All Your Zero Waste Period Products Explained (Plus Pros and Cons) — Sustainably Yours

6 min readFeb 22, 2021

Everyone that menstruates knows how much waste comes with a period. Whether it be pads or tampons, we throw out a lot during that one week. Why not use zero waste period products instead?

There are so many alternatives to period products. You can use period underwear, reusable pads, cups or organic products.

In this post, I’ll explain what each product is and their pros and cons. In the end, I hope you can pick one that works for you and start reducing your period waste!

But first, let’s talk about why we need to stop using plastic period products.

Why Switch to Zero Waste Period Products?

Did you know that the average person who menstruates uses 11,000 pads and tampons in their life? That’s a lot of waste that’s going to live in our landfills for just one person.

Now think about the fact that nearly half of the world gets a period. That’s a lot of waste.

Not only is the waste an issue, most pads and tampons contain chemicals in them that are harmful for your body. Chemicals like dioxins and fragrances that are linked to cancer are in these pads and tampons.

Now think about the fact that these products are coming into close contact to your skin every month for a week.

Not only are zero waste period products better for the environment and your body but they will also save you money.

One investment into a reusable alternative will last for years. But with disposable products, you’re probably buying a new box of tampons every month.

Convinced that you should make the switch? Check out all your alternatives below.

Period Underwear

The first alternative is period underwear. These are underwear that come with an absorbent part that’s like a pad.

Depending on the style you get, they can hold up to 5 tampons worth of blood. That’s basically a whole day of not having to change tampons!

Or if you are going to sleep and think your period is going to come overnight. No more worrying about dirty bedsheets the next morning.

These are a great option to start with if you are just starting your zero waste period journey. You don’t have to worry about putting anything inside you or getting blood on your hands.

But, you should rinse them out in your sink before you toss them in the wash.

Make sure to hang dry them otherwise the dryer will mess up the fabric.

Pros
* Great for beginners
* No waste
* Comes in a variety of styles and colours
* Only need to buy a few and you’re set
* Can hold up to 5 tampons worth of blood (depending on type)
* Can wear it when you’re expecting your period
* Can wear as a backup with tampons

Cons
* Can be a pricey investment at the start if you want to get enough for one cycle
* Not a lot of options since it’s still new
* Need to rinse the underwear before tossing in the washing machine

Where to Get Period Underwear

Grab a pair from Thinx. This is an American brand and one of the first companies to create period underwear!

Grab a pair from Knix. This is a Canadian brand for all your Canadians!

Reusable Pads

If you aren’t into the idea of wearing a period underwear all day long, you can use reusable pads.

These are just like regular pads with wings except they’re better for the planet! They come with a clip on the wings so that you can secure the pad onto your underwear.

When you’re ready to change the pad, make sure to rinse it before tossing it in the washing machine.

Pros
* No waste
* Only need to buy a few
* Come in a variety of sizes for different flows

Cons
* Need to rinse before tossing in laundry
* Need to invest in enough to last one cycle
* If you’re out, you’ll need to bring a bag to carry the used one in

Where to Get Reusable Pads

Want to try reusable pads and tampons?

Get a pair from LifeWithoutPlastic. This is a Canadian brand based in Montreal that’s a onestop shop of all your zero waste needs — including reusable pads.

Menstrual Cups

I would say the most advanced option is menstrual cups. It takes a bit of practice to insert the cup inside. But once you figure it out, it’s great because it lasts 12 hours. That almost a whole day.

At least long enough to make it through work without having to change it.

The way a menstrual cup works is that you fold it to insert it inside. Then when it’s full, you pull it out, dump out the blood and reinsert it.

This can be tricky but with practice, it’ll be really easy.

Pros
* No waste
* Only need one so you save money
* May reduce cramps
* Lasts 12 hours
* If worn properly, you won’t even feel it
* No risk of toxic shock syndrome
* No laundry

Cons
* Can be uncomfortable to insert the first few times
* Takes some time to figure out how to insert it
* Need to clean before you reinsert which can be difficult in public

Where to Get Menstrual Cups

Grab it from LifeWithoutPlastic. Not only does this brand have the reusable pads but they sell menstrual cups too!

Organic Period Products

If you still feel uncomfortable about using reusable products, you can use organic ones instead. These are good for your body and better for the environment.

Organic tampons actually decompose in around 6 months which is much better than the hundreds of years plastic ones take.

Pros
* Good way to get transition towards a zero waste period
* Can compost some brands
* Doesn’t contain chemicals that are harmful to your body or the environment

Cons
* Still creates waste
* Need to keep buying new ones so gets pricey

Ready To Make The Switch?

Whether you use period underwear, menstrual cups, reusable pads or organic tampons, they are all better than the plastic alternative.

Ready to start your zero waste period? Get whichever method you’re most comfortable with.

You’re probably thinking what to do with the products you currently have in your house, right? You can use them up first of give them to a friend to use.

Then jump for joy because now, you’ve significantly reduced your monthly plastic waste!

Let me know in the comments below which zero waste period product you plan to start using!

This post contains affiliate links which means that I earn a commission if you make a purchase through my link at no cost to you.

Originally published at https://sustainably-yours.com on February 22, 2021.