Ever wondered about the environmental footprint of your period products? It’s a question that’s gaining momentum as awareness of the sustainability implications of our decisions grows. Think about it– just one person who menstruates uses over 11,000 pads in their lifetime, and most of these end up in landfills. Not to mention the layers of plastic wrapping and packaging that further add to our plastic footprint. However, times are changing! There’s a roaring interest in sustainable period products. Mindful brands are coming up with safe and eco-friendly options such as non toxic period underwear, that not only minimize menstrual waste but also prioritize your well-being when Aunt Flow visits in.
To ease your search, we have rounded up a list of the best sustainable period products. Whether you feel secure with the extra protective feature that menstrual cups offer or you love the snug feeling of a cloth pad, there is something for everyone. Let’s check them out!
12 Safest Sustainable Period Products
1. Modibodi Menstrual Underwear
2. Rael Reusable Cotton Pads
3. Saalt Period Cups and Discs
4. Hannah Reusable Pads
5. Intimina Ziggly Cup 2
6. Organyc Disposable Cotton Pads
7. Aisle Period Panties
8. Tsuno Tampons
9. DAME Reusable Tampon Applicator
10. Gladrags Cloth Pads
11. Grace & Green Period Care Products
12. Veeda Applicator-free Tampons
Environmental Impact of Conventional Period Products
The Plastic Problem
The ecological impact of conventional period products, like disposable pads and tampons, is a pressing concern. These products are mass-produced and contain a significant amount of plastic, contributing to a massive problem: plastic waste. In the United States alone, it’s estimated that over 12 billion disposable pads and 7 billion tampons end up in landfills each year.
The trouble with plastic is that it doesn’t break down easily, and it can take hundreds of years to decompose. As these products make their way into landfills and oceans, they pose serious threats to wildlife and ecosystems. Marine animals can mistake plastic tampon applicators and wrappers for food, leading to ingestion and harm. Plastic pollution is a global crisis, and our choice of period products can either exacerbate or alleviate this issue. Opting for eco-friendly alternatives like reusable cloth pads and period underwear, menstrual cups, or tampons made from GOTS-certified organic cotton can substantially minimize our contribution to the plastic problem. This approach will ultimately lessen the environmental consequences of our monthly periods.
Chemical Concerns
Mainstream period products contain a cocktail of chemicals that can raise concerns for both our bodies and the environment. For example, many disposable pads and tampons are made using bleached materials, which can leave behind trace amounts of dioxins, a group of highly toxic chemicals. Dioxins are linked to various health issues, including hormonal disruptions and reproductive problems. Moreover, these products can also contain synthetic fragrances, dyes, and chemicals like phthalates, which are known as endocrine disruptors.
Shockingly, a single pack of pads can contain the equivalent of about four plastic bags’ worth of synthetic materials. So when we choose conventional period products, we expose ourselves to these chemicals and pitch into the production of non-biodegradable waste. Making the switch to organic and sustainable alternatives not only reduces our exposure to potentially harmful substances but also lowers the effect of these compounds on the planet. It’s a win-win for all!
What to Look for When Buying Sustainable Period Products
Material
Opting for sanitary products made from sustainable materials can significantly reduce the environmental impact of your menstrual cycle. Among the top choices are organic cotton and medical-grade silicone. Organic cotton is cultivated without synthetic pesticides or fertilizers, making it a breathable and biodegradable option for pads and tampons. On the other hand, menstrual cups made from medical-grade silicone are not only eco-friendly but also durable, reducing the waste associated with single-use menstrual products. Selecting products crafted from such materials aligns your menstrual routine with sustainability principles.
Certifications
When selecting sustainable period products, it’s crucial to look for certifications that vouch for their authenticity and quality. The GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard) certification ensures that a product is made from organic materials and adheres to stringent environmental and social standards. Additionally, FDA approval, particularly for menstrual cups, offers assurance of safety and quality. These products have undergone rigorous testing to ensure they are safe for use. Prioritizing products with these certifications is a responsible approach to sustainable period care.
Comfort and Fit
Comfort and fit are highly personal preferences when it comes to period products. It’s essential to choose products that make you feel comfortable and confident during your menstrual cycle. Begin by considering sizing options; many menstrual cups and reusable cloth pads offer various sizes to ensure a snug and leak-free fit. Moreover, pay attention to design features, such as leak protection, breathability, and ease of insertion and removal. These design elements can significantly impact your overall experience. Keep in mind that what works best for one person may not be ideal for another, so experimenting with different products may be necessary to find what suits you best.
