Palep's 9-year-old daughter, Aviana Campello-Palep, has no reservations or hesitations when discussing periods with her friends. She views it as a normal part of a girl's life. These open discussions led Palep and her daughters to create Girls With Big Dreams, a line of undergarments for tweens, including reusable period underwear. The brand is set to launch in early February and will be available online. Aviana hopes to make a positive impact by normalizing periods and reducing embarrassment. The Campello-Palep girls are part of a growing trend where younger generations are more open about periods and are concerned about the environmental sustainability of period products. The coming together of the two ideals could indicate a change 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 available on the market than ever before, some specifically designed for teenagers and preteens. Michela Bedard, executive director of Period Inc., a global nonprofit focused on providing access to period supplies and ending period stigma, stated that this movement is being driven by young people. Young individuals who menstruate are experiencing a different way of managing their periods throughout their lives with reusable products. Even though 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, far exceeding sales of all other products combined, the market share for reusable products is expected to increase in the coming years. This growth is largely attributed to the wider acceptance and availability of menstrual cups in Western countries. The average menstruator may use thousands of tampons in their lifetime, and according to a 2021 report from the United Nations Environment Programme, single-use plastic menstrual products can take up to 500 years to decompose. Gen Z members, who are more likely to be involved in climate change and sustainability efforts, are educating their parents on sustainable ways to manage their monthly cycle. Dr. Cara Natterson, a pediatrician and author, has noticed a shift in attitudes among young people towards openly discussing and using sustainable menstrual products. Her daughter has introduced her to new products on the market, often discovered through social media influencers. According to Natterson, teenagers are more interested in discussing people's experiences rather than reading five-star Amazon reviews. Recently, Natterson considered using cloth pads again at the request of her daughter, even though they did not work well for her in the past. Historian Lara Freidenfelds noted that environmental sustainability and menstruation are trending topics, but homemade menstrual rags were commonly used until the mass-marketing of disposable pads in 1921. The initial extensive discussions about sustainability in menstrual care began in the 1970s when people started using cloth pads and sponges. According to one source, young idealistic individuals have always thought about these issues but found the available products to be impractical. Sustainability has traditionally been compromised for convenience. Nowadays, parents of Generation Z benefit from advancements in menstrual technology, such as modern cloth pads and period underwear made of highly absorbent yet non-bulky fabric. New menstruators often seek guidance and products from their parents, who can now provide more sustainable options to help reduce the massive amount of 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 curiosity about the future world when progressive Gen Zers become parents in 20 years. Despite cultural shifts and technological advances, there are still significant obstacles to the widespread use of reusable or recyclable products. Anaya Balaji, a 13-year-old, noted that disposable pads are the easiest to find and buy when first getting one's period, with the school bathrooms stocked with the brand Always. 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 stated that it is possible to find products that are both suitable for your body and beneficial for the environment. However, there are some young individuals who cannot afford reusable products, particularly in areas where period poverty is a concern. Despite the cost-saving benefits of investing in items like $25 underwear or a $60 cup, many people do not have the means to make such purchases on a monthly basis. Bedard, who works with economically disadvantaged individuals, pointed out that reusable and recyclable products are also subjected to a "tampon tax" in several states, which activists believe is discriminatory and have been working to repeal through legislative efforts. In 2021, several states like Louisiana, Maine, and Vermont eliminated the tax on menstrual products. Despite efforts to normalize periods, cultural stigmas surrounding menstruation, including patriarchal taboos on virginity and purity, continue to persist. These taboos can hinder conversations and the use of internal menstrual products like tampons or cups. Corporate messaging often focuses on discreetness and cleanliness, reinforcing the idea that periods are dirty or bad. Menstrual activist Chella Quint believes the disposable menstrual product industry has played a significant role in perpetuating negative taboos. Menstrual health is a public health issue that does not discriminate based on gender, according to Natterson. To challenge stigmas surrounding menstruation, it is important for everyone, regardless of whether they menstruate or not, 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 issues, emphasizing the importance of respecting others' bodies and encouraging everyone to be involved in this dialogue.