Complete Guide to Having a Zero-Waste Period

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Periods don’t need to be taboo or detrimental to the environment, so let’s talk about how to have a zero-waste period. This post is for anyone and everyone, whatever you identify as you should know about periods and if you have a period, you should know how to have a zero-waste period.

Every person who has a period will, on average, contribute 250-300 pounds of waste to landfills just from sanitary products throughout their life. It’s estimated that annually, there are 113,000 tonnes of waste created just from menstrual products! This means the plastic applicators, pads, tampons, and wrappers are all contributing to the ever-growing trash problem. While the cotton pads will eventually biodegrade, the plastic sticky bits on pads, the wrappers, and tampon applicators will all last well beyond your lifetime.

There are so many alternatives out there that make periods easier, cheaper, and more sustainable!

Read More: Eco-Friendly Period Products – Everything You Need to Know!



I first tried a menstrual cup during my first year of college as my first ever zero-waste period product. I’ll be honest, there’s quite a learning curve. I actually went through three menstrual cups before finding one that was right for my body shape, flow, and level of physical activity. You do need to be comfortable with your body in order to get the proper suction and to remove it.


But are menstrual cups expensive?

The average uterus owner uses 240 tampons each year. Let’s say that this person is buying a box of 50 tampons for $10. Over a year, this person is spending a little less than $50 on tampons and over 5 years that’s about $250, just on tampons. Menstrual cups do require an initial investment of $15-$30 but they will last for up to 5 years.

So you could spend $250 on tampons over 5 years, or you could spend less than $30 on a menstrual cup. Think of how much less waste will be created and how much money you’ll save! There are plenty of cheap and affordable menstrual cups out there, so don’t let cost deter you.


Read More: 6 Ways to Travel More Sustainably This Year


Which menstrual cup should I get?

You’ve likely heard of the Diva Cup, but I’ve actually never tried it. Personally, I love the MeLuna cup which comes in a variety of sizes, shapes, and even little handles. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a cup – your flow, your physical activity level, and your body shape.

Your Flow: Shoutout to all the people with heavy flows! I feel you! I recommend going with the largest mL option. Even if you don’t think you’ll need it, it means less of a chance of an overflow on your heavy days. If you have a lighter flow than go with the smaller option.

Your Physical Activity Level: Are you an Olympic athlete? No? Me neither. To be honest, some days I barely leave the couch or my desk. When I purchased my menstrual cup I was very into Ultimate Frisbee (I know right, you’re laughing if you’ve ever seen me try to run) but because of this level of activity, a stiffer cup option meant that it would stay in place. It’s also great for travelers because sometimes you just don’t know what level of activity you’ll be having.

Your Body Shape: If your hips are set further apart, you’re best off starting with the larger option. If your hips are set closely, a small option will be more comfortable.

You can check out this comparison chart, but I’ve also linked some of my top choices below and here is a link to my current favorite MeLuna. I’ve used it for nearly 4 years (guess it’s nearly time to invest in another!) and it has yet to fail me. For teens, it’s worth considering a smaller menstrual cup.


How do I use menstrual cups?

Like I said before, menstrual cups do require a learning curve. There are several different folds that are used to insert it, so try a few.

  • Get up close and personal with your bits! To insert and take out you’ll need to really get up there.
  • Don’t be nervous if it seems to slide further up than you expected, you’ll be able to get it out (see the first point)
  • After getting it in, do a few squats and wiggle around a bit to help it fall into place
  • Run it under warm water before inserting to make it less stiff and easier to get in
  • Pee before inserting so that your muscles are relaxed
  • Empty it in the shower (I usually just empty it once a day – not recommended but compare that timeline to tampons!)
  • When your period is over, pour some boiling water over it to clean it

Here is a great resource for cup holds (the punch down works best for me). Below is a video to help you get started! Honestly, just keep trying and you’ll get there. When you’re first learning it’s helpful to wear a light pad just in case of any spills.


Summary – Menstrual Cups

Pros

  • Much less waste created than traditional period products
  • Lasts for 5 years
  • Better for your body
  • You only have to carry one product around (they come in a nice little cloth bag to stay clean)
  • Once you learn how to use it you don’t need any other products

Cons

  • Initial learning curve for perfect use
  • Initial investment
  • Not the best for young period users who aren’t comfortable with their bodies. Essentially, if you don’t like tampons this probably isn’t for you.


Period Underwear – Another Zero-Waste Period Homerun

Period underwear is another great invention that I have tried and loved. Let me set the scene – over 24 hours of travel, a layover, missed flight, and a heavy flow. Safe to say this is not an ideal situation but yet when flying home from China a few years ago this is exactly what happened. Thankfully, I had my menstrual cup which already held a lot of blood, but I also had on a pair of Thinx boyshorts which hold the equivalent of 2 tampons worth of blood.

