Plastic-free July is here, so we’re all looking at how we can reduce the amount of plastic we use in our day-to-day lives. From coffee cups to shopping bags, there are plastic-free alternatives for so many of our everyday items – including period products. Menstrual items are arguably one of the worst contributors to plastic pollution, yet are a necessity. A shocking 1.5 to 2 billion menstrual products are flushed down Britain’s toilets every single year. Their journey will usually lead them to rot in landfills or float around polluting the oceans.
Plastic pollution is harmful to everyone – humans, animals, and plants included. And that’s mainly because it takes hundreds of years to decompose, releasing toxic pollutants as it does. Even if you’re binning your pads and tampons, they’re still harming the environment if they’re full of plastic (and FYI, your average disposable period pad is made of 90 per cent plastic.) The only way to truly have a sustainable period is to shop for plastic-free products.
A fifth of British women have purchased period underwear in the last year, and a third said they are interested in purchasing some in the future. Brands are stepping up too, with more and more companies ditching plastic packaging and applicators. It’s fairly easy to find reusable tampons and pads, plastic-free menstrual cups, and period gym wear, and they are the answer to feeling good physically and morally.
If you’ve been curious about how to have a plastic-free and sustainable period, you’ve come to the right place. We’ve rounded up some of the best eco-friendly period products.
– Additional reporting by Tori Crowther
totm.com
TOTM
TOTM (Time of the Month) prides itself on tackling the issue of period plastics. The products are made without fragrance, synthetic absorbents, and chlorine bleach – basically, anything that has the potential to cause irritation. To make sure you’re never without them, TOTM (£3) offers a subscription service full of your preferred sanitary products. TOTM is stocked in Tesco, Superdrug, and Ocado, so the brand is super easy to get hold of.
modibodi.co.uk / VIRTUE CREATIVE STUDIOS
Modibodi
Another POPSUGAR favourite period pant brand is Modibodi. Every single product on the site is plastic-free, and the brand has recently launched a
Biodegradable Brief (£34), which is made from a combination of natural and bioengineered synthetic textiles (basically, they’re good for the environment and super stretchy and comfy). These knickers can be washed more than 100 times, which is pretty impressive. Elsewhere on the site, Modibodi caters to babies and adults of all genders. The brand makes leak-proof swimwear, activewear, and sensual undies for when you want to feel a little sexier.
heygirls.co.uk
Hey Girls
By purchasing from UK-based brand Hey Girls, (which was founded by a mother and her two daughters) you’re getting a trifecta of goodness. You’re buying an eco-friendly alternative to period pads, saving money in the long run, and the brand operates a buy one, donate one scheme whereby for each product sold, Hey Girls donates a product to someone in need. If you’re starting out in your reusable period pad journey, we recommend trying the Hey Girls Reusable Period Night Pads (£36 for 5 pads and a wet bag).
beyouonline.co.uk
BeYou
If you’re looking for an even more sustainable option, consider a period cup such as the BeYou Menstrual Cup (£15). Menstrual cups can last up to 10 years, which drastically reduces single-use waste over the years. They hold up to three tampons worth and are super easy to clean. BeYou has a quiz so you can even work out the cost-saving when using a cup versus a pad or tampon. However, cups are definitely a product that takes some getting used to and isn’t an ideal option for everyone, including people who have an IUD.
boots.com
Flo
Another great, accessible period brand option is Flo. The products come in the cutest ice cream tub packaging and they’re 100 per cent plastic-free. Available at Boots and Boots.com, Flo tampons (£3.60) and pads (£2.85) are really affordable. The pads are made from organic bamboo and wrapped in biodegradable plant-based wrappers (they’re also incredibly soft and comfortable). The tampons are made from recyclable sugarcane and no chlorine bleach, synthetic fibres, dyes, fragrances, or allergens are used during the process. Result! If you’re super forgetful, use the brand’s handy subscription service. It’s customisable based on your cycle and needs, so you won’t be caught unprepared.
ohne.com
Ohne
If you didn’t think tampons could be trendy, wait until you meet Ohne. Think of it as the Glossier of periods. Ohne specialises in tampons which come either with (from £5.60) or without a cardboard applicator (from £4.60). To make sure you’re never stuck without a supply, you can opt into its subscription services to get your favourite products delivered to your door. The brand also makes the most subtle
period pants (£27). They’re super effective and literally look like your average pair of knickers, which is a bonus. Ohne has also become known for its CBD period cramp oil; some customers (and the brand’s co-founder) even add a drop to their tampons before inserting, but please speak to your doctor before doing this. No one wants unwanted irritation (or worse) down there.
myfreda.com
Freda
One of the most beautiful period brands out there has to be Freda. The brand offers tampons (from £3.60, depending on absorbency and quantity), various pads, and teen starter packs that are hypoallergenic, fragrance-free, and chlorine-free. Freda is completely transparent in that it still uses some plastic packaging, however, reassures customers that it is recyclable.
wuka.co.uk
WUKA
WUKA is one of the most size-inclusive and body-positive period pants ranges on the market, catering from sizes XXS to 6XL. The products really pack a punch too, holding from two to six tampons worth of period blood. Offering all kinds of period clothing, from sports shorts and swimwear to leggings and hipsters, you’ll find exactly what you need at WUKA. Our favourite is the genius WUKA Flex (£15.99) which is the world’s first adjustable period pants. These nifty little knickers allow you to change your period pants without the need to undress.
saaltco.uk
Saalt
Saalt exclusively creates clean, high-performance products using medical-grade 100 per cent recyclable materials. Everything Saalt makes is really beautiful. From Himalayan Pink period cups (£25) to lace leakproof underwear (£32), the brand is making periods feel prettier and more sustainable.
