The Complete Guide to A Zero Waste Period | Reusable Cups, Pads, and Panties

how to have a zero waste period

03/19/2023

Danielle Alvarado

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A zero-waste period is so much easier, so much more budget-friendly, and so much prettier than we could have ever imagined. I hope today will be the LAST time you ever place anything toxic or disposable into your precious body. In this blog post, we will dive into the magical world of a zero-waste period and just how beautiful (and comfortable!) it can be.

Zero Waste Period

Tampons and Pads have been a part of our lives since most of us received the gift of our cycle around puberty. Commercials, media, and good old peer pressure lured us into the world of bright-colored plastic-tubed tampons that we somehow figured out how to shove up our vaginas (I’ll never forget that first day, pretty sure that scarred me for a while) or big old disposable pads that never seemed to sit quite right.

If one could not afford a tampon or a pad, which is quite common at these high prices for single-use items, then we were forced to roll up some toilet paper into a makeshift pad and hope for the best. Can I just say…Thank goodness those days are over! Today I am going to educate you all on the much better options. Better options for our bodies, wallets, environment, and future. Let’s do this!


A Zero Waste Period: Why Traditional Tampons and Pads Need to GO

Interestingly enough (but not surprisingly), the astounding waste disposable tampons and pads create is hard to track down. This plastic waste is deemed “medical waste” and was left unnoticed for years.

Rough estimates show that in 2018, those with cycles in the U.S. purchased over 5.8 million tampons, and ONE human being, in their lifetime, could use anywhere from 5-15 THOUSAND pads and tampons. Guess where those thousands of pads and tampons end up? Yep….in the trash bin.

If you would like to read a ton more on how plastic became such a “norm” in the menstrual world, check out this amazing blog post by National Geographic. It’s a fantastic read!

Toxic Shock Syndrome

TSS is typically caused by an overgrowth of bacteria called Staphylococcus aureus. Each year toxic shock syndrome affects about 1 in 100,000 people, but the numbers have been on the rise since the popularity of tampons has increased.

Toxic Shock Syndrome began when tampon companies introduced artificial fibers into the tampons for better absorbency. These fibers are still used today despite this issue, which we all need to be aware of.

Toxic Chemicals Found in Tampons

Toxic chemicals found in tampons include aluminum, fragrance additives, alcohol, and hydrocarbons. Some tampons also contain dioxin that is leftover from bleaching. Dioxin is a very toxic chemical that has been linked to cancer and is not even legal to use in Europe.


A Zero Waste Period: The Reusable Period Cups

If you do choose the cup, I recommend these brands!

First, let me tell you why these cups rock:

  • Reusable! Just wash them out, and you are set to use them repeatedly!
  • Compact and come with a little bag for your purse/backpack/pocket.
  • Very aesthetically pleasing
  • Do not contain any harmful ingredients!
  • The cups move with your body; you can dance, run, swim, jump, etc.
  • Different sizes for different ages and sizes.
  • SUPER affordable. I mean…..SUPER DUPER affordable.
  • The cups simply collect the blood without absorbing or drying out your sensitive insides.

A Zero Waste Period: The Reusable Pads

Third on the list, The amazing and super cute reusable period pads! I have talked about this before, but when the boys first started to cloth diapers, I used the extra bamboo inserts for my periods. I LOVED them!

Why Reusable Period Pads Rock:

  • No need to insert anything into your vagina; just snap them onto your undies, and you are set!
  • Super easy to wash, I wash just like I do my cloth diaper inserts. I use soap nuts (any detergent will work), and when finished, I hang dry in the sun. They are totally dryer safe too.
  • Gorgeous – the prints are so cute, and they snap into little squares that fit right into the palm of your hand.
  • Absorption: They absorb surprisingly well, and I have yet to have any issues in that department.

So Why Number 3 on the list?

  • As many of you know, I ride my bike at least 3-4 times a week with the boys attached to the bike stroller. Oye. These pads are not meant for cycling at all. The snaps at the bottom of the underwear dig right into my body from the cycling seat, and it hurts. Best for doing everything BUT cycling.
  • A bit bulky: I am a tight, yoga pant-wearing lady who doesn’t pull out the jeans unless I feel fancy. These are just a bit bulky and not the best for yoga pants. These are fantastic for jeans, dresses, and skirts!

A Zero Waste Period: Period Panties

We made it to my number one zero waste period option: The Period Panties! 

I cannot tell you how much I love these period panties. They feel just like regular underwear with just a tad bit of extra padding (which I just call comfort) added to absorb the blood. There are NO leaks. All comfort, no leaks, feels like you are wearing nothing…how can you beat this?!

Why Period Panties Rock:

  • Feels like regular underwear. Yes, I do wear these even when I am not menstruating!
  • Absorbs like a champ: I have never had a leak in all the time that I have used these panties.
  • Holds at least 20ml of blood, which is about 4 tampons worth.
  • Wuka panties are made by MicroModal fabric that is CO2 neutral and 3.5x softer than fine cotton.
  • It can be worn under workouts pants, jeans, skirts, all of it. They are a dream.
  • Vegan approved!
  • Different undies for different days: You can opt for light, medium and heavy flow. I have just the heavy flow ones and I adore them so much.
  • All age approved and different sizes for different ages!
  • Comes in a “first period” pack for our first timers! I love this so much. I feel like this makes that day really special instead of scary. The box contains period panties (based on age), a wash bag and a booklet on everything period!
  • Washes like a champ!

This post was your guide to a zero waste period.

This was your guide to a zero waste period! Hopefully one of these options (or all three!) will work for your lifestyle and help you to reduce your period waste impact on the Earth. Bonus? Your pocket book will thank you!

Enjoyed this blog post on how to have a zero waste period? Check out our other blog posts below!

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  1. Tatiana says:

    I am working on bettering my relationship with my period and free-bleeding sound like a great practice for that!

    Thank you for sharing your experience with that!

  2. Arica says:

    This is an excellent post! I switched to a menstrual cup after I had my second child once my cycle returned and I just didn’t like it, but I gave it a second try and as long as you don’t have heavy cycles, it works like a dream! I’ve recently been interested in the reusable pads, so I’m so happy you linked a company! Thank you again!

    • So so happy I could help! I think I need to give the cup another go, but I swear….after period panties – I don’t know if I’ll ever need anything else ever again haha. Looking forward to trying out more brands like Thinx in the near future!

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