Sustainable Period Products: A Complete Guide to Eco-Friendly Options

Everything you need to know about making your period more planet-friendly—from menstrual cups and period pants to organic tampons and reusable pads.

The Environmental Impact of Conventional Period Products

Let's start with some numbers that might surprise you.

The average person who menstruates uses around 11,000 disposable pads and tampons in their lifetime. In the UK alone, this adds up to over 200,000 tonnes of menstrual waste generated every year.

Most conventional pads contain up to 90% plastic—equivalent to roughly four carrier bags per pack. Tampons contain around 6% plastic, including in the string and woven into the core. Add plastic applicators, individual wrappers, and outer packaging, and the environmental footprint becomes significant.

Where does it all go? The majority ends up in landfill, where disposable pads can take 500-800 years to break down. But millions of products don't even make it that far—every day in the UK, an estimated 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million pads are flushed down toilets, contributing to sewer blockages and washing up on beaches as marine pollution.

A 2022 study found that around 28,000 tonnes of menstrual product waste is generated annually in the UK, with approximately 4% lost to the environment through flushing.

The good news? There are now more alternatives than ever—products that are better for the planet without compromising on comfort, convenience, or reliability.

Your Sustainable Period Options

Sustainable period products fall into two main categories:

Reusables — products designed to be washed and used again, sometimes for years. These include menstrual cups, menstrual discs, period pants, and reusable pads.

Better disposables — single-use products made from organic, biodegradable materials without the plastic found in conventional options. These include organic cotton tampons and pads.

Both approaches reduce environmental impact, though reusables generally have the edge. A study by Zero Waste Scotland found that switching from tampons to a menstrual cup reduces carbon impact by 16 times—saving approximately 7 kg of CO2 equivalents per year.

Let's explore each option in detail.

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are small, flexible cups made from medical-grade silicone, rubber, or elastomer. Instead of absorbing menstrual blood like tampons, they collect it internally. You insert the cup, wear it for up to 12 hours, remove it to empty the contents, rinse, and reinsert.

Why People Love Them

Longevity: A quality menstrual cup can last up to 10 years with proper care. That's potentially 2,500 or more tampons you won't be buying or throwing away.

Cost savings: While the upfront cost is higher (typically £15-30), you'll recoup that within months and save significantly over time.

Environmental impact: Research shows menstrual cup users produce 99% less waste than pad users.

Convenience: Cups hold more than tampons (usually 3-4 times as much), meaning fewer changes—some people can go a full workday without emptying.

No dryness: Unlike tampons, cups don't absorb natural moisture, which some find more comfortable.

Things to Consider

Learning curve: It takes a few cycles to get comfortable with insertion and removal. This is completely normal.

Sizing: Cups come in different sizes based on age, flow, and whether you've given birth vaginally. Most brands offer guidance.

Cleaning: Cups need to be rinsed when emptied and sterilised (boiled in water) between cycles.

Not for everyone: Some people find cups uncomfortable or impractical for their anatomy or lifestyle. That's okay—there are other options.

Trusted Cup Brands

• AllMatters (formerly OrganiCup) — B Corp certified, made in Denmark
• Asan Cup — Medical-grade silicone, 10-year lifespan
• Mooncup — UK-based pioneer, medical-grade silicone
• Saalt — Soft and regular firmness options
• Lunette — Finnish brand, variety of colours and sizes

Menstrual Discs

Menstrual discs are similar to cups but with a different shape—a wide, flexible rim with a soft collection pouch. They sit higher in the vaginal canal, tucked behind the pubic bone.

How They Differ from Cups

• Positioning: Discs sit in the vaginal fornix (near the cervix), while cups sit lower in the vaginal canal
• Mess-free intimacy: Because of their position, many discs can be worn during sex
• Auto-dumping: Some discs "auto-dump" when you use the toilet, reducing the need to remove and reinsert
• Firmness: Discs are generally softer and more flexible than cups

Things to Consider

Discs can have a steeper learning curve than cups. Some people find insertion and removal trickier, and they may not suit everyone's anatomy. Reusable discs (made from silicone) offer the same sustainability benefits as cups, while disposable discs are a stepping stone but still create waste.

Disc Brands to Explore

• Nixit — One-size, reusable silicone disc
• Ziggy Cup — Reusable disc-cup hybrid from Intimina
• Flex — Offers both reusable and disposable options
• Hello Disc — Double-loop design for easier removal

Period Pants

Period pants (or period underwear) look like regular underwear but have built-in absorbent layers that collect menstrual blood. You wear them instead of—or as backup to—other products.

