The Sad Facts
™ The average person with a period uses 10,000 ’ 12,000 disposable period products in their lifetime (that’s about 140kg of waste!)
™ It can take 500-800 years for a regular non-organic cotton pad to break down
™ 90% of conventional disposable pads have plastic elements (backing, adhesive strips, dri-weave top sheet and packaging) that don’t completely break down
™ Around 192 million pads and tampons end up in our wastewater each year
The Good News
It’s easier now than ever to make the swap and reduce your waste footprint! From period undies to reusable pads, the options only continue to grow. Immediately making the jump to a menstrual cup can be scary and intimidating, so we recommend starting with a small swap and exploring at your own pace.
Period Undies
Worn like regular undies, period undies are made from a range of different fabrics ’ from bamboo to spandex/nylon, and soft breathable cotton. They usually have a top and inner layer of super-absorbent fabric (because that’s the important part!). You can wear them alone, or as extra protection with other period products.
PROS
™ Reusable (save your $$$)
™ Variety of sizes, styles, and absorbency levels
™ Extra backup for light bladder leaks
™ Reduces odours with low-to-no waste
CONS
™ Will need access to a washing machine/running water
™ May need multiple pairs during a cycle
Menstrual Cups
An innovative alternative to tampons and disposable pads, menstrual cups are usually made of soft medical-grade silicone. They’re hypoallergenic with flexible shapes and lots of options for different flows.
PROS
™ Can last up 5-10 years (or more) with proper care
™ Some can be used overnight
™ Can be used during swimming or any sports
™ Odourless and no waste
CONS
™ Can take a while to get used to inserting and emptying
™ Has to be sterilised once a month & rinsed after every empty
™ Won’t be able to stop telling everyone they have to get one
Organic Pads & Tampons
Just like the regular pads and tampons you know, but with extra environmental ticks. Most are 100% certified organic cotton or sustainable natural bamboo, cruelty-free and vegan, with 100% biodegradable wrappers and release paper!
PROS
™ Nothing new ’ you probably already know how to use it!
™ Most made with organic cotton
™ Some are 100% biodegradable
™ Synthetic and chemical-free
CONS
™ May be a little bit more expensive (Tip: Get the latest discounts by signing up to our fun emails!)
Reusable Pads
These are worn exactly how you’d wear a normal pad, except you can use them over and over (and over) again!
PROS
™ Can last up to 2-3 years
™ Good range of shapes and sizes
™ Most fastened with wings and dual snaps so there’s no awkward shifting
™ High level of absorbency
CONS
™ Will need access to a washing machine/running water
™ Can be awkward to carry around on-the-go
Team Faves
’I love the Scarlet period cup. It’s soft, flexible, and has little grips in the bottom so it’s easy to remove without excessive tugging!"
’ Tina
’I love Tom Organic tampons - haven’t made the step towards a cup just yet! I forget that I’m wearing a tampon and can really move around like normal. It’s not irritating at all, unlike the mainstream ones!"
’ Victoria
What’s Next?
Remember that our bodies are all different, so you might need to play around with what suits your flow and lifestyle.
Explore period undies, menstrual cups, organic pads & tampons, and reusable pads for yourself.
Find your perfect period undies fit with Scarlet or Thinx.
Read more about sustainable period swaps you can make.
Listen to this interview with the founder of Modibodi where we ask ’Do Period Undies Really Work?’
SOURCES
https://sustainableperiodproject.org/[The Sustainable Period Project]
https://www.cleanup.org.au/period-waste[Clean Up Australia]
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-10-27/which-period-product-is-best-for-the-environment/9090658[ABC News]
https://www.choice.com.au/health-and-body/reproductive-health/womens-health/articles/menstrual-cups-and-period-underwear[CHOICE]
