Super Sustainable Period Products

Antonia Jenkinson 20/06/2023

More than 18 million people in the UK menstruate, with Statista estimating that one person who menstruates will use more than 11,000 disposable menstrual products in their lifetime. While disposable options are certainly convenient, they’re also costly; Action Aid suggests on average each period can cost £41, nearly £500 a year, totalling £18,400 between menstruation and menopause. Disposable menstrual products, like tampons and pads, also generate 200,000 tonnes of waste a year. It’s not all doom and gloom though! This blog post will walk you through some of our favourite reusable and environmentally friendly options for your period.

Option 1: Menstrual Cup

Menstrual cups are small cups made from medical grade silicone which are inserted into the vagina and used to collect blood. Medical grade silicone products are a great alternative for people who menstruate, as they are safe for internal use and are also a much more sustainable option to single use plastics.

One of the most common insertion methods are the ‘c-method’, folding the cup in on itself so that the menstrual cup is narrowed. The cup is inserted carefully to sit against the cervix and will pop open to create a seal. Removal can be a little tricky, however after a few tries you’ll be a natural. Simply squeeze the bottom of the cup to break the seal and carefully remove to empty into the toilet.

In general, menstrual cups can be left in for up to eight hours, however most products come with an advisory from the brand. You can sleep in peace for up to eight hours knowing you won’t have to scrub the bedsheets in the morning.

Still not sure they’re for you? Most brands selling menstrual cups offer many different sizes and styles for a variety of people. Options are available for young teenagers, those who have given birth, and all different kinds of flows. No matter what you’re looking for during your period, the right menstrual cup will have you covered.

Option 2: Menstrual Disc

Menstrual discs are flat disc shaped pieces of silicone which sit against the cervix to collect blood. Discs are inserted almost identically to cups by folding the disc and inserting to sit against the cervix and pelvic bone.

Removal requires inserting a finger and gently hooking the front of the disc until the seal breaks. Discs can be quite slippery so be sure to have a good grip. They should also be washed with clean water between uses and boiled to sterilise between periods. Menstrual discs offer different shapes for all kinds of anatomy and accessibility needs, with stems, loops, variable bowl shapes and sizes.

Unlike the menstrual cup, discs can be kept in during sex if you don’t want to have to worry about blood, however, don’t feel pressured to keep one in - your comfort is imperative! It is also important to note that discs will not prevent any sexually transmitted infections or pregnancies so make sure to practice safe sex.

Option 3: Reusable Pads

Reusable pads act the same way that a pad does by collecting blood, with the difference being that they can be washed after each use for your next period.

Reusable pads and pants are perfect for those who have periods, struggle with incontinence, or are just looking for an extra safety net while using alternative products. They are worn just as you would wear a regular pad or pair of underwear but have to be washed carefully after - look out for our next blog post on cleaning and maintaining your Tiger Community sanitary wear!

Reusable period wear is becoming more of a highstreet staple, with shops like Primark and Boots now stocking them. However, our personal favourites have to be the Tiger Community reusable pads made by our wonderful volunteers. Available in many different patterns, shapes, sizes, and flow types, sanitary wear purchased through the SuPer Project will give reusable sanitary items to someone in period poverty.

Choosing a reusable menstrual product could almost entirely eradicate plastic waste from period products, as most of our suggestions are focussed on creating a sustainable environment for the future so invest in biodegradable packaging. Whilst it certainly does feel expensive to splash £12-30 on a menstrual cup or pair of pants during the cost of living crisis when a box of tampons from the shop costs less than £5, consider it an investment purchase. Medical grade silicone used for menstrual cups and discs can last up to ten years, saving you an estimated £500. Not only are they better for the environment, but reusable period products are also better for your bank account!