Where to Buy
Knowing where to purchase sustainable period products is equally important in making eco-conscious choices. Local stores and pharmacies have increasingly recognized the demand for eco-friendly options and now stock a range of sustainable period products. These retailers are committed to providing a varied range of choices, offering convenience and immediate access to feminine hygiene products. Furthermore, trusted online platforms and e-commerce sites dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly products are valuable resources. These platforms provide a vast selection of options from several brands, allowing you to explore and select the products that sync in with your preferences and values. Whether you opt for local or online shopping, you can find a wide array of sustainable period products to fit your needs.
12 Safest Sustainable Period Products
Sustainable choices for our menstrual health matter more than ever. So when it’s time to stock up for your next monthly cycle, consider checking out these most sustainable period products. Once you start using them, there’s no going back. Yes, they are that good, thoughtfully-made and oh-so-comfy!
1. Modibodi Menstrual Underwear
If you’re in search of highly absorbent menstrual underwear that feels just like regular everyday knickers then you should definitely explore Modibodi. They proudly claim to be the original brand for organic period panties and gained attention for challenging period taboos by featuring menstrual blood in their advertisement. What makes them unique is their introduction of 100% biodegradable period and pee-proof undies, setting a new standard for sustainability. They prioritize eco-friendly materials and ethical manufacturing practices. Beyond functionality, Modibodi stands out with fun prints and vibrant colors to bring some cheer to uncomfortable days.
Modibodi is also a philanthropic champion, donating thousands of reusable undies to marginalized women in Maasai, Laos, Fiji, and more. They collaborate with non-profits like The Katalyst Foundation, The Undies Project, Good360, Mai Movement, and others to fight period poverty.
2. Rael Reusable Cotton Pads
Rael believes that “Self-care starts with Cycle care”! And to help women feel their best during menstrual days, this brand crafts plush absorbent pads with the cleanest ingredients. Its reusable organic cotton pads are available in four different sizes: petite, regular, large, and overnight. These pads are designed with wings that are secured using a metal snap, ensuring they stay in place during use. Rael takes pride in their commitment to using only natural ingredients, completely free from harsh chemicals like PFA’s, to promote a natural and healthy body.
While Rael also offers disposable period products, they take an eco-friendly approach by avoiding plastic wrappers. However, they do incorporate SAPs (Super Absorbent Polymers) in their anti-leak cores to enhance absorbency. The period care label actively takes steps to address period poverty. They collaborate with organizations like “I Support the Girls” to provide period education, advocate for menstrual dignity, and distribute essential menstrual products and innerwear to underprivileged individuals in need worldwide.
3. Saalt Period Cups and Discs
Saalt firmly believes in the future of reusable period products. Their sustainable menstrual cups and discs are engineered to empower individuals to enjoy their lives to the fullest during their monthly cycles. These period cups and discs are not only user-friendly and comfortable but also offer the convenience of wearing them for up to 12 hours. The best thing is, once you wear them, you can easily go for activities like swimming, running, biking, hiking, or even jetting off on a vacay to Hawaii. They’re hypoallergenic, odorless, BPA-free, and significantly more eco-friendly than traditional sanitary products, with a lifespan of up to ten years!
By making the switch to Saalt, you can bid farewell to messy period experiences and reduce your personal carbon footprint. Moreover, it is a certified B Corporation, committing 2% of its revenue to support initiatives focused on menstrual health, education, and sustainability. So, Saalt’s eco-friendly period products are a must-have for your zero-waste bathroom.
4. Hannah Reusable Pads
Hannah provides both reusable and disposable pad options to cater to your menstrual needs. Their reusable pads are crafted from organic cotton, featuring smart stitching to prevent any leaks. These pads are not only leak-resistant but also free from harmful toxins and fragrances, certified for safety by Dermatest. With a diverse range of patterns and sizes, these reusable products are exclusively made from organic cotton and do not contain any toxins, dyes, or harsh chemicals. Plus, they come in three sizes: regular, large, and overnight.
Hannah’s overarching mission is to provide top-quality products that promote both your well-being and the planet’s health. They are deeply committed to addressing period poverty by consistently donating feminine hygiene products to women in need. Through ongoing donation programs, they support single mothers in countries like Uganda, Kenya, the Philippines, and other low-income regions, ensuring access to essential menstrual care.
5. Intimina Ziggly Cup 2
Intimina is a brand that’s passionate about intimate well-being, breaking the stigma around menstruation while caring for the planet. Their Ziggy Cup has been an instant hit with thousands of women and is available in two sizes, A for lighter to medium flows and B for heavier ones. You can choose the size that suits your cycle or get both to accommodate different stages of period days. Regardless of the size, these reusable period discs help you enjoy mess-free period sex, ensuring no leaks. Crafted from petal-thin 100% medical-grade silicone, they provide up to 8 hours of continuous protection.
From the start, Intimina’s mission has been clear: To offer a comprehensive range of products and information for women at every life stage, from the first menstruation to beyond menopause. Whether it’s menstrual cups or kegel exercisers, this Swedish brand is dedicated to what’s best for women’s bodies and the environment alike. Plus, their products are thoughtfully designed with longevity in mind.
6. Organyc Disposable Cotton Pads
Organyc is a family-owned Italian company that was born from a genuine concern for women experiencing skin irritation due to traditional pads. Committed to both people and the planet, Organyc pads are created with 100% certified organic cotton, inside and out. They prioritize eco-friendly manufacturing practices, using geothermal, solar, and natural energy sources. Notably, their pads contain no plastic, and even the packaging is plastic-free, making their feminine care products 100% biodegradable.
All of Organyc’s products have undergone clinical testing and are proven to alleviate sensitive skin irritation, a common issue with single-use period products. In a commendable move to reduce their ecological footprint, the brand has partnered with Plastics for Change, taking steps to heal the Earth and protect our oceans while extending a helping hand to humanity.
7. Aisle Period Panties
Aisle, previously known as Luna Pads, is a great brand of sanitary products, dedicated to making your period days comfy and eco-friendly. While the label offers pads, menstrual cups, and pantyliners, they are particularly famous for their reusable period panties that are super safe to use, keep you dry, and won’t leak, holding as much as 8 regular tampons’ worth of fluid. They offer different styles like boyshorts, hip huggers, bikinis, or thongs, so you can choose whatever you feel most comfortable in. And I love the fact that these reusable underwear are not only good for your wallet but also for the environment.
As Aisle is the top B Corporation for period care in the world, it donates 2% of its sales to help fight period poverty and support gender equality. Many other brands are following Aisle’s lead by creating non-toxic period underwear to make our periods comfy and eco-friendly.
8. Tsuno Tampons
Tsuno is home to some of the best natural sanitary pads and organic tampons you’ll ever come across. Why they’re special? Because, unlike regular period product options, they use raw materials that don’t have bleach or other toxic chemicals. Their tampons are made from certified organic cotton and come in three types: Mini, Regular, and Super. Fit to be your BFF for menstrual days, Tsuno’s products bear certifications from the Global Organic Textile Standard and approval from the Therapeutic Goods Administration, showing that they’re safe and eco-friendly.
In addition, Tsuno is also a social enterprise, committed to end period poverty. About 50% of their earnings go to charities that help women with their education and menstrual support. They’ve partnered with One Girl, an organization that gives educational scholarships and menstrual pads to underprivileged girls in Sierra Leone and Uganda.
9. DAME Reusable Tampon Applicator
DAME is an award-winning sustainable period care brand that makes feminine hygiene products free from toxins and plastic waste. The brand was established with the goal of fighting climate change and pollution caused by menstrual products. At DAME, you can shop for pads and period panties, but they’re known for their reusable tampon applicator, which is made from a special material called Mediprene by U.K. medical experts. This applicator is meant to last a lifetime and has natural sanitizers called Sanipolymers that kill almost all germs and microbes. It’s also hypoallergenic and doesn’t have bleach, plastics, synthetic materials, or dyes. You can use it with your regular cotton tampon, rinse it, dry it with a paper towel, and put it in its case. You can buy just the applicator or get a set that includes a cotton travel wallet, storage tin, and organic tampons.
DAME donates products to programs like Rethink Periods and WEN’s Environmenstrual Ambassador program to give underserved women access to positive periods.
