5 Simple Eco Friendly Swaps For A Zero Waste Period

Looking for simple and affordable ways you can have a zero waste period? We’ve got you covered!

With the average female who has a period for 40 years or more, going through approximately 10,000 tampons, or pads, it’s essential we all start to look at more eco friendly alternatives. Just a few years ago the amount of zero waste period products, or eco friendly alternatives was tiny. However, in 2022 more and more companies are starting to find ways to create plastic free, reusable, or zero waste period products.

But what are the different types of zero waste period products on offer?

Just before we get in to that, because we all love a good stat, here are a few period related facts…

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Environmenstrual Facts

• The average woman will use more than 11,000 menstrual products in their life
• The average menstrual flow is around 85g per cycle
• Women on average will spend £492 per year, and over £18,500 in their lifetime on menstrual products
• The average age of a female to start menstruating is 12
• Tampons, pads and applicators generate around 200,000 tonnes of waste each year
• The majority of menstrual pads are made from 90% plastic
• More than 50% of UK women will flush tampons down the toilet
• It has been estimated that around 2 billion menstrual items are flushed down UK toilets every year
• 80% of toilet blockages are caused by sanitary items
• The Marine Conservation Society revealed over a 100m section of beach there are 4.8 pieces of menstrual waste
• Traces of pesticides and insecticides have been found in some tampon brands
• 10% of girls aged 14 – 21 cannot afford sanitary items

Types Of Zero Waste Period Products

• Menstrual Cups
• Period Underwear
• Reusable Pads & Pantyliners
• Reusable Period Discs
• Menstrual Sponges

Menstrual Cups

Starting with the most well know option – menstrual cups.

Menstrual cups are a reusable, flexible product that are generally made of either silicone or rubber. Your period cup is to be inserted into the vagina during menstruation to catch your menstrual flow. They are a great alternative to tampons and are especially good if you have a heavy flow. But how do you use a menstrual cup?

When it comes to how to insert a menstrual cup, it can be a little tricky at first, or until you’ve got used to how they work. However, once you’ve got used to them, most women will choose this as their preferred option.

• Insert the period cup, rim facing upwards, into your vagina, as you would a tampon
• Once the cup is in your vagina, rotate it. This will spring create an airtight seal to stop any leaks
• If you can feel it, it’s not in the right place and should be re-done
• Once it’s correctly in place, you should also be able to do any everyday activity without it cup falling out

You can keep a your menstrual cups inserted for up to 12 hours before it will need emptying, however this might change slightly if you have a very heavy flow.

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The great thing about period cups, like these from Unfabled is that they are very durable and could last months, if not years. So although they may seem more expensive when you first buy one, you will get your money back over time.

• Opt for a large cup if you have a heavy flow or have given birth
• Opt for a small cup if your flow is light, or haven’t given birth

How To Clean Your Menstrual Cup

A very important part of having a period cup is to know how to clean it to avoid infection. After each use, thoroughly rinse your menstrual cup in warm, soapy water. However, if you are more sensitive in that area, there are sprays you can buy instead. These sprays are also great to use if you have to clean your cup in a public toilet.

After each cycle has finished, make sure you thoroughly clean your menstrual cup by boiling it for at least 3 minutes before leaving it to air dry and putting it back in to it’s carry case.

Zero Waste Period Underwear

Another very popular option when it comes to zero waste period products are the period pants. Very similar to normal pants in the way they look, period pants are there to soak up your flow. They are a bit like a very large panty liner.

In some cases where women have a very heavy flow, they will wear these period pants as a second line of defence to catch any leaks.

The main downside to these is that they are quite big, and they are external, which some people can find more uncomfortable. They also take longer to clean and dry after use, meaning you will likely need a few of these throughout your period to keep you going.

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How To Clean Your Period Pants

You need to clean your period pants quite often, or before they get too full. Simply rinse them in cold water after use and leave to dry. Make sure you wash these as soon as you can so that they don’t stain or start to smell.

Then, when you get home, or is convenient, wash them properly in a washing machine on a cool wash.

Make sure you do NOT use bleach, fabric softener or any other abrasive cleaning product.

Reusable Pads & Pantyliners

Unlike most disposable pads that contain a plastic backing, reusable menstrual pads don’t contain any plastic at all.

They are also designed to last for years and are often more comfortable to wear – especially after you’ve washed them a few times.

As with the menstrual cups, they cost more to begin with, but you will get your money back over time. You can buy these reusable menstrual pads and pantyliners in various sizes depending on your size, and how heavy your flow is.

How To Clean Your Reusable Pads

These reusable pads are very similar to period pants when it comes to cleaning, so we advise you use the same advice as above.

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Reusable Period Discs

Reusable period discs are similar to a menstrual cup in that they are inserted inside. The disc collects your period flow, just as a menstrual cup does. However, the disc sits in place thanks to gravity, instead of suction, as the cup does. The disc is folded and inserted into the widest part of your vagina.

To remove the disc, simply pull on the tab if yours has one, or grab with a pincer like grip with your fingers.

How To Clean Reusable Menstrual Discs

Your reusable period disk can be washed in the same way you would wash a menstrual cup. making it an easier option than say period pants.

Reusable Menstrual Sponges

Lastly we have menstrual sponges. Menstrual sponges are the least popular option at the moment as they are still pretty new, and quite different to the other options available.

Similar to tampons, menstrual sponges are inserted into the vagina where they absorb the blood. Expanding as they soak up the blood, which keeps them in place, and the blood in the sponge

The main downside to reusable menstrual sponges is that they don’t have an applicator, or anything to help you get them out after use. Making them quite fiddly at times, and often frustrating when first trying to use them.

Also, according to the FDA they aren’t considered a safe option. The menstrual sponge is essentially a natural sea sponge, and even after washing thoroughly, some sand and grit could get stuck in the sponge. This could easily lead to infection, or even TSS (toxic shock syndrome).

However, having said that, many women love to use them as a natural alternative to tampons, or pads as they fit to the contours of your vagina perfectly. They can be used for up to 6 months before it is advised they are replaced with new ones.

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How To Clean Reusable Menstrual Sponges

Menstrual sponges should be cleaned in much the same way as the period cup, or disc. In warm water while in use, and after use, thoroughly in warm soapy water.

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