Palep's 9-year-old daughter, Aviana Campello-Palep, does not shy away from discussing periods like her friends do. She, along with her sister Anaya, have created Girls With Big Dreams, a line of undergarments for tweens, including reusable period underwear. They aim to normalize conversations about periods and provide eco-friendly alternatives to disposable pads and tampons. The girls represent a new generation that is open about periods and values sustainability in their products. The merging of two ideas may indicate a cultural shift in how young people are approaching menstruation. 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 preteens. Michela Bedard, executive director of Period Inc., a global nonprofit dedicated to providing access to period supplies and reducing period stigma, stated that this movement is primarily driven by youth. Young individuals who menstruate are now managing their periods with reusables throughout their lives, offering a completely different experience. While reusable products currently make up a small portion of menstruation supplies purchased in the US, with Americans spending $1.8 billion on pads and $1 billion on tampons annually, the market share for reusable products is expected to grow in the next decade. This growth is largely driven by the increased acceptance and availability of menstrual cups in Western countries. However, the average person who menstruates can use thousands of tampons in their lifetime. According to a 2021 report from the United Nations Environment Programme, single-use plastic menstrual products take around 500 years to decompose. Generation Z, known for being more involved in climate change and sustainability efforts than previous generations, is educating their parents on new, open, and sustainable ways to manage their monthly cycle. Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and author, has noticed a shift in attitudes towards menstrual products among young people, with her own 18-year-old daughter introducing her to new products from influencers on social media platforms like Instagram and #PeriodTok videos. In a recent conversation, Natterson mentioned that teenagers prefer discussing personal experiences over reading five-star Amazon reviews. She considered trying cloth pads again after her daughter suggested it, despite a previous unsuccessful experience with them. According to historian Lara Freidenfelds, interest in environmental sustainability and menstruation is not new, as homemade menstrual rags were common until the mass-marketing of disposable pads in 1921 by Kotex, which was seen as aspirational during that time of modernity. Discussions about sustainability in menstrual care began in the 1970s as people tried out cloth pads and sponges. There were always young idealistic individuals who thought about these issues but found the available products impractical. Sustainability has often been sacrificed for convenience. Today, parents of Gen Zers have access to improved menstrual technology, such as highly absorbent period underwear. New menstruators often seek advice and products from parents, who can now offer more sustainable options than just disposable pads or tampons, potentially reducing the 15 billion disposable products that end up in American landfills each year. "The future world that will emerge when today's progressive Gen Zers become parents in 20 years is going to be captivating," remarked Nadya Okamoto, a former executive director of Period Inc. and co-founder of the sustainable menstrual products brand August. Despite advancements in technology and cultural changes, there are still significant obstacles preventing the widespread adoption of reusable or recyclable products. Anaya Balaji, a 13-year-old, noted that when girls first get their period, disposable pads are the most readily available option. Anaya, who is a community leader for the Inner Cycle, an online forum for the August brand, connects with her peers on social media to provide education and raise awareness about sustainable menstrual products." She mentioned that it is possible to find products that are both suitable for your body and beneficial for the environment. However, some young individuals may not be able to afford reusable products, especially in areas where period poverty is a problem. Despite the cost-saving benefits of investing in items like $25 underwear or a $60 cup, many people do not have the funds to make such purchases every month. Additionally, reusable and recyclable products are often subject to a "tampon tax" in various states, which activists argue is sexist and discriminatory. They have been working to repeal these taxes nationwide through legislative efforts. In 2021, some states like Louisiana, Maine, and Vermont eliminated the tax on menstrual products. Despite efforts to normalize periods by younger generations, there is still a cultural stigma surrounding menstruation. Patriarchal taboos related to virginity, purity, and cleanliness in various cultures and religions hinder discussions and can discourage the use of internal menstrual products. Corporate messaging often focuses on discreetness and cleanliness, contributing to the perception that periods are dirty or negative. According to menstrual activist Chella Quint, the disposable menstrual product industry has played a significant role in perpetuating these negative taboos. Menstrual health is a public health concern that is not limited by gender, as stated by Natterson. In order 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 ensures that her son is aware of how to support classmates who may need assistance with menstrual products or clothing. Natterson believes that teaching people to respect others' bodies is a conversation that everyone should be involved in.