A backup for your travels is definitely not the only use of period underwear, but it is a great one. I also love wearing my period underwear when I’m anticipating my period, but not yet ready to put my cup in. You would never know that they’re special underwear besides being a smidge thicker than normal, but it really is nice to wear a pair of underwear and not constantly go to the bathroom to check if you’ve started your period. You know it won’t bleed through!


But are period underwear expensive?

Yes. They are quite pricy. They range anywhere from $20-$40 per pair but do keep in mind that if these are all you’re wearing during your period, you’ll likely need 3-4 (maybe more depending on how often you do laundry) but this also means that you won’t need to buy a box of tampons or pads every month. These aren’t your cheap supermarket underwear either; they’re really meant to last!


Read More: Are Paper Straws Really Better for the Environment?


Which period underwear should I get?

I have personally used and loved the brand Thinx. They support all bodies and all flows, which is super important! Thinx even has period thongs for the lighter days. They also have the option of purchasing a set of underwear for cheaper which is nice if you plan on using these for your full cycle. I have the cheeky and the boyshort and have used and loved them for almost three years now.

Another promising looking brand is Modibodi, although have I have not personally tried these. You can also check out this post from Allure that reviews period underwear (anyone else hate the word panties? – ew) but please ignore number 7 for disposable period underwear. That completely defeats the purpose of a zero-waste period.


Sourced from Thinx

How do I use period underwear?

It’s fairly self-explanatory, but just wear them as you would regular underwear. The only difference is going to be in how you wash them For the most part, you’ll need to hand wash or in the machine on a delicate cycle. I’ll be honest, mine have accidentally wound up in the wash with the rest of my clothes (but I do hand rinse the blood out first!) and they seem to be fine.

Whatever brand you end up purchasing from will have specific instructions for their underwear, so be sure to follow these instructions for the longest use possible.


Read More: Cheap Ways to Reduce Plastic While Traveling


Summary – Period Underwear

Pros

  • Slip them on and go – no learning curve!
  • Options for all levels of flow and for all body shapes
  • Comfy!
  • Great for those new to having a period or less comfortable with their bodies

Cons

  • Special washing
  • Initial investment
  • Means packing more

Single-Use Pads and Tampons – Not a Zero-Waste Period Product

Single-use pads and tampons are not a zero-waste period product, in fact, they are far from it. But there are options out there that minimize the plastic waste that comes from applicators and wrappers. If you can, I would definitely recommend one of the options above, but I do understand that that may not be the best solution for everyone. So here are some recommended products to help you get closer to a zero-waste period.


Sourced from WikiHow

Are single-use pads and tampons expensive?

Yes. Because it’s expensive to have a period and period products are unfairly taxed. But that’s an article for another time. The sum of it is, single-use period products add up. You’re purchasing them each month, and this is one of the few times where a single-use product is actually more expensive in the long run.


Which single-use pads and tampons should I get?

In order to be as environmentally friendly as possible, I recommend purchasing from companies that are conscious of their environmental impact, and additionally, products that don’t have plastic wrappers and applicators. Here are a few options that will suit your needs.


How do I use naked tampons?

I personally have never used a naked tampon. As I mentioned above, when I found the menstrual cup I tried it and never went back! But if you are looking to try naked tampons do read this. I feel like how-to guides generally make a big deal of things, so don’t stress. Even if you’ve never inserted a tampon before, the key is to relax your muscles.


Summary – Single Use Pads and Tampons

Pros

  • No cleaning involved with single-use products

Cons

  • Multiple items to carry around
  • Expensive
  • Monthly (or frequent) purchase
  • Not sustainable
  • Lots of waste created

So there you have it! I hope this has helped you on your journey to a zero-waste period. Each of our actions really do have large effects, and changing the amount of waste you create during your period really does make a huge difference in the world.

As a side note, I’ve also just discovered reusable sanitary pads! I personally haven’t tried them but I have gathered some with good reviews from Amazon that would be worth checking out.


Let us know below if you’ve tried any of these products? What did you think? What are your tips for living a zero-waste life or having a zero-waste period?


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3 responses to “Complete Guide to Having a Zero-Waste Period”

  1. […] Read More: How to Have a Zero Waste Period […]

  2. […] Read More: How to Have a Zero Waste Period – For Everyday Life and Travelers […]

  3. […] pads, menstrual cups, tampon applicators, and more! We have an entire post on this “How to Have a Zero-Waste Period” with my favorite products that reduce waste and actually make traveling with a period so much more […]

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