How They Work

Most period pants have a three-layer system:

1. Top layer — Moisture-wicking fabric that keeps you feeling dry
2. Middle layer — Absorbent material that holds menstrual blood
3. Bottom layer — Leak-proof barrier that prevents staining clothes

Absorbency varies by style—from light (equivalent to 1-2 tampons) to heavy/overnight (equivalent to 8-10 tampons). You wear them, then rinse in cold water after use and machine wash with your regular laundry.

Why People Love Them

Comfort: Many people find them more comfortable than pads, with no shifting, bunching, or sticky adhesive.

Simplicity: No insertion, no strings, no applicators. Just put on underwear and go.

Backup confidence: Great for overnight, travel, or as backup with cups or tampons on heavy days.

Longevity: Quality period pants last 2-5 years with proper care, significantly reducing waste.

Variety: Available in different styles (briefs, bikini, boyshorts, thongs), absorbencies, and sizes (many brands go up to 6XL).

Things to Consider

Upfront cost: Period pants typically cost £15-35 per pair. You'll need several pairs to get through a cycle.

Washing: You need to rinse them after each wear and wash regularly, which requires planning.

Drying time: They take longer to dry than regular underwear—air drying is recommended.

Heaviest days: Some people find pants alone aren't enough for very heavy flow and prefer to use them as backup.

Popular Period Pant Brands

• WUKA — UK's first period underwear brand, B Corp certified, carbon neutral, sizes XXS-6XL
• Modibodi — Australian brand with wide range of styles and absorbencies, OEKO-TEX certified
• Flux Undies — UK brand, sizes 6-24, variety of styles including thongs
• Cheeky Wipes — UK-based, affordable options, also does reusable pads
• M&S — High street availability, accessible price point
• THINX — US brand, available in UK, range of styles

Reusable Pads

Reusable cloth pads work just like disposable pads but are made from washable fabrics. They fasten around your underwear with poppers or snaps and come in various sizes and absorbencies.

Why People Love Them

Familiar format: If you're used to pads, reusables feel intuitive—same placement, same concept.

Breathability: Made from cotton, bamboo, or hemp fabrics rather than plastic, they're often more comfortable and breathable.

Gentler on skin: No plastic against skin means fewer irritation issues for some people.

Cost savings: A set of reusable pads lasts 3-5 years, saving money long-term.

Customisable: Choose your preferred fabric, pattern, size, and absorbency.

Things to Consider

Washing: Pads need rinsing and washing after each use. Some people find this off-putting; others adjust quickly.

Carrying used pads: When out, you'll need a wet bag to carry used pads home—though these are discreet and leak-proof.

Drying time: Like period pants, cloth pads take longer to dry than regular laundry.

Where to Find Reusable Pads

• Cheeky Wipes — UK-based, wide range of sizes and patterns
• Bloom & Nora — Variety of absorbencies, mini to maxi
• Eco Femme — Fair trade, supports social enterprise in India
• Imse Vimse — Swedish brand, organic cotton options
• Earthwise Girls — UK brand, bamboo and cotton options

Organic Cotton Tampons and Pads

Not ready for reusables? Organic cotton disposables are a meaningful step toward a more sustainable period. They eliminate many of the environmental and health concerns associated with conventional products.

What Makes Them Different

No plastic: Organic cotton tampons typically have cardboard applicators (or none) rather than plastic, and use cotton rather than synthetic fibres in the core.

No pesticides: Conventional cotton is one of the most pesticide-intensive crops. Organic cotton is grown without synthetic pesticides or fertilisers, which is better for soil, water, and farm workers.

No chlorine bleaching: Many organic brands avoid chlorine bleaching processes that can leave dioxin residues.

Biodegradable: Without plastic, these products break down much faster—typically 90-180 days rather than centuries.

Things to Consider

Still disposable: While better than conventional products, organic disposables still create waste with every use.

Cost: Organic products typically cost more than conventional alternatives, though prices have come down as the market has grown.

Availability: Now widely available in supermarkets, pharmacies, and online.

Organic Brands to Know

• Natracare — The pioneer, making organic period products since 1989. 100% organic cotton tampons, plastic-free pads, biodegradable and compostable. Available in Boots, Sainsbury's, and independent retailers.
• TOTM — UK brand, GOTS-certified organic cotton, donates to Endometriosis UK. Available in Boots, Tesco, and online.
• Grace & Green — Certified organic cotton, plastic-free packaging, supports period poverty initiatives.
• & SISTERS — Organic cotton, plastic-free, designed for sensitive skin.
• Yoni — Dutch brand, organic cotton, transparent about ingredients and sourcing.

