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Zero waste period products made me hate my period less. And I hope they have the same magical effect for your menstrual cycle!
These sustainable period product swaps will save you money and help you achieve your goals of living more sustainably. You no longer have to feel guilty throwing away tons of disposable period products when your time of the month rolls around. There is enough to focus on during that time!
I will share with you my own zero waste period kit to highlight what my personal zero waste period routine looks like. I feel like I’m at a place where I have it down and can share what has worked and what hasn’t!
I hope you can learn from my mishaps and if you have experiences to share I would love to hear them in the comments below. Discussing our periods does not have to be a taboo topic. We can learn from each other!
I do want to start this post by saying that you know your body best and what works the best for you, your life, budget, comfort etc.! Some of the products on this list just simply did not work for me. It can take a little trial and error to figure out what works best for you but I do feel like zero waste period products overall have been life changing.
Being on your period is challenging and painful enough so if you can find products that make it easier then go for it!
Reasons to Switch to Zero Waste Period Products
“Over the course of a lifetime, a person who menstruates is predicted to throw away roughly 400 pounds of packaging from these products, and those harmful plastics often end up in landfills, sewer systems and waterways.” (source).
The amount of period products we use each month really adds up after a while! I am sure you can see it in your personal financial budget but what about the ecological budget? It is completely unsustainable to be throwing out products every month and expecting the earth to recover from it.
Luckily, there are zero waste options to help combat this. When you purchase a menstrual cup or period panties they can be reused many many times versus a tampon or pad that can be used ONCE. Instead of filling up landfills, let’s fill up our bank accounts with the money we save from not spending it on disposables.
This leads me to the next commonly asked question which is…
Are zero waste period products expensive?
They can be! Of course, this depends on your budget and other personal factors.
Personally, I have found that I save money using zero waste reusable period products. There is a larger upfront investment but once you buy them you do not need to replace them. Purchasing disposable period products can not only harm the environment but also your budget.
Pro tip: As with any other zero waste product, I try to stay on the email list for zero waste shops, that way when they have sales I can snag what I need!
How to have a zero waste period?
1. Use what you already have or donate what is unused
Having access to period products is unfortunately not an option for everyone. So if you are trying to transition to a zero waste period but still have disposable products, consider donating them to your local women’s shelter.
2. Choose the right products for you
Doing research, (like you are by reading this article!) is a great way to learn more about products and figure out what can be a sustainable part of your zero waste period routine. Only buy one product at a time as you slowly transition to this lifestyle. You probably don’t need all the products on this list-just buy what you need!
3. Maintain your zero waste period products the right way
When you take care of things they last longer! That is especially true when it comes to zero waste products. Be sure to wash your reusables well and hang dry them. Unfortunately, reusables aren’t indestructible, and not taking care of them properly can turn them into disposables.
4. Talk about your period routine with friends!
Ok, this step isn’t really a necessary part of having a zero waste period but it is a great thing to do! There is so much stigma around periods, let alone zero waste periods.
I honestly believe zero waste period options like menstrual cups and period underwear are less intimidating the more they are talked about or if you know someone that uses them. Let’s normalize the discussion around periods and making them more sustainable!
Zero Waste Period Product Options
Menstrual cup
I feel like menstrual cups get talked about the most when it comes to zero waste period options and people either love them or hate them. Out of all the options listed, menstrual cups definitely have the biggest learning curve.
Menstrual cups are a silicone cup that you insert similar to how you would a tampon. It catches your blood from your period and then you can simply pour it out when it is full.
If you insert them the correct way they are comfortable and you can swim and exercise with them.
The frequency you need to change them depends on how heavy your flow is. To clean them you can boil them in water. I also use organic soap to clean them. Be sure to get all of the soap residue off.
Again, there is a learning curve when it comes to menstrual cups. It can take a bit of time to figure out how to fold them and get them in place. Once you get the hang of it, they are a very convenient option.
The price range for menstrual cups tends to be $30-$50. This price is pretty steep but you will save a lot of money in the long run compared to buying boxes of tampons.
If you want to hear more about my personal experience using a menstrual cup you can check out the section on my zero waste period routine.
You can find the most popular menstrual cup here!
Zero waste period underwear
Period panties are by far my favorite option. No, they do not feel like diapers. They honestly feel like regular underwear but a tiny bit thicker. You just put them on and don’t have to worry about anything. No leakage, discomfort, or wet feeling. The caveat is that if you have a heavier flow you may need to switch them out more often.
