Sustainable menstrual products are eco-friendly alternatives to disposable pads and tampons. These products are designed to reduce environmental impact by being reusable, biodegradable, or made from renewable resources. Some popular sustainable menstrual product options include:
- Menstrual cups
- Menstrual discs
- Cloth pads
- Reusable padded underwear
- Organic tampons
- Organic pads
Why make the switch to sustainable menstrual products?
Reducing waste is the number one reason to make the switch! Since reusable options can last for years, they can prevent thousands of disposable products from ending up in landfills and oceans. Even environmentally conscious single-use products (such as organic cotton pads and tampons) are far more eco-friendly than most single-use menstrual products, which are made primarily from synthetic materials.
Switching to reusable menstrual products can also save your wallet. Purchasing one menstrual cup, usually costing $20-$30, which can last as long as a decade, can have substantial financial benefits. On average, we spend over $100 on single-use menstrual products annually. Reusable products are pricey, but smart investments pay off in the end.
Sustainable Menstrual Products at the WRC
One of our favorite sustainable menstrual products is the ALLMatters menstrual cups! AllMatters menstrual cups come in biodegradable packaging, are offered in a variety of sizes, and are built to last for several years.
We also offer AuntFlow organic pads and tampons. Their packaging is biodegradable. We stock bathrooms on campus with this sustainable option.
Some of our staff use reusable cloth pads, and recommend getting one made from cotton or bamboo to reduce skin irritation. You can purchase cloth pads from various vendors (we recommend Tree Hugger Cloth Pads) or you can even DIY!