A Beginner's Guide To Sustainable Period Products
This guide shares the pros and cons of non-toxic, sustainable period products to help you decide which reusable menstrual product is best for you.
Let’s be honest, periods are annoying enough without worrying about sustainability.
But here’s the thing - traditional pads and tampons create an enormous amount of waste.
The average person who menstruates will use between 5,000 and 15,000 disposable period products in their lifetime, and most of these end up in landfills or, worse, our oceans.
The other issue is that many disposable pads and tampons contain potentially harmful or irritating substances, such as PFAS, parabens, and heavy metals.
I don’t know about you, but I’d rather not have that kinda thing in my nether regions!
So, what’s the alternative?
You’ll be pleased to learn there are a variety of reusable and sustainable menstrual products available.
It can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming just how much choice there is, but don’t let that put you off.
As I’ve already done all the research (and tried most options), I will explain the benefits, disadvantages, and costs of each eco-friendly period product to help you decide what is right for you.
COMING UP
What are reusable menstrual products?
Are reusable period products worth it?
What is the most sustainable period product?
What Are Reusable Menstrual Products?
Reusable menstrual products are just what they sound like—period care options that can be washed and reused.
The benefit of sustainable period products is they help you reduce your waste and often save you money in the long run.
They come in different forms, from menstrual cups and discs to reusable cloth pads and period underwear.
Are Reusable Period Products Worth It?
Short answer: Yes.
Long answer: They can save you hundreds (if not thousands) of pounds over time while keeping plastic and toxic chemicals out of landfills and water sources.
A menstrual cup, for example, can last up to 10 years with proper care.
Compare that to the single-use nature of disposable pads and tampons and you can see how the savings (and sustainability) add up.
That said, switching to reusables takes a little getting used to. There’s a learning curve, and not every product works for every person.
Hopefully, this blog post will help you figure out what suits your body and lifestyle best.
What Are the Best Alternatives to Pads and Tampons?
If you’re ready to ditch plastic disposables, here are some great options:
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual Discs
Period Underwear
Reusable Cloth Pads
Organic Cotton Pads & Tampons
Menstrual cup
What is it?
A small, flexible cup that you fold and insert inside the vagina to collect blood. It can hold 3x as much blood as a regular tampon and can be worn for up to 12 hours.
How does it work?
A menstrual cup creates a seal against the vaginal walls so the blood goes inside the cup instead of being absorbed by a pad or a tampon.
What is it made from?
Menstrual cups can be made from medical-grade silicone, synthetic rubber, latex, or plastic.
What are the benefits and disadvantages of menstrual cups?
Pros
When inserted correctly, you should not be able to feel a menstrual cup and it should not leak at all.
A menstrual cup saves money in the long run because it only needs to be bought once and can last up to 10 years.
Life cycle assessments found that a menstrual cup is the most sustainable period product.
You never have to worry about running out of period products
You don’t have to carry spare menstrual products wherever you go
A silicone cup is toxin-free
Cons
You need to research which cup will suit your body best. They come in different sizes, and can be firm or soft. It’s also helpful to know your cervix height
There is a bit of a learning curve to inserting them. It may not go right the first time so I wouldn’t try it right before you leave the house
Is less convenient to change in public (but can be done)
Most people can use a cup with an IUD, however, there are some risks and some people may need to avoid them (like if your coil is new, or you have a short cervix). Read more here.
Menstrual disc
What is it?
A flat, thin, flexible disc that you insert inside your vagina. It sits higher in the vaginal canal than a menstrual cup, at the base of your cervix.
How does it work?
Discs don’t create suction. They stay in place by being tucked behind your pubic bone. They collect blood and can stay in for up to 12 hours.
What is it made from?
Medical-grade silicone or polyethene plastic
What are the benefits and disadvantages of menstrual discs?
Pros
More comfortable than a cup
Are safe to use with an IUD
You can have sex with a menstrual disc in
No suction
Easier to fold than a cup
More likely to be happy with the first disc you buy
Cons
There’s a learning curve to inserting it, however, it is usually quicker to get the hang of than a cup
Removing it can be a bit messy
It can sometimes be a bit more involved to remove
Period underwear
What is it?
Also called period pants, they are knickers that absorb period blood and then get washed and reused.
How does it work?
There is a built-in layer in the gusset that absorbs blood.
What is it made from?
Period underwear can be made from cotton, polyester, recycled nylon, bamboo rayon, Tencel, and merino wool
What are the benefits and disadvantages of period underwear?
Pros
Simple, fast, and convenient to use
Because the absorbent part is in the gusset, they are more comfortable than sanitary pads
Easier for children and teenagers to use
Good for irregular cycles
Can help with incontinence
Less bulky than sanitary pads
Different period pants for each flow
Cons
They need washing and some of them can take longer to dry
There is an upfront cost, many people buy them gradually to spread it out
Less convenient to change when you’re not at home (you’ll need to buy a wet bag to keep in your bag)
Fast fashion brands have started making cheap, low-quality period pants.
Not all period pants are free from harmful chemicals and synthetic materials
Cloth sanitary pads
What is it?
A reusable sanitary pad made from fabric that can be washed and reused instead of thrown away after a single use. They are designed to hold more blood than a disposable.
How does it work?
Reusable pads absorb blood just like disposable pads. You secure them in place with poppers or velcro and then pop them in a wet bag until wash day.
What is it made from?
Organic cotton, regular cotton, bamboo rayon, wool, microfibre or polyester.
What are the benefits and disadvantages of reusable cloth pads?
Pros
Fewer or no harmful chemicals compared to disposables
Cost-effective in the long run
You can sell or buy sanitised cloth pads secondhand
Some crafty people make their own to save money
Most people say they are more comfortable than disposables
Lots of pretty patterns and styles
Options for different needs and flows, including postpartum
Cons
Upfront cost
Require a washing machine
More laundry
Some designs can be a bit bulky
Can be tricky to work out which to go for
Some are made from synthetic plastic material that will shed microfibres in the wash and never biodegrade
Fast fashion and supermarkets sell cloth pads using exploitative, secretive supply chains
Organic Tampons + pads
What is it?
Disposable period products that are made without plastic or harsh chemicals.
How does it work?
Absorbs menstrual fluid like conventional products but without plastic applicators or synthetic chemicals.
What is it made from?
100% organic cotton. (If it is not certified organic, there is no evidence the cotton was produced responsibly and without exploitation.)
What are the benefits and disadvantages of Organic Pads + tampons?
Pros
Don’t contain harmful substances that often get added to synthetic disposable menstrual products
No need for washing or sterilising
Plastic-free
Ideal for certain situations, like postpartum bleeding or
Suitable for people without washing machines who don’t want to use a cup
Cons
Still creates waste which is made worse if people flush them
You will need to keep buying new products for every period
Cotton pads can often hold more blood than synthetic pads, however, some people find blood absorbed more slowly
Tampon brands don’t have to disclose all their ingredients and may only contain a small amount of organic material.
What Is the Most Sustainable Menstrual Product?
In 2022, a lifecycle assessment found menstrual cups to be the most sustainable of all menstrual products. Its score was 99% lower than disposables.
Of course, the most sustainable menstrual product is the one you will actually use.
A menstrual cup might be the most eco-friendly, but if you’re uncomfortable using it and end up going back to disposables, it’s not the best choice for you.
The key is finding a balance between sustainability and practicality. Whether that’s period underwear, cloth pads, or mixing reusables with organic tampons, every small change makes a difference.
I hope you found this post useful, let me know your favourite option in the comments below.
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