The best sustainable period products for an eco-friendly cycle

The planet will thank you for it ✨

best sustainable period products

by Marina Avraam |
Updated on

Let's be real, periods are the worst. Apart from causing agonising pain/discomfort for at least two days a month, period products are also wholly unsustainable, generating a staggering 200,00 tonnes of waste annually. Yep, we couldn't believe it either.

According to AllMatters, one person goes through around 11,000 disposable pads/tampons in a lifetime, most of which ends up in landfills or in our oceans and beaches. Luckily, by switching to sustainable period products such as menstrual cups, reusable pads, and period underwear, we can help reduce the environmental impact of single-use period products. The power is in our hands, ladies.

READ MORE: The best period subscription boxes for a fuss-free flow

Paige Fashoni, the founder of best-selling period underwear brand FLUX undies, spoke to us on the importance of sustainable period products, saying: "Approximately 4 million pads and tampons are flushed away per day in the UK alone, and with one pad taking around 500 years to decompose, making a simple switch to reusable alternatives like period underwear really has an impact."

Fashoni goes on to say, "Aside from being better for the planet, reusable alternatives might also be better for your body too. Unlike some pads and tampons, our period underwear contains no toxins or chemicals."

Sustainable period products are also drastically more cost-effective for us, which means less money on pads and tampons, and more money on margaritas with the girls. Happy hour anyone?

To help you switch to more eco-friendly alternatives, we've found the best sustainable period products that won't cost the earth. Shop our top picks below.

READ MORE: The best period panties for white trouser confidence

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SHOP: The best sustainable period products

OrganiCup Menstrual Cup1 of 11

OrganiCup Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups are a great way to reduce the environmental impact of period products, given that they can be reused for years and years. The award-winning OrganiCup can hold up to three tampons worth and can be worn for 12 hours, day and night. It may be a little daunting at first, but the cup ensures no leakage, and comes in three sizes depending on age and whether you've given birth.Review: "I was slightly apprehensive about this as I've been a tampon user forever but I used it yesterday and today and it's a total life-changer! No more tampons, no more overflowing, no more string in the wrong place and no more carrying keeping tampons stashed in various places. First time was a bit awkward but got the hang of it the second time, was worried about having difficulty removing it but that was also super easy. Can't believe it took me so long to start using this - very highly recommended!!"

DAME Reusable Tampon Applicator Set2 of 11

DAME Reusable Tampon Applicator Set

Tampon applicators are typically made of plastic, making them huge offenders when it comes to period product waste. Luckily, DAME has created award-winning and self-sanitising reusable tampon applicators that last for life. Even better, each reusable applicator comes with a sleek storage tin, a travel wallet and six DAME organic tampons. Review: "Such a brilliant swap and handy sustainable alternative to single-use often plastic applicators, As others have suggested can be a bit tricky to get used to but it only took me 2 tries!"

Classic Bikini Period Underwear3 of 11

Classic Bikini Period Underwear

When we say that Modibodi period underwear is life-changing - we mean it. With over 4,500 five-star reviews, the Classic Bikini is comfy, provides heavy overnight absorbency and is super breathable. Simply pop them in the washing machine after use, and they're ready for your next cycle.Review: "Oh my goodness, I wish I knew about these years ago! Game changer. No more ruined bed sheets!! These pants are SUPER comfy and have no leaks whatsoever. I do have really heavy periods and I've not had one issue wearing these. They do the job so well. I now have a few pairs and I honestly will never go back to throwing away sanitary products. Not only are these an exceptional product but they are easy to clean and reuse the fact that I'm massively reducing single-use sanitary items is a huge bonus. Highly recommend!"

Flo Organic Eco-applicator Tampons4 of 11

Flo Organic Eco-applicator Tampons

If you couldn't dream of giving up tampons, why not try these 100 per cent organic and biodegradable ones by Flo? They're free from nasties, totally recyclable and provide superior leak protection. The best part? Five per cent of the profits go to charities supporting girls and women in need.Review: "For someone with a heavy flow for the first few days, these super tampons did the job and I love how they are better for the environment and for me!"

DAME Reusable Period Pad Set 3X5 of 11

DAME Reusable Period Pad Set 3X

Yep, reusable pads exist, and these ones by DAME are pretty revolutionary. Made of fast-wicking DAMEdry™ material, these pads are water-tight, odour-tight and can save the planet over 2,000 plastic disposables. Plus, they're way more comfortable than traditional pads. Bonus.Review: "I absolutely love my liners. No slippage! Super comfortable. Beautiful design and extremely well-made. Prefer to hand-wash them, but definitely able to withstand many washer cycles."

Lunette Menstrual Cup6 of 11

Lunette Menstrual Cup

Another fab, highly-rated menstrual cup that'll become your best friend. The Lunette cup provides you with 12-hour protection, combats odours and ensures optimum comfort to help you go about your day stress-free.Review: "I love Lunette. The quality of their products is amazing. I previously had a blue one for about three years and had to replace it as it was getting a bit old for my liking. I have had absolutely no problems with leaking and it puts my mind at ease as I know, for me, I only have to change it once in the morning and once at night. It's like I'm not even on my period. I know, incredible. Would highly recommend."

Flux Undies High Waist - Heavy Flow7 of 11

Flux Undies High Waist - Heavy Flow

Who knew period undies could be so cute? These high waist heavy flow Flux Undies are totally leak-proof, super soft and tummy-hugging, so perfect for the period bloat. They hold around four tampons' worth and can be worn for up to 12 hours leak-free. Review: "These knickers are life-changing - they're so comfy and they wash really well. Much better than reusable pads I've had - you just stick them on and go about life. Also, they look cute."

Saalt Cup Duo Pack Small and Regular8 of 11

Saalt Cup Duo Pack Small and Regular

We love that the Saalt menstrual cup caters for your lightest and heaviest days with the inclusion of a small and regular cup. With multiple seal points, the Saalt Cup is designed to prevent leaks, and the soft flex stem provides optimum comfort. Review: "These cups are the first kind I've used and will never regret it! It's been two years and so glad I purchased them. Comfortable and I don't mind they are a little firm. When I wear one it's not even noticeable to me. On heavier days I use the blue one and on lighter days I switch to the pink one. I also bought the cup wash and it's lasted me two years! Only need a little bit to keep them clean. Also love the little bags that come for each cup. Thank you Saalt!!"

Thinx Period Proof Hiphugger Brief In Beige9 of 11

Thinx Period Proof Hiphugger Brief In Beige

The Thinx Period Hiphuggers are in high demand, so you'll have to act quickly if you want them for your next period. The original best-selling pair provide moderate absorbency and feature a lace waistband, merging style and function perfectly.Review: "Love them. It's my second time buying them and will buy more! So comfy and really works. I tried other brands and types but these are the best ones."

Mooncup10 of 11

Mooncup

The Mooncup is the OG menstrual cup that started it all. It's made of soft, medical-grade silicone which holds three times as much as a tampon. It prevents vaginal dryness and is suitable for women with sensitive skin and allergies. Review: "I always hated wearing pads/tampons because of the effect on the environment and the cost of purchasing products every month. The moon cup has changed my life I am able to work 12-hour shifts comfortably in a hospital and sometimes I even forget I'm on my period it's that comfy! I would 100% recommend but it does take a bit of getting used to I definitely recommend trying it in the shower first."

Grace And Green Organic Applicator Tampons11 of 11

Grace And Green Organic Applicator Tampons

Make your period that much more sustainable with these 100 per cent cotton tampons, that come with a biodegradable woven cardboard applicator. They're non-irritating, making them suitable for sensitive skin, and are designed for easy insertion.

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