Comparing Your Options

Making the Switch: Practical Tips

Start Gradually

You don't have to switch everything at once. Many people start with one sustainable option and add others over time:

• Try period pants as overnight protection or backup
• Use a menstrual cup at home before taking it to work
• Switch to organic tampons while you decide if reusables are for you
• Use reusable pads on lighter days

Give It Time

Most reusable products have a learning curve. Give yourself 2-3 cycles to adjust before deciding if something works for you.

Build Your Rotation

For reusable products, you'll need enough to get through your period:

• Period pants: 5-7 pairs (depending on flow and laundry frequency)
• Reusable pads: 6-10 pads in different sizes
• Menstrual cup/disc: Just one (plus backup tampons while learning)

Care for Your Products

Proper care extends lifespan:

• Cups and discs: Rinse with water between uses, sterilise by boiling for 5-10 minutes between cycles
• Period pants: Rinse in cold water, machine wash at 30-40°C, air dry (no tumble dryer)
• Reusable pads: Same as period pants—cold rinse, machine wash, air dry

What About Disposal?

Even with sustainable products, there will be times when you use disposables—whether as backup, during travel, or as part of a mixed approach. Thoughtful disposal matters.

Never flush. Tampons and pads should always go in the bin, not the toilet. Flushing contributes to sewer blockages and marine pollution.

Wrap and bin. Used products should be wrapped before disposal for hygiene. FabLittleBag disposal bags make this easy—they're:

• Made mostly from plants (60% sugarcane, 30% recycled plastic, 10% cornstarch)
• Opaque so no one can see the contents
• Sealable to contain odours
• Easy to open with one hand

Whether you're using organic disposables, backup tampons alongside your cup, or managing your period away from home, FabLittleBag ensures disposal is hygienic and discreet—wherever you are.

Addressing Common Concerns

"Aren't reusables unhygienic?"

No. When cleaned properly, reusable period products are just as hygienic as disposables—often more so, because they don't contain the chemicals found in some conventional products. Medical-grade silicone (used in cups and discs) is non-porous and doesn't harbour bacteria.

"I have a heavy flow—will these work?"

Yes. There are high-absorbency options across all product types. Many people with heavy periods actually prefer cups (which hold more than tampons) or period pants (which can hold the equivalent of 8-10 tampons). You might use multiple products together on heaviest days.

"What about at work or school?"

Menstrual cups can be worn for up to 12 hours, so many people don't need to empty them during work or school. If you do, simply empty into the toilet, wipe with tissue, and reinsert—no sink required. Period pants and reusable pads work just like their disposable equivalents in terms of changing.

"Isn't it gross to wash period products?"

Many people feel this way initially—but the squeamishness usually fades quickly once you start. Menstrual blood is a normal bodily fluid. Rinsing and washing becomes routine, like any other laundry task. The environmental and cost savings make it worthwhile.

"I can't afford the upfront cost"

While reusables save money long-term, the initial investment can be a barrier. Some options:

• Start with organic disposables (similar price to conventional)
• Buy one cup or a couple of period pants and build up over time
• Look for starter bundles and sales
• Some local councils offer subsidies for sustainable period products (check if yours does)

The Bottom Line: Progress Over Perfection

Sustainable periods aren't about being perfect—they're about making better choices where you can.

Maybe that means switching entirely to a menstrual cup. Maybe it means using period pants for backup while sticking with tampons. Maybe it's simply choosing organic cotton instead of conventional products. Every step reduces waste and environmental impact.

The variety of options available today means there's something for everyone—different bodies, different flows, different comfort levels, different budgets. Experiment, give yourself grace during the learning curve, and find what works for you.

Your period, your planet, your choice.

Resources and Further Reading

Where to Buy:

• WUKA — Period pants
• Modibodi — Period pants and swimwear
• Mooncup — Menstrual cups
• AllMatters — Menstrual cups
• Natracare — Organic disposables
• TOTM — Organic disposables
• Cheeky Wipes — Reusable pads and pants
• The Period Lady — Multi-brand retailer with advice

Campaigns and Information:

• City to Sea: Plastic Free Periods
• Ella Daish: End Period Plastic
• WWF: Sustainable Sanitary Products Challenge

Related reading on our blog:

• Why 40% of UK Women Still Flush Period Products
• The Environmental Impact of Flushing Period Products
• Period Poverty in the UK: What It Is and How to Help

FabLittleBag supports sustainable periods by making disposal better—even for organic and backup products. Made mostly from plants, our bags are the thoughtful choice for the moments when you need a disposable option. Shop FabLittleBag