Reusable Period Products

In the UK, disposable period products and their packaging produce more than 200,000 tonnes of waste per year. These products all contain plastic which can end up in seas, rivers and beaches if not disposed of correctly. 

Around half of people who menstruate in the UK flush tampons away, which results in 1.5-2 billion menstrual items going down the toilet each year, this leads to sewage and waterway issues such as blockages. 

Many disposable period products contain harmful chemicals which can irritate your intimate areas. It is not uncommon for people who menstruate to report having allergic reactions to disposable period products due to their synthetic nature and added fragrance.

Research shows that 24% of people who menstruate in the UK admitting that they or their family have struggled to afford period products in the last year which can have negative impact on quality of life. Over their lifetime, a menstruating person will spend £5,000 on period products! To find out how much you spend use this period product calculator. Reusable products tend to be more expensive initially, but over time you will save money and reduce waste! 

Dealing with reusable pads or pants isn’t much different to dealing with disposables and they are worn for the same length of time. The only difference is that you wash them when you’re done. We recommend carrying a waterproof pouch with you if you’re out and about to store your pads until you get home. 

No, they tend to be less fragrant than disposable pads as they are made from fabric which allows moisture to evaporate. 

No, not really. Some people soak their pads in water to avoid stains setting in but other than that just pop them in the wash when you’re ready. However, try not to use fabric softener when washing them as this can affect absorbency. 

There are so many brands selling cloth pads so you will find one that fits. You can always measure the size of the disposable pads you use as many sellers list the reusable pad measurements. 

The initial outlay of reusables is more expensive than disposables, but after the initial investment, you will end up saving money over time - and you don't have to worry that you've not got any pads in the house when your period starts! 

We recommend starting with these helpful links:

• Hey Girls Mythbusters
• Plastic-free periods
• Environmental facts

There are also many videos on YouTube explaining the differences between reusable period products.