500 to 800 years. That’s how long, according to a 2022 paper, it takes for one disposable menstrual pad to decompose in the environment.
In an effort to decrease the amount of single-use plastics making their way into our landfills and environment, I have undertaken the task of reviewing three “sustainable” menstrual products I’ve used over the last few months. If you’re looking for more information on how to make the change, what to switch to and if these products are truly sustainable, look no further.
To address the elephant in the room, I know that for many of us period-havers, using the least expensive, most effective and most accessible option is at the top of our list regarding consumer considerations – not sustainability. And who could blame us? The average person spends $96-180 a year on menstrual products, which can accumulate to up to $9,000 over a lifetime.
However, if you’re like me, then the environment also has its place on the hierarchy, and period products play a part. 90% of the plastic being produced in the world today is virgin plastic – or plastic made directly from fossil fuels – rather than recycled material, and period products are notoriously single-use plastics.
I’ll be reviewing each product based on comfort, ease of use, cost and lifespan. Hopefully, something on this list will inspire you to try something new that might be good for the planet – and for your wallet.
The Cup
The menstrual cup is a small silicone bowl shaped like a wine glass. Models come in different shapes and sizes to accommodate varying flow weights and occasionally include a stem at the base to help with extraction.
Similar to tampons, the menstrual cup is intended to work internally. Unlike tampons, a menstrual cup can be worn for up to 12 hours before being changed, and the user only needs one cup, which can last anywhere from two to 10 years, depending on the brand.
I tried the DivaCup, a common brand available at most retail stores. I spent $35 on mine, which for maximum use will last roughly five years, saving me roughly $565. Whoa!
The pros? The cup is a set-it-and-forget-it option and takes a lot of hassle out of changing your pad or tampon during the day. It’s easy to transport and store, and the option of simply boiling it to sterilize it between uses is as zero-waste as it gets.
The cons? Access to a clean, private space to change your cup after 12 hours is absolutely necessary – it’s easy to end up looking like a serial killer washing your hands in a public bathroom.
For me, the DivaCup is an exciting option, but not the one for me. It has the longest lifespan on this list, but unfortunately I’m just not an interior-management kind of gal.
Period Underwear
Period underwear is just what it sounds like: underwear intended to be bled on. These undergarments are generally lined with a strip of absorbent fabric, often black. They need to be washed thoroughly and carefully to ensure you’re not coming into contact with residual soap. They generally last between two to five years, depending on how well you take care of them.
I tried a couple of products here: a $55 heavy-flow option from Revolcares and a few $24 cotton pairs from Jockey.
The pros? These are some of the most comfortable options here, with the added benefit of being easily combined with either of the other products in this review. I was able to get away with about three hours of wear during the day and one overnight pair for, well, overnight.
The cons? Depending on what kind you get, period underwear gets costly very fast, and you pay for quality. For me, using these on their own, without any other products, is not sustainable day-to-day. Changing period underwear means taking off your pants, etc., several times a day for the most comfort, oftentimes disrupting the middle of your day.
You also need to have some kind of waterproof wet bag to carry your period underwear home with you to be washed, and when you do get them home, they need to be hand-rinsed before they can be machine washed and probably rinsed and air-dried again after that.
I also found the products I chose rather… humid. If you want better results during the day, especially in warm weather, I would recommend finding something very breathable in cotton or nylon with micro-holes.
Overall, period underwear was one of the options I was the most excited about and ultimately the most disappointed by. I would recommend using these with another product, not as your primary period product. That way, you can get away with wearing a much more reasonable pair a day.
Reusable Cloth Pads
Reusable cloth pads are also rather self-explanatory. Often equipped with some kind of snap or Velcro to attach the wings to your underwear, cloth pads are built with several layers of absorbent fabric and often come with a waterproof wet bag to aid in transport.
I tried Pixie organic cotton cloth menstrual pads for my experiment, which came in at around $35.
The pros? Cloth pads are relatively easy to use, discreet, and not quite as expensive as period underwear – not to mention, women have been using cloth pads for centuries. If you buy them thin enough, they can be more breathable than disposable pads and pose a lessened risk of irritation if cleaned properly.
The cons? Compared to disposable pads, they’re very expensive – and though they might prove to pay off over their 2-5 year lifespan, it’s still a lot to fork over in the short term. Like period underwear, cloth pads need to be rinsed by hand and washed carefully, but they often aren’t quite as comfortable as period underwear as your flow weight increases.
Cloth pads, without the benefit of adhesive disposable pads, can also… flip? They can fold, bunch or otherwise end up in awkward positions, especially under high activity.
My recommendation for those looking to switch to cloth pads is to look for lighter flow options, buy more than you think you’ll need, use them alongside period underwear or another sustainable product and make peace with your roommate before introducing this lifestyle change – they might be a little shocked to see your freshly washed and perhaps stained cloth pads air-drying in the bathroom.
We Have a Long Way to Go
I’ve learned a lot from this experience – primarily that living “sustainably” isn’t always sustainable day-to-day.
I find myself thinking of the Sam Vimes Boots Theory of Economics: Many “sustainable” products require a big investment up front that disposable options don’t, and if you can’t swing that initial price, these products are inaccessible to you.
These products also often require a lot of time devoted to their care. Although, changing habits can be a sign of greater appreciation for our belongings.
Do I think these products are really sustainable? Not exactly – but switching to something that accumulates less waste can make a difference in the long run, especially if more of us try.
If you can’t compromise on your menstrual care, that’s up to you – your health and comfort are ultimately the most important things.
However, if enough of us change our habits, in even this small way, we can make meaningful change.
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