HEALTHY PLASTIC-FREE PERIOD PRODUCTS
Choosing organic, and avoiding single-use plastic-based products is an environmentally and health-friendly solution. Plus opting for reusables, such as menstrual cups or washable pads, will save money in the long term!
There are many reasons to give reusable period products a go. As well as being better for the environment, reusables can save you money too. Yes, there is an upfront cost, but over the course of months and years, there will be major savings. Many people find that their periods become less heavy and painful by using reusables. The products are much more comfortable to use and avoid any allergic reactions that might occur when using mainstream disposable products. Sign up below to receive a list of discount codes, so you can save even more money!
DISCOUNT CODES TO MAKE THE SWITCH
Buying plastic-free period products doesn’t need to empty your pocket! We’ve teamed up with brands in our Environmenstrual Coalition to make it easier for you to make the switch to healthy, eco-friendly menstrual products. Sign-up for discounts codes for menstrual cups, washable pads, period pants and menstrual pads and tampons from:
Ecofemme, Grace & Green, The Cup Effect, Allmatters, Nora, Organic Mondays, Flux Undies, Earthwise Girls, Intimina
WHAT ARE THE ALTERNATIVES?
There are lots of alternatives to plastic based period products these days! These include menstrual cups, washable pads, period pants and even reusable tampon applicators. But you can get plastic free organic tampons and pads too. Read our FAQ.
MENSTRUAL CUPS
Menstrual cups are inserted like a tampon, collect rather than absorb blood, and can be worn up to 12 hours depending on the brand and your flow.
- Like a tampon, a menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina.
- Instead of absorbing blood, though, the cup catches it before it flows out of the vagina.
- Menstrual cups are made of flexible materials, like rubber or silicone.
- There are now over 100 different menstrual cups on the market. They all vary slightly in colour and shape.
- Cups catch the blood and can be used on their own for up to 12 hours. During your period, cups are emptied, rinsed with clean cool water and then reinserted. At the end of the period the cups will need to be sterilised before the next use. This can be done by boiling, sterilising solution or tablets, or in the microwave with the right vessels.
- Cups can be used for approximately 10 years and work out at approximately 20p per period.
- You can also buy small waffle pots or cups to help sterilise your menstrual cup.
WASHABLE PADS
Washable cloth pads are also reusable alternatives, with lots of brands available to choose from. These work similarly to a standard pad, and can be washed in the washing machine with your other laundry. Hang up to dry and reuse!
- Reusable pads are used in the same way as disposable period pads
- They come in a range of sizes, materials and patterns
- A set of reusable pads will cost you about £10 – £35 and can last between 3- 10 years.
- If you need to change whilst away from home, you can seal them in a waterproof washbag.
- Make sure you read the washing instructions on whatever pads you choose. General guidance is to rinse / soak them in cold water before popping them in the washing machine on a long cycle (30º- 40º). You can also hand-wash them. Don’t use fabric softener!
- They can be made from 100% natural cotton, flannel, fleece or bamboo. Some contain polyester which is a type of plastic that is commonly found in clothing.
PERIOD PANTS
Period underwear comes in many styles and can even be bought in your local supermarket. Period pants can be worn all day and then put in with your normal laundry.
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Period pants are essentially leak proof knickers, so you won’t need to wear a pad, a tampon or menstrual cup if you wear them during your period.
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A standard thickness for a pair of period pants is around 3mm, and they usually hold around two standard tampons’ worth of menstrual blood, lasting up to 12 hours.
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You can now buy period pants in a large range of styles, colours and patterns. You can even buy period swimwear.
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They last for approximately 2-5 years.
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To wash, you can soak or rinse in cool water, then put in your normal clothes wash or put them straight into the wash.
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Wash with a gentle detergent, no fabric conditioner on 30 or 40 degrees.
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They may take a little longer to dry than regular pants as the gussets are thicker, so it is worth buying a couple of pairs to be worn during your period.
-
If you need to change whilst away from home, you can seal them in a waterproof washbag.
MENSTRUAL CUPS
Menstrual cups are inserted like a tampon, collect rather than absorb blood, and can be worn up to 12 hours depending on the brand and your flow.
- Like a tampon, a menstrual cup is inserted into the vagina.
- Instead of absorbing blood, though, the cup catches it before it flows out of the vagina.
- Menstrual cups are made of flexible materials, like rubber or silicone.
- There are now over 100 different menstrual cups on the market. They all vary slightly in colour and shape.
- Cups catch the blood and can be used on their own for up to 12 hours. During your period, cups are emptied, rinsed with clean cool water and then reinserted. At the end of the period the cups will need to be sterilised before the next use. This can be done by boiling, sterilising solution or tablets, or in the microwave with the right vessels.
- Cups can be used for approximately 10 years and work out at approximately 20p per period.
- You can also buy small waffle pots or cups to help sterilise your menstrual cup.
WASHABLE PADS
Washable cloth pads are also reusable alternatives, with lots of brands available to choose from. These work similarly to a standard pad, and can be washed in the washing machine with your other laundry. Hang up to dry and reuse!
- Reusable pads are used in the same way as disposable period pads
- They come in a range of sizes, materials and patterns
- A set of reusable pads will cost you about £10 – £35 and can last between 3- 10 years.
- If you need to change whilst away from home, you can seal them in a waterproof washbag.
- Make sure you read the washing instructions on whatever pads you choose. General guidance is to rinse / soak them in cold water before popping them in the washing machine on a long cycle (30º- 40º). You can also hand-wash them. Don’t use fabric softener!
- They can be made from 100% natural cotton, flannel, fleece or bamboo. Some contain polyester which is a type of plastic that is commonly found in clothing.
PERIOD PANTS
Period underwear comes in many styles and can even be bought in your local supermarket. Period pants can be worn all day and then put in with your normal laundry.
-
Period pants are essentially leak proof knickers, so you won’t need to wear a pad, a tampon or menstrual cup if you wear them during your period.
-
A standard thickness for a pair of period pants is around 3mm, and they usually hold around two standard tampons’ worth of menstrual blood, lasting up to 12 hours.
-
You can now buy period pants in a large range of styles, colours and patterns. You can even buy period swimwear.
-
They last for approximately 2-5 years.
-
To wash, you can soak or rinse in cool water, then put in your normal clothes wash or put them straight into the wash.
-
Wash with a gentle detergent, no fabric conditioner on 30 or 40 degrees.
-
They may take a little longer to dry than regular pants as the gussets are thicker, so it is worth buying a couple of pairs to be worn during your period.
-
If you need to change whilst away from home, you can seal them in a waterproof washbag.
NOT READY FOR REUSABLES YET?
Maybe you’re just cup curious at the moment or puzzled by period pants, and still want to research if this is the right investment for you. In the meantime, there’s an amazing array of brands that make organic disposables with the added bonus of leaving out plastic and harsh chemicals helping the environment and your health. So you can still have plastic free periods!
Wondering where you can buy all these bloody awesome alternative products? Look no further than our retailer guide.
Find out more about Environmenstrual Week and how to get involved
