Let’s be honest: periods already come with enough hassle and suffering – do we really need them to be bad for the planet too?
Most conventional period products are full of plastic, from the wrappers to the applicators. And over a lifetime, the average person (with a uterus) uses around 10,000 tampons, many of which end up in landfills, oceans, or places they just don’t belong.
The good news is… you’ve got options. These days, there are so many reusable, body-safe, and low-waste alternatives that are easy to use and way more sustainable.
Menstrual Cups
If you’re curious about menstrual cups but feel a little nervous, that’s totally normal. I was terrified the first time I tried mine. They can take a bit of practice, but once you get the hang of it, I bet you’ll never want to go back. Period cups collect your flow rather than absorbing it, which means there’s less dryness and fewer leaks. And one cup can last for years! Imagine all the tampons you won’t have to buy.
Here are a few of the best ones out there:
🌲 AllMatters (formerly OrganiCup): Super flexible and beginner-friendly. Made from medical-grade silicone and packaged minimally in recyclable materials. Totally free of BPA, latex, and other sketchy crap.
🌲 Saalt: One of the sleekest cup designs out there. Their “soft” version is great for sensitive users, and they even make a teen-sized option.
🌲 Lena Cup: US-made and budget-friendly. Comes in both regular and sensitive varieties to match your flow and comfort preferences. The small version was recently voted the #1 best menstrual cup for beginners!
Reusable Pads
Reusable pads have seriously improved in the past few years. Forget anything bulky or awkward – today’s cloth pads are soft, stay in place with snaps, and are made with breathable materials like organic cotton and bamboo.
🌲 Hannahpad: Made in South Korea with colorful prints and ultra-soft cotton. Great for everyday wear and easy to wash.
🌲 GladRags: One of the longest-standing reusable pad brands in the US. Their designs are simple, sturdy, and built to last.
🌲 Eco Femme: Ethically handmade in India by a women-led collective. They offer an excellent starter kit if you’re trying cloth pads for the first time.
Period Underwear
This might be the easiest zero-waste switch of them all. Period underwear looks and feels like your usual pair of undies – just with a few extra absorbent layers built in. Some people use them as backup, but plenty wear them on their own.
I recently invested in my first pair of period undies, and I absolutely love how comfy and versatile they are. I’ll wear them for light days when I don’t want to use a tampon, but also on heavy days when I want some extra protection. Heck, I’ll even wear them when I’m not on my period – that’s how comfy they are. My current favorite is from Boody, but here are a few other great brands worth checking out:
🌲 Thinx: One of the first brands in this space, with tons of styles and absorbency levels. They’ve got you covered with everything from thongs to sleep shorts.
🌲 Modibodi: Their heavy-duty styles can hold up to 10 tampons’ worth (yep, seriously) and they even make activewear-friendly options.
🌲 Saalt Wear: Made with sustainable TENCEL™ Modal and actually cute. Some of the comfiest and most breathable period underwear around.
Reusable Tampon Applicators
If you’re not ready to ditch tampons entirely but want to reduce plastic waste, a reusable tampon applicator is the perfect middle ground. You still get the ease and comfort of an applicator – just without tossing one in the trash every few hours.
🌲 Dame: The world’s first reusable tampon applicator, made in the UK. It works with most non-applicator tampons (especially organic ones), and it’s super easy to clean.
Why It’s Worth It
Making the switch felt like a big deal at first, but now it’s just part of how I do things. And though my period isn’t exactly an enjoyable experience, I feel a bit better knowing I’m being gentler on the planet.
You’ll send way less waste to the landfill, save tons of money over time, and reduce your exposure to questionable materials. And once you find the product that fits your body and your routine, it just becomes second nature.