Are Period Pants Sustainable?16 October 2024 | Admin Yes, period pants are sustainable when compared to period products such as pads and tampons. Did you know that literally millions of disposable period products end up in landfill every year? On average, someone who menstruates will use over 11,000 disposables in their lifetime. That adds up to about 200,000 tonnes of waste each year globally! Luckily, period pants and other reusable menstrual products such as menstrual cups, period underwear and reusable menstrual pads offer a much more planet-friendly option. 'I've used a combination of period pants and pads for 14 years now from all kinds of brands. After looking through Cheeky's very informative website, I ordered a pair of bamboo period pants in my usual size which arrived promptly. Which is when I found that they weren't as snug a fit as I need (the materials and design are beautiful). Great customer care in the form of a quick chat in the pop up from the website meant that I had next day delivery of the same pants, sized down, and a free pad to try too. The smaller size works well for me and the pad was soft and 'leak free'. Which is exactly what I have been looking for. Thank you team Cheeky. I will be coming back to you again.' Trustpilot Review The Problem with Disposable Period ProductsDisposable pads and tampons don't just fill up landfills—they also use a lot of resources. Making one disposable product takes a lot of water, cotton, and plastic. These materials are hard on our planet and often end up sitting in landfills for hundreds of years. Plus, they use chemicals that can harm wildlife and ecosystems. They can also be wildly uncomfortable, irritating and unpleasant to use. Many customers who have switched to reusable period products report less irritation from their reusable options. 'Love this product, really made a difference to my life. These period knickers have the specialty material right up to the top of the knicker which is helpful compared to other period knives brands that sort of stop half way. I didn’t choose this product to be more eco friendly, just trying to find something I find more comfortable during heavy periods after not having them for about 10 years. It made sleeping easier as less messy, less uncomfortable and less distressing. But knowing I was being eco friendly is an added bonus'. Product Review How Period Pants Are SustainableSwitching to reusable period pants helps cut down on waste and single-use plastics. Here’s how period pants are sustainable: MaterialsPeriod pants are usually made from natural materials like bamboo, cotton, or modal. Choosing pants made from these fabrics rather than synthetic fibres is another way to boost the sustainability of the period pants that you choose. All these fabrics are renewable and break down more easily than the plastics used in many disposable products. ManufacturingMaking period pants uses less water and energy than disposables. The companies that make them often use green practices, like eco-friendly dyes, which lowers their environmental impact. Less Waste and Plastic PollutionPeriod pants last a long time. One pair can do the job of hundreds of disposable pads or tampons and tampon applicators. Reusable sanitary pads last even longer. This means less waste and fewer resources needed over time. No ChemicalsUnlike many single use sanitary products, period pants don’t have fragrances, dyes, or bleach. Many people find that these chemicals cause them irritation and 'pad rash'. Period pants and reusable pads don't have these problems. The pants are all great quality and they come in different styles and sizes so you'll definitely find ones to fit your body and still feel beautiful. There's a size ordering guide on every product page to let you know if they run a bit big or snug, so ordering the right size was a doddle. You're advised to try them on over underwear for at least a couple hours (without washing) to check the fit and if they aren't quite right you can send them back for a refund/exchange. They have a trial scheme where they will refund/exchange 1 pair of worn/used pants (you don't send those back though) so you can always give a pair a go without losing out. I found the high waist ones were too high waisted for me (I am petite with chunky thighs & bum) and also found the lace topped pants didn't have enough hold to keep them up. I do love an elasticated band to stop them rolling down my rump. Exchanging the item was easy, I emailed them using the form on their website, they emailed me back with instructions on what to do next, they emailed me when they had received my return to let me know if any items I asked to exchange for were unavailable, and the new products arrive a few days later. You do pay for your own return, they are not free, however they cover the cost of any exchange items sent back to you. Delivery was very quick on both my order and my exchange and the customer service was super helpful and friendly! I am in love with my pants, there is no irritation or rubbing, the material is soft and comfortable, the protection goes from the front band round to the back (ultimate hold) there's no smell and they just generally make me feel happier. I highly recommend giving them a go if you're debating it, join us! Trustpilot Review Social & Environmental Ethical PurchasingMost of the companies who make period pants aren't the corporate giants such as P&G, Unilever. generally buying from smaller brands means they have higher social and environmental standards. At Cheeky, that means we have worked with the same factories for almost a decade and we know that their employment practices are ethical and they don't use modern slavery practices. Bestselling Sustainable Period Pants3 for £30
5 for £45
7 for £56 |
.jpg) | 3 for £30
5 for £45
7 for £56 |
.jpg) | 3 for £30
5 for £45
7 for £56 |
.jpg) | 3 for £30
5 for £45
7 for £56 |
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Are Period Pants The Most Sustainