Daily Skimm Weekend: Thinx, Timed Tech Breaks, and Long Reads

Time to Thinx Again

Bloody hell: Recently, headline after headline has put a spotlight on PFAS. The “forever chemicals” are found in things like non-stick cookware, clothing, some cosmetics…and allegedly period underwear. Add it to the list of things people have to deal with while on their period.

The Story

Thinx has settled a class-action lawsuit alleging the brand’s reusable period underwear contains potentially harmful chemicals known as PFAS. Reminder: PFAS have been linked to infertility, lowered immune responses, and cancer. The company denied the allegations in the suit but agreed to partly reimburse customers who qualify (see if you do here). Even though the company maintains PFAS aren’t part of their product design, news of the settlement has apparently rattled users — especially since the brand marketed itself as “organic, sustainable, and non-toxic.” Now, many people say they feel as if they’re back to square one.

What do you mean?

Access to quality — let alone comfortable — period products can be a struggle. Pads and tampons can build up waste and include dioxins. Menstrual cups, while cost-effective, can be messy. Then, there’s the cost factor: Dozens of states continue to tax period products, which are already pricey. For a lot of people, reusable period underwear was a cost-saving and eco-friendly answer. 

What can people do now?

Since the FDA doesn't require companies to list all the individual ingredients in tampons and pads, it can be tricky to find the best fit. One option is to try to stay steer clear of products that include fragrances, colorants, and whiteners — if you can. That can help reduce your exposure to potentially harmful chemicals. Another idea is to call your lawmakers to push for transparency. A few years ago, a New York law was passed that requires ingredients to be listed in period product packaging in the state. But there’s still a long way to go.

theSkimm

Once again, we’ve been reminded that many products have faults. But there are steps you can take to limit your exposure and stay safe.

Bookmark'd

Here's a look at the reads we’ve saved, texted, and emailed to our friends…

Sleepovers Have Gotten Very Complicated…remember when R-rated movies were a big concern? Today's parents are worried about guns and social media.

Models Over 60 Surge in Popularity for Fashion and Beauty Brands…a look into the silver wave that’s breaking the conventional standard of modeling. 

Boosting Black Women In Physics With The Aim Of Making A Big Bang In Business…how one astrophysicist made a tool to help women with PhDs break into the startup space. 

They Rejected Diet Culture 30 Years Ago. Then They Went Mainstream…meet the two women behind intuitive eating.

Downtime

Downtime doesn’t have to mean doing nothing. Here’s one idea for making the most of your weekend.

Feeling more distracted than usual? You're not alone. Recently, researchers have found that our attention spans have shrunk in the last 20 years — from 2.5 minutes to 47 seconds. Between social media and regular rings and pings from our phones and laptops — especially common since WFH entered the picture — it's easy to jump from distraction to distraction. The good news? You can take back some control. Here are some tips to get started:

• Understand your distractions. Consider muting some of your group chats — or your Slack notifications when you aren’t on the clock. Smartphones like the iPhone also make it easier to set Do Not Disturb or Work mode to limit interruptions and help you focus on the task at hand.

• Build timed breaks into your schedule. Think: Taking a walk outside without your phone or smartwatch. Meditating on your sofa. Cooking a meal without checking a screen. Trust us, your eyes (and brain) will thank you.

• Read material that’s not on a screen. Reading on your phones or laptops can make you more prone to scrolling and scanning over whatever you’re reading. But by “deep reading” something on paper, you may begin to notice an increase in your focus and engagement. And you're prevented from doomscrolling or finding yourself in an endless video loop on your FYP.