Periods: not the most pleasant thing to write about, but a monthly occurrence which, for the majority of UK women, results in repeated purchases of sanitary towels and/or tampons. This included me until this week.
Menstrual products are something most of us use for decades of our lives, yet we rarely stop to think about their environmental impact. In the UK alone, billions of disposable tampons, pads, and applicators are thrown away every year — many containing plastic that can take hundreds of years to break down. Switching to reusable sanitary products is one of the most impactful zero waste swaps you can make.
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
Why Switch to Reusable Sanitary Products?
Switching to reusable sanitary products isn’t just about reducing waste — although that alone is reason enough. Reusable period products can also be healthier, more comfortable, and far more cost‑effective over time.
Environmental benefits
Disposable pads and tampons often contain plastic, synthetic fibres, and chemically treated materials. These products can take hundreds of years to break down, contributing to landfill and ocean pollution. Reusable sanitary pads and menstrual cups can be used for years, dramatically reducing the amount of waste created each cycle.
Financial savings
Although reusable products usually cost more upfront, they can save a significant amount of money over time. One menstrual cup can replace hundreds, if not thousands, of tampons, while washable sanitary pads eliminate the need for monthly purchases altogether.
Comfort and health
Many people find reusable period products more comfortable than disposables. They often contain fewer irritating chemicals, no fragrances, and are more breathable against the skin, making them a good option for those with sensitivities.
I had ordered a number of sanitary towels (and a menstrual cup) from Peace With The Wild to be delivered (and they arrived just as my period came). Such a colourful array of colours! I was quite excited opening the package!
I received:
Menstrual Cup
Quick Verdict: OrganiCup
- Best for: First‑time menstrual cup users, heavy flow days, overnight protection
- Comfort: Very comfortable once inserted correctly
- Ease of use: Takes a little practice, but easy after a few uses
- Eco impact: Excellent – replaces hundreds of single‑use products over its lifetime
The OrganiCup comes in 2 varieties: aimed at women who have not given birth (size A) and who have given birth (size B). In addition to their environmental and practical attributes (see below), I chose OrganiCup, because of the charitable projects (in both developing and developed countries) which they support, to ensure that to ensure that in need receive proper information about menstruation, menstrual health and period products.
A great alternative to disposable tampons and/or sanitary towels, the OrganiCup is made from soft, medical-grade silicone, it’s extremely comfortable and safe. Menstrual cups last for years – i.e. you are not just reducing your waste and helping the environment, but you can also save a tonne of money too! (#tampontax)
I was, however, nervous about trying a cup – I had seen adverts for years, and could not bring myself to buy one (I have to admit the full refund within 90 days was partly an incentive – no excuse NOT to try!). But, when it arrived promptly in time for use, I rinsed it out as per the instructions (conveniently printed on the inside of the packaging for less waste!), and inserted it according to the directions.
The first time I inserted it, it was strange and took a few minutes. By third time… I was a pro! What a pleasant surprise! It was just as comfortable as a tampon AND I HAD NO LEAKS!!! I had used in combination with a pantyliner, just in case, but NOTHING! I am VERY impressed! This is the future!
Additional Attributes:
- OrganiCup holds up to 3 tampons worth and can be worn for up to 12 hours (including at night!)
- OrganiCup is made of 100% soft medical-grade silicone that doesn’t mess with your body
- Allergy Certified: AllergyCertified is an international certification organisation founded in Denmark in 2015.
- 100% FDA approved medical grade silicone
- BPA & Latex free
- Menstrual cups last years
- Healthier & greener
- OrganiCup last years, not hours = No constant waste and no monthly purchases. Reusable
Sanitary Towels
The reusable menstrual sanitary pads from Earthwise are perfect for replacing disposables and plastic pads! They are far kinder on the skin, more comfortable to wear and they help you to reduce waste. Made with a leak proof PUL backing layer, a microfibre core and a soft stain resistant microfleece against the skin.
Eco-Femme Cotton Sanitary Pad – Night Pad
Quick Verdict: Eco‑Femme Cotton Sanitary Pad – Night Pad
- Best for: Overnight use, heavier flows, backup for menstrual cups
- Comfort: Soft and breathable against the skin
- Ease of use: Simple once you establish a rinse‑and‑wash routine
- Eco impact: Excellent – plastic‑free, ethically made, and long‑lasting
I could not use the sanitary towels immediately though (the instructions suggested that I should wash them twice before use) but was able to use the Eco-Femme Cotton Sanitary Pad – Night Pad, as my washing had dried before bedtime. I had been concerned regarding overnight usage, and worried about the pad moving during the night, but I need not have feared! All was well in the mornings, when I rinsed the pad out before placing in the washing machine with my usual load.
Additional Attributes
- Reusable
- Machine washable
- Air dries quickly
- Plastic free packaging
- Stain resistant
- PUL leakproof lined
- When you buy Eco Femme pads , you give an adolescent girl in India the opportunity to attend a workshop on menstrual health and the chance to choose washable cloth pads through our Pad for Pad programme.
Medium Reusable Sanitary Pads
Quick Verdict: Medium Reusable Sanitary Pads
- Best for: Daytime use, moderate flow, everyday wear
- Comfort: Very comfortable and secure
- Ease of use: Easy to use and care for
- Eco impact: Excellent – reusable, ethically made, and replaces disposable pads
I had the same experience with the Medium Reusable Sanitary Pads. I am genuinely pleased with both these products!
Additional Attributes
- Cotton flannel top layer with PUL leak preventing layer
- Washable and reusable
- Replaces disposable plastic pads
- These will Last years!
- Hand stitched and made ethically in India by women’s collectives
- Part of the Pad For Pad Programme
Are There Any Downsides?
Reusable sanitary products do come with a short adjustment period. Menstrual cups can feel unfamiliar at first and may take a few cycles to master, particularly when it comes to insertion and removal. Reusable sanitary pads also require rinsing after use and regular washing, which may feel inconvenient compared to disposables.
That said, once a routine is established, these steps quickly become second nature. For most people, the reduced waste, improved comfort, and long‑term savings far outweigh the initial learning curve.
This small change has completely altered how I view my period — no more constant waste, fewer purchases, and far more comfort than I ever expected. If you’re curious about reducing your menstrual waste, reusable sanitary products are a brilliant place to start.
Have you tried menstrual cups or reusable pads? I’d love to know your experiences!
My next step is to produce these myself in my sewing room – there are a number of sites offering sewing patterns and instructions for making sanitary pads, and I will give it a whirl in the future – a great use for leftover cotton fabric!
Key Takeaways
- Reusable sanitary products significantly reduce waste and environmental impact by replacing disposables like pads and tampons.
- These products offer financial savings over time, as one menstrual cup can replace hundreds of single-use products.
- Many find reusable options more comfortable and better for health, containing fewer irritating chemicals.
- I reviewed several products, including the OrganiCup and Eco-Femme pads, which I found effective and eco-friendly.
- While there’s an adjustment period for using these products, their long-term benefits outweigh initial inconveniences.
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