10. Gladrags Cloth Pads
GladRags is a US-based brand that crafts reusable cloth pads free from harmful chemicals such as plastic, adhesive, fragrance, or synthetic gels. While all of their pads are made from 100% cotton, not all of them are organic, and it is clearly listed in each product for your understanding. Their panty liners are an ideal choice for those light menstrual flow days, while the Day Pads and Night Pads are thoughtfully designed to provide reliable protection during medium to heavy flow levels. These washable pads are exceptionally soft and offer a level of comfort that far surpasses ordinary maxi pads. And surprisingly, you can wear them for an extended period because they are odorless.
As a woman-owned company, GladRags is driven by a mission to positively transform the menstrual stigma through the promotion of reusable menstrual products and relevant education. In the past year, they have actively supported grassroots organizations like Trans Lifeline, Brown Girl Rise, Taller Salud, and others, demonstrating their passion for making a positive impact in the menstrual health and advocacy space.
11. Grace & Green Period Care Products
Grace & Green is an exceptional e-commerce marketplace that offers a good collection of menstrual hygiene products including everything from period cups, pads, tampons, and panty liners. Not just that, this online platform is also home to much-needed yet lesser-known products that can help ease different types of menstruation-related issues, such as bloating, endometriosis, heavy flow, period pain, perimenopause, and so much more.
Grace and Green’s goal is to help everyone feel dignified by providing education about our bodies and offering ethical products to empower people to handle their periods. They also utilize 2% of their earnings by providing free period products to charities like Salford Food Bank and Cardiff Food Bank, which help people facing period poverty. Rooted in sustainability, the company thinks about our planet at every stage, from choosing organic cotton and bamboo materials to using biodegradable and recyclable outer packaging.
12. Veeda Applicator-free Tampons
Veeda has your back when it comes to compact tampons that fit perfectly in even the tightest jeans’ tiny pockets. Their applicator-free tampons are discreet and travel-friendly, but don’t let their size fool you; they’re highly functional and ideal for medium to heavy flow days. Crafted from 100% GMO-free natural cotton and free from chemicals, synthetics, dyes, and fragrances, they are hypoallergenic, leak-proof, and can be composted, making them eco-friendly. Veeda natural tampons ensure your clothes stay stain-free, allowing you to have a worry-free period.
However, since these tampons are applicator-free, they may require a bit of practice to insert comfortably. Beyond providing safe menstrual care products, Veeda is actively engaged in raising awareness about period-related issues and women’s health concerns through blogs and editorials.
Raising Awareness about Sustainable Period Products
Comprehensive Menstrual Education
In order to end period poverty and help every woman bleed better, it’s essential to emphasize the need for holistic menstrual education. Many people still lack proper knowledge about the importance of using feminine hygiene products itself, let alone sustainable period products and their benefits. However, by understanding the environmental impact of traditional products and the health advantages of eco-friendly alternatives, individuals can make informed choices that are healthier for them and the planet.
Promoting Sustainable Period Practices
Initiatives promoting sustainable period practices include advocating for reusable options like menstrual cups, cloth pads, and period underwear. Additionally, they focus on reducing period-related excessive waste and educating about proper disposal methods. Supporting and spreading the word about these initiatives can help make sustainable menstruation mainstream.
Ethical and Eco-Conscious Brands:
It is vital to support brands with ethical and eco-conscious values. Companies that prioritize sustainability, use natural materials, employ ethical manufacturing practices, and raise menstruation awareness are making a positive impact. By choosing such labels, individuals contribute to a more eco-friendly period culture while also promoting corporate responsibility.
To Conclude…
The domain of menstrual health is undergoing a green revolution, and sustainable period products are being embraced like never before. From reusable cloth pads to innovative menstrual cups, these eco-friendly alternatives offer us a chance to re-imagine our Aunt Flow. They not only reduce our contribution to the ever-growing pile of disposable waste but also diminish the exposure to toxic chemicals. Remember, the average woman will use thousands of disposable pads or tampons in a lifetime, and each of these products leaves a lasting impact on Planet Earth.
The choice is ours: we can continue down the wasteful path or adopt the sustainable route. Let’s choose feminine hygiene products that are kind to both our bodies and the environment. It’s time to redefine the way we menstruate for a healthier, greener future. Your cycle, Your choice – Choose sustainably!
