Periods are a fact of life. On average we have them up to 450 times in our life times, which means the waste that can come out of a single period is significant. According to Clean Up Australia, on average we use between 16 and 22 period products per period, all of which end up in landfill.
Which is why during this years Plastic Free July, we will be turning to eco friendly period alternatives.
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We are lucky to live in a point in time there are so many trailblazers out there that are creating innovative solutions to help our beautiful planet.
So, those of us with periods have myriad options available that can help to cut down on period product waste, and ultimately save some cash in the long run!
From organically made disposable products to body-safe reusable solutions, below we are taking a look at some of our favourite sustainable period products for you to try out when That Time Of The Month comes. Plus, some tips and treats to make what can be a tough period (ha), just that little bit easier.
The best sustainable period products to try out in 2023
Period Underwear
Period undies are truly the talk of the period town at the moment. Not only do they help cut down on the waste of disposable period products but they’re a lifesaver when it comes those end days of our periods or as a back up if you have a particularly heavy flow.
They’re reusable, affordable, easy for beginners, comfortable, convenient and sustainable!
Period & Leak-proof Full Brief Starter Kit, $81.95 (usually $85.85), Boody
Prepare for your period with a full kit of period proof undies that will keep you dry and comfortable all cycle long.
Scarlet Period-Proof everyday brief light-moderate, $32, a-beauty
These comfortable, washable underwear are a great starter pair to introduce you to the world of leak-proof undies.
Hello undies, $44.99, Hello Period
These adorable undies from Hello Period are great for a range of occasions such as periods, post partum wear or just light bladder leakage. Major bonus that they’re super cute too.
Tencel period boxer brief, $27 (usually $39), AWWA
If you prefer a boxer style underwear, this tangerine dream from sustainable NZ brand AWWA are ones to watch.
Menstrual Cups
These handy little tools are lauded as the future of periods. If you are a tampon user but hate the waste then these pocket sized miracles may just be your next go to.
Menstrual cups are silicone cups that use the power of vacuum to create a safe and secure seal that prevents leakages and collects period blood (as opposed to absorbing like tampons).
Plus because they’re reusable they can help you save a lot of cash when it comes to period time!
Menstrual cup, $29.99 (usually $49.99), Juju
Made from medical grade silicone that is hypoallergenic and 100 per cent flexible, this handy little period cup is great for beginners. It cam ne worn up to eight hours and can withstand all of your everyday activities, and more.
Steam menstrual cup steriliser, $54.95, Juju
This steriliser will make the whole period process worlds easier, simply fill the well with water and pop your period cup in and it will do all of the cleaning work for you.
TOM Organic The Period Cup + microwaveable steriliser cup, $23.99, Chemist Warehouse
TOM are leaders in the sustainable period product world, this little kit comes with both a cup and sterilising cup for convenience.
Scarlet Cup and Hand Wash with Chamomile, $15, a-beauty
Give your cup a deep cleanse with this pH-balanced natural cleanser.
Tampons
Now we do understand that for those of us who have always used disposable products, making the switch to things like period underwear or menstrual cups can feel a bit radical.
So opting to try out organic tampons is an alternative in the meantime. Organic disposable products do decompose at a faster rate than typical products. As they’re made from natural materials like cotton without synthetics or dyes, they’re also better for your body.
TOM Organic Cotton tampons, $7.99, Biome
Made from organic Australian cotton, these regular duty tampons are free of nasties and great for medium flow periods.
Pads
Tampons or insertable period products aren’t for everyone so looking for organic cotton or even bamboo pads can be a great option.
Just like organic tampons they break down at a faster rate which is much better for the planet, and doesn’t expose your most intimate areas to harmful chemicals or materials.
You can also buy reusable liners that can be thrown in the wash and worn time and time again.
TOM Organic Regular pads, $8.99, Healthy Life
Prefer pads to tampons? Like their sustainable tampons, TOM uses organic Australian cotton in their pads to give you an eco-friendly alternative.
Hello reusable liners, $29.95, Hello Period
Try your hand at reusable periods that can be thrown in the wash after use to be used again. Made from a 100 per cent bamboo fleece material which locks in fluid, these pads are made to ensure minimal leakages possible.
Period Swimwear
There’s nothing worse than waking up on a blaring hot day and the sun is shining with not a cloud in the sky, only to remember you have your period. This scenario = no beach day for you.
For those who wear pads, and even tampons due to the fear of leaking, period swimwear can save your summer sustainably!
Recycled swimwear hi-waist bikini brief, $45, Modibodi
Stylish, flattering and there to protect against spills and leakages in summer? What more can you ask for in a bikini?
Scarlet Period Proof Swim Shorts, $59, THE ICONIC
If you prefer a little more coverage, this adorable period friendly swim shorts are one to try.
Period Relief
Unfortunately pain can come with the territory when it comes to periods, so finding sustainable, biodegradable and effective ways of making the experience go that little bit easier are total god sends.
Things like warming or cooling patches are a great option or otherwise a classic heat pack are must haves.
Ultimate magnesium bundle, $99 (usually $134), Salt Lab
If you experience back aches and cramps during your periods, magnesium can be a lifesaver. Made using 100 per cent natural magnesium chloride flakes, Dead Sea salts and bentonite can provide the relaxation and relief you deserve.
Wheatbags Love Wrap Around Heat Pack, $60, Hardtofind
Chocolate
As if we weren’t going to give you a reason to eat chocolate…
Studies have suggested that eating between 40 to 120 grams of dark chocolate during your period can help relieve the pain of cramps. Plus it’s delicious and we implore you treat yourself to chocolate year round, not just during your period.
Look for brands that create palm-oil free, vegan or organic choccy to treat yourself sustainably. It’s basically for the good of the planet.
Midnight Ganache, $9.90, Koko Black
Velvety, rich and delectable this dark chocolate is made using 100 per cent natural ingredients and sustainably sourced cocoa.
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Tony’s Chocolonely Chocolate milk caramel sea salt, $7.99, Healthy Life
Sweet, salty and exploitation free – as if chocolate could get any better. Tony’s Chocolonely works to fight against slavery in the chocolate industry, you can learn more about their plan on their website.
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