The ULTIMATE Guide On Zero Waste Period Products!

There’s one question I get asked almost everyday as a zero waster, & that is, “what about period products?” If you’re on a mission to reduce your waste & live more sustainably, your period shouldn’t be an exception. The average woman will use over 11,000 disposable pads or tampons in their lifetime. Most of these products are individually wrapped in plastic, contain synthetic materials, & are not biodegradable by any means.

But there’s good news: zero waste period options are real, accessible, & often way more comfortable than their disposable counterparts. & let’s not forget, MORE AFFORDABLE LONG TERM! Let’s dive into the best sustainable alternatives out there that I love & hate!

LEAST to FAVORITES:

1. FREE BLEEDING- there’s a huge movement on social media about free bleeding. But I am nowhere near that level of hippie yet. If it works for some ladies great, but for me, not at all. And I can’t see how this would work for most women who are in the workforce and go to work every day. Are they just expected to bleed all over their office chair? Terribly embarrassing. Although it is a zero waste of option, which is why it it’s on this list, I wouldn’t recommend this for a majority of women I run into for numerous reasons, but the main one being it is absolutely not practical for the average woman.
2. DISC- ew. absolutely not. This one just did not sit right for me. Literally. For some reason, it would move around constantly in my cervix, causing major leaks. & I could feel it moving around every time I’d walk. So overall, this is my least favorite pick. Not saying it won’t work for you, but for me, it was a big no.
3. Menstrual Cups- I swear before having a baby this was my number one recommendation for everyone. But postpartum I have this weird thing about putting things inside of me. I still use it whenever we are swimming or I’m going to Yoga. I forget I even have it in when I do use it so it’s not nearly as awful as the disc. But if I’m just chilling at the house, Period Panties are my go to. I think for most women who are used to using tampons & menstrual cup should be their first & most comfortable switch! I miss loving using mine!
4. REUSABLE PADS- this one is a postpartum DREAM! Or for any ladies who aren’t comfortable using menstrual cups tampons or the disc. They are so comfortable and often times made out of cotton, so they’re far less toxic than using disposable pads. Easy to clean, easy to store and easy to use! And if you’re skilled that sewing, you will have a ball making your own!
5. PERIOD PANTIES- MY FAVORITES! They come in every single style you could possibly imagine boxer briefs, bikini style, even thongs! And they do an incredible job with absorption! So absolutely comfortable, which is why they’re my favorite option to wear. Easy to wash & reuse. The only thing is you can’t wear them while swimming and I don’t recommend you wear them while working out. Otherwise for postpartum or just regular menstruation, these are my favorite & the first thing I reach for during that time of the month!

There's more to be said on this topic because now the next question is, "but what brand?" & i know that can be a long & tedious process (since theres so many brands that offer reusable period products, YAY!), so blog on that coming soon!