Everything You Need to Know About a Zero Waste Period
I’ve tried every eco period swap I can think of, so…
It’s time to rank the best zero waste period swaps…based on my own opinions. So just know that every person may rank these differently, but I will go over some basic pros and cons that we may all be able to agree on.
I hope that this helps you gauge where to start for your own low waste period journey. Let’s go!
Menstrual Cup
What is it?
This is an internal period device shaped like a little cup. It stays in place via suction, can stay inside for up to 12 hours with no risk of toxic shock, and lasts for years at a time. You only need one of these per person, making them one of the more affordable options.
But, it can take some practice getting used to this new device. Even if you’re used to tampons it can take some time to learn.
Pros
Though it can be pricey up front, you only need one cup per person per cycle
Can last up to 10 years if taken care of properly
Compared to other zero-waste options, this is one of the easier ones to use in public
Requires very little water to clean
Easy to sanitize between cycles
Plenty of quizzes exist for you to find the right fit for you
Cons
It can be messy to change
Will not work with every body type (i.e., low cervixes)
IUD havers — beware! While it is safe to use with an IUD, it is risky as the suction may remove the IUD. Simply just break the seal before removing
It can take a while to master
Leaks are common
Popular Brands: Saalt, Diva Cup, June Cup
Emma’s Favorites: Saalt (my link gets you 15% off)
Menstrual Disc
What is it?
Similar to a menstrual cup, a menstrual disc is an internal period device shaped like a shallow bowl. It looks big, but it can fit just about any body type and body size. This device does not use suction, making it easier to use if you have an IUD or the suction of a menstrual cup is uncomfortable for you. Instead, it tucks up above the pelvic bone to stay in place. It can even “self-empty” while you go to the bathroom, meaning you don’t have to manually empty it with your hand.
Though there are some glaring similarities to menstrual cups: it can stay inside for up to 12 hours with no risk of toxic shock, lasts for years at a time, and you only need one of these per person, making them one of the more affordable options.
But, it can take some practice getting used to this new device. Even if you’re used to tampons it can take some time to learn.
Pros
Though it can be pricey up front, you only need one cup per person per cycle
Can last up to 10 years if taken care of properly
Compared to other zero-waste options, this is one of the easier ones to use in public
Can self-empty while you go to the bathroom, making it even cleaner to use
But even if you need to use your hand to empty it, it’s likely that it’s less messy than a cup
Requires very little water to clean
Easy to sanitize between cycles
Plenty of quizzes exist for you to find the right fit for you
Does not suction, making it safer for those with IUDs
Cons
It can self-empty, meaning it may also cause leaks more easily than intended
Will not work with every body type (i.e., low cervixes)
It can take a while to master
It can be quite uncomfortable if you don’t get it to the right spot
Popular Brands: Saalt, Nixit, Diva Cup, June Cup
Emma’s Favorites: Saalt (my link gets you 15% off)
Reusable Tampon Applicator
What is it?
Are you a fan of tampons but not a fan of the waste? Try a reusable tampon applicator! Yes, the tampons are still wrapped in plastic for sanitation, but the applicator and the larger package make up the bulk of tampon waste. It’s not perfect, but it’s far less wasteful than traditional US tampons and is a great baby step if you’re not ready for a menstrual disc or cup.
I also like this option while backpacking to keep my body as clean as possible from my dirty hands. There are so many reasons someone may choose this option, including a very small learning curve if you already use tampons.
Or, forgo this and just opt for applicator-free tampons. Imperfect, but again, a big reduction in waste. Just insert the tampon with your hands!
Pros
Smaller size than tampons with applicators, making it more convenient for travel and storage
No learning curve if you already use tampons
A great step on your low-waste period journey if other options are intimidating
Cons
Imperfectly zero waste, you still have to throw some items away every cycle
Recurring costs since it is not reusable
Organic tampons cost a lot compared to traditional tampons
Popular brands (of applicator-free tampons): NatraCare, The Honey Pot, Cora
Emma’s favorite brands (of applicator-free tampons): Dame and NatraCare
The ONLY reusable tampon applicator: Dame
Reusable Pads
What is it?
Pad fans, this one is for you! Though not adhesive, these reusables button underneath your underwear with wings. They are reusable for years at a time. The only thing different from disposables is that you do have to handle them to wash them, so get comfortable with your blood!
Depending on the brand, some of these may adjust over time in your underwear as they are not adhesive. Some brands are much more comfortable than others. But they are relatively affordable and are very easy to try!
Pros
Reusable for many years, saving money over time
Little learning curve
Easy to hand-wash and machine-wash
Cons
Non-adhesive means it may shift around
They can be bulkier than disposables and, therefore, uncomfortable
It can be quite sweaty when exercising or in hot temps
Not everyone wants to wash their own blood out of things, and it can take some getting used to
Required line drying to make them last, which may not be an option for everyone
Popular brands: The Period Company, Lil Helper, Glad Rags, Aisle
Emma’s favorites: Nora
Period Underwear
What is it?
If you’re a fan of pads (disposables or reusables), then you’ll love these even more. Though I was blown away by my Nora pads, I am still a huge fan of period panties largely due to their comfort! They are far less bulky than pads, and oftentimes I forget I’m wearing them as they just feel like normal underwear. The biggest downside, though, is that you do have to take off your pants in order to change these.
They are essentially underwear you can “free bleed” into, making this the most comfortable eco period swap in my opinion.
But are they safe? I thought they had PFAS in them? Let’s talk about that topic in this video.
Pros
Extremely comfortable
Long-lasting (but not as long as some of the other options)
Absorbent for several hours
Little learning curve
Cons
It can take a lot of water to thoroughly wash out
For maximum comfort, it’s best to have multiple pairs and they get expensive
Required to take your pants off to change them, making it a hassle and sometimes impossible to change in public
Not everyone wants to wash their own blood out of things, and it can take some getting used to
Required line drying to make them last, which may not be an option for everyone
Popular brands: Thinx, Knix, Modibodi
Emma’s favorites: Saalt, Kayaness, Revol Cares, Wuka, Period Company
Other things I use to make my period low waste
Reusable heating pads
Plug in one that I got secondhand
Microwaveable one from Cherapy
Pain medications in bulk: I buy a large amount of ibuprofen and acetaminophen to reduce total packaging waste and recycle the bottles when done
I stock up on my favorite snacks at the refill store
When handwashing reusables, I am mindful of water usage to conserve water as much as I can
I use eco-friendly laundry swaps to wash my reusables. Check out my eco laundry routine here!
There you have it! A bit of my low waste period routine and my favorite brands I have ever tried. What brands should I try next? Would you like to see a full vlog of my zero waste period routine?
Let us know about your low waste period below!
As always, remember that your small actions make a big difference in the long run :)
Emma
