Sustainable Swaps for a More Eco-Friendly Period

Conventional disposable pads and tampons often contain plastic components, such as wrappers, applicators, and backing materials, which contribute to plastic waste and pollution. With 19 billion menstrual products consumed annually in the U.S. alone, the environmental impact of disposable feminine hygiene products is staggering.

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Fortunately, reusable alternatives like menstrual cups, period underwear, and washable cloth pads can dramatically reduce menstruation's environmental impact. For those who prefer disposable pads and tampons for convenience, more sustainable options are also available within these categories.

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Menstrual Cups and Discs

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Menstrual cups and discs are reusable for years. They’re made from silicone, TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), or rubber/latex that collect menstrual fluid. They're incredibly eco-friendly, with studies showing they have 99% lower environmental impact than disposable tampons and can last 5-10 years. TPE cups are your best bet for sustainability — they're recyclable and require less energy to produce than silicone. Plus, they only cost about 10% of what you'd spend on disposables over a year. While the cups' main environmental impact comes from water use during cleaning, this is still minimal compared to disposable alternatives. Just look for medical-grade materials that meet EU and UN safety standards, and avoid rubber/latex options unless they're responsibly sourced.

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Period Underwear

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Next on the list is period underwear, which offers an innovative solution. These garments feature built-in absorbent layers that effectively replace disposable products, using moisture-wicking and leak-resistant fabrics that can be washed and reused. When shopping for period underwear, look for products with PEFC or FSC certifications to ensure sustainable sourcing of materials. Before you buy, make sure that period underwear has been third-party tested for PFAS.

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Reusable Pads

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Reusable pads represent another excellent low-impact option, constructed with multiple eco-friendly layers. The top layer typically uses natural fibers like bamboo, banana fiber, or organic cotton. The absorbent core layer contains materials such as cotton terry cloth, hemp, or bamboo wadding, while the bottom layer features water-repellent materials like polyester or bio-plastic sheets. For the most sustainable choice, look for pads with FSC or PEFC certifications and ensure they're made with total chlorine-free (TCF) processing techniques.

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Disposable Pads and Tampons

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While disposable pads and tampons have the highest environmental impact, sometimes they're unavoidable. If you need to use these products, choose brands that are transparent about their materials and specifically advertise being chlorine and dioxin-free. Be aware that conventional products often use wood pulp processed with chlorine bleaching, which can generate harmful dioxins. Studies have even detected various pesticides in conventional tampons, including Malathion, Procymidone, and Pyrethrum, making material transparency particularly important.

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