Let’s be real, when it comes to our period most of us don’t want to talk about it.
We want to go to the store, get what we need, and go about our lives.
It’s how we were taught.
But what if we stopped to consider the environmental impact of traditional period products?
These facts are just SOME of what we would find:
- The average woman will use about 11,000 disposable menstrual products in her lifetime and about 90% of these products will be plastic
- The average woman will throw away about 250 to 300 lbs of “pads, plugs, and applicators” over the course of her lifetime
- There are about 4 plastic bags of plastic in a standard pad (including wrapper)
- Our plastic period garbage will outlive us as it takes about 1000 years to decompose
This isn’t good. For every month we purchase traditional period products we are contributing to a growing garbage pile that will be there even after we are gone!
On top of all of that standard period products are expensive!
In just doing some quick math, I can estimate I would spend about $6,000 dollars on period products over the course of my reproductive years (if $13 is spent each period on products and I am menstruating for the average 38 years).
So what can we do to help the environment and our wallet!?
Get excited, there are many ways! As women now are opening the door to period conversation there has been a flood (no pun intended) of amazing products that can help you create a planet-friendly period!
So to be kind to the environment and our wallet here are some sustainable swaps for a planet-friendly period!
1. Menstrual Cups ($35-50)
A menstrual cup or period cup is one option I thought I would forever steer clear from, just from reading the name. After bucking up and getting the courage to try it out though, I have to say it has been the best investment I have made.
What is it? A menstrual cup is a small, flexible, reusable cup that is inserted low in the vagina and collects menstrual fluid. It can be used safely for up to 12 hours and holds multiple tampons worth of period flow.
Though the initial investment of a menstrual cup is about $35 to $50, this sustainable period option packs some serious planet-friendly period pros!
After the initial cost, and the brief time it took to master using the cup properly, I love it!
A menstrual cup is now my main form of period protection and every month I can get excited about a zero-waste, zero-cost, planet-friendly period!
My recommendation: If you are interested in making a switch I would recommend purchasing a cup labeled “Starter” or “Beginner”. I use the Flex cup and highly recommend it.
What I own: Flex Cup (Slim Fit), Saalt Cup Wash, Pixie Cup UV Sterilizer
2. Period Underwear ($20-40)
Not as keen on the menstrual cup? Maybe instead try a different planet-friendly alternative, period underwear! This is my favorite option for sleeping as I can have peace of mind about no leaks and do not need a bulky pad.
What is it? Period underwear is washable, reusable underwear designed to absorb menstrual fluid. With their specially layered design, they are made to trap and absorb menstrual fluid, preventing leaks, and allowing you to go about your day.
When you are done using them, you can follow the care instructions (most are machine wash-cold and hang dry) to keep them in good shape for years!
Period underwear is an amazing thing to have on hand during your period. I often use them at night because of how comfortable they are or near the end of my period when my period is lighter. With so many different styles, colors, and sizes it is the ultimate way to ride out your period in comfort!
My recommendation: I currently recommend the Knix brand of period underwear based on reviews from friends! *I also want to disclose that I was recently informed of a potential upcoming class-action lawsuit against the Thinx period underwear brand due to concerns of harmful chemicals in their underwear. Thus, until this lawsuit concludes, and there is sufficient evidence that Thinx products are safe, I do not recommend Thinx brand period underwear.*
3. Reusable Cloth Pads ($10-30)
As I said earlier traditional pads are a serious waste creator as each one uses about 4 plastic bags of plastic to make. On top of that, pads can contain harmful chemicals that are not required to be listed on the packaging.
To protect yourself and the environment, consider switching to a reusable cloth pad!
What is it? A Reusable Cloth Pad is just what it sounds like. It is a cloth pad that is generally made of highly absorbent materials to trap and absorb menstrual fluid just like a traditional pad. Unlike a traditional pad though, it can then be washed and reused!
This sustainable swap is a great alternative if you are looking for a planet-friendly period product that can be used any time of the month. With so many options available there is a size, absorbency, and design bound to please everyone.
While I have not yet tried reusable pads, they are high on my list to buy next. After learning more about the chemicals used in traditional pads and the amount of waste they create, cloth pads are a planet-friendly period product that just makes sense to me!
Recommendation: Based on my research I would recommend the Teamoy Pads and Luna Pads. (If you use them and enjoy please tell me as I am purchasing my set soon!)
4. Eco-Friendly Tampons
If none of the options above jump at you then my final request is to please do research on your tampons and choose an eco-friendly option!
There are brands that sell tampons with cardboard applicators and paper wrappings, some with no applicator at all, and others that commit to low-waste tampons.
TOTM is a great example as they carry a line of period products that are:
- Sustainably-sourced certified organic cotton
- Use biodegradable cardboard applicators
- Soon to be launching a reusable applicator
- Use compostable and recyclable packaging
- Make products in a factory powered by renewable energy
As much as I love my other sustainable swaps, I still find myself using a tampon occasionally.
Being brought up with them they can feel more comfortable for me to use for certain situations when I am on the go. While I try to always buy an eco-friendly tampon option, my goal is to eventually stop using them entirely.
My recommendation: Do your research to find an eco-friendly tampon brand that works best for you. A small input of your time can have a big impact on the planet. If you are trying to decide though as you read this post on your way out the door, then maybe try Seventh Generation Tampons. They promote being made of %100 Organic Cotton, free from any unnecessary fragrances or deodorants, and provide options with cardboard applicators or no applicator at all.
So here we are!
Now that you have some ideas for a planet-friendly period lined up, let’s make some swaps!!
For me, I use a combination of a menstrual cup, period underwear, and once in a while will use a traditional pad or eco-friendly tampon (Currently in the market for reusable pads).
While I probably spent about $150 upfront on these products all together, I now enjoy zero-cost periods for years to come making myself and my wallet happy!
If you have enjoyed this post and make some changes let me know! I love to hear from you about what worked best or what you found most helpful!
Also, if you are interested in learning more about menstrual cups keep an eye out as I will soon be posting a Menstrual Cup Guide that will explore that topic in detail!
Disclaimer: I am not a medical doctor and I encourage you to please consult with your doctor if you want to learn more about changing your period products. The opinions expressed on my website reflect my personal experiences and ongoing investigations into sustainable period products.
Also, please read the instructions of these items carefully to ensure proper use.