That is where period underwear can get pricey. I honestly only get them on sale but they cost around $30-$40. So that can add up pretty quickly!
Overall I still feel like they are a great choice, especially for younger people that are new to having their menstrual cycle. I wish I had these in middle school when I first started my period! They are probably the most stress free option.
To clean them all you have to do is throw them in the washer. It really is that simple. Just be sure to not put them in the dryer and to hang dry them. I like to keep a stasher bag (silicone reusable bag) with me when I am out and about to put the used period underwear in until I get home. You can find stasher bags here.
I personally use Thinx brand period underwear! You can find them here.
Zero waste period cloth pads
Zero waste reusable pads have recently gotten really popular but they are not a new concept! People have been using these for years and use them around the world. They are a really great option though and can be found for a more affordable price.
To use them, you simply place them in your underwear and fasten them (with snaps). They are made in various sizes depending on your size and flow. Then, all you have to do is throw them in the wash when you’re done!
Here is a great reusable organic cloth pad if you are interested in this option!
Toilet paper lol
Let’s be honest. We all do it. The famous, yet secret toilet paper emergency pad is here to stay, even for the most organized zero waster out there!
When you’re in a pinch and don’t have your period supplies, making an impromptu pad from toilet paper is actually a zero waste period hack if you are using the right toilet paper!
Here are some eco-friendly toilet paper options
Budget friendly Zero Waste Period Product Options
The upfront cost of choosing zero waste period products is pretty steep. Here are a few options to try out if you want to create less waste and have a healthier option for your menstrual cycle but also stay on budget. These options will be a bit more expensive than regular pads and tampons but they are the cheapest out of what has been listed so far.
Organically made cotton tampons
These are similar to regular tampons except they are plastic free, non toxic (safer for you and the earth!), and made with organic cotton. It is not a 100% zero waste option but it is better.
Here’s a great option!
Homemade options
If you are into sewing or know someone that does, homemade reusable pads are a great option. You can find sewing patterns online and in a fabric you love!
My personal zero waste period kit
Zero waste period routine
I wanted to share my zero waste period routine in order to give a better picture as to what a zero waste period routine looks like and how I navigate the challenging aspects of it.
This is what works wells for me but may not work well for you! Everyone’s menstrual cycle is different depending on how many days it lasts and how heavy your flow is so find what works for you!
My current go to is period underwear. I personally use Thinx and I LOVE them. For now, I have 3 pairs to cover my menstrual cycle.
I rinse them out and then wash them with the rest of my laundry. I don’t have a dryer so I just hang them up in the sun.
Ideally, I would have more period panties but I am also looking into purchasing some reusable cotton period pads. I think these will be helpful for the tail end of my cycle when I don’t really need full protection but I still need something.
Since I stay pretty active and try to swim every week, I do use tampons! BUT! I don’t use the ones wrapped in plastic. I really love the organic cotton tampons that come in paper boxes. I just pick them up from the grocery store and usually choose whichever are on sale. These are a great option too!
Aiming for low waste
You may be wondering… don’t disposable (yet organic cotton and plastic free) tampons still end up in the landfill? You’re right, they do, unfortunately. For me, my goal is to live as low waste as possible. I am ok with the majority of my period being zero waste.
My experience using menstrual cups
To be honest, I did not LOVE menstrual cups. I really tried and eventually got the hang of it but by the time my next menstrual cycle came around I forgot the trick and it was painful again.
I know, kind of a lame story but that’s life. Not all zero waste products work for everyone. What matters most is that we reduce waste where we can.
And who knows, maybe I will try using the menstrual cup again! I have recently considered even trying a new brand.
Don’t let this story discourage you from trying a menstrual cup though. Many people that use them love them! And they were convenient when I was in the habit of using them.
Are zero waste period products worth it?
YES! I am honestly so grateful I found out about these products because I have saved so much money and they are way more convenient than going to the store to pick up supplies.
Although it can take a little trial and error these swaps have been life changing and I hope you now feel more comfortable checking them out!
Have you used any of these zero waste period products? Have you tried some and didn’t continue using them? I would love to hear your thoughts in the comments below! The more we discuss period health and products the less of a stigma there is. Let’s chat!
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Stay well,
Maggie
Sources: global news
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