrooms. Anaya also serves as an online community leader for the Inner Cycle, connecting with peers through social media to educate and raise awareness about sustainable menstrual products. She said that there are products available that are suitable for your body and are beneficial for both you and the environment. However, some young people cannot afford reusable products, particularly in communities where period poverty is a concern. Despite the fact that investing in a $25 pair of underwear or a $60 cup could ultimately save money, many people do not have that extra money every month. Bedard, who works with economically disadvantaged individuals, highlighted that reusable and recyclable products are also subject to a "tampon tax" in many states, which is considered discriminatory and activists are working to repeal it nationally. In 2021, Louisiana, Maine, and Vermont eliminated the tax on menstrual products. Despite efforts to normalize periods, the cultural stigma surrounding menstruation persists, influenced by patriarchal taboos around virginity, purity, and cleanliness. Corporate messaging often promotes discreetness and cleanliness, reinforcing negative stereotypes about periods. Menstrual activist Chella Quint believes that the disposable menstrual product industry has played a role in perpetuating these taboos. Menstrual health is a public health issue that affects people of all genders, according to Natterson. To address the stigma surrounding menstruation, it is important for everyone, including those who do not menstruate, to feel comfortable discussing periods, according to Natterson. She has educated her 16-year-old son on how to support classmates who may need assistance with menstrual hygiene products, emphasizing the importance of respecting others' bodies. She believes that everyone should be involved in promoting this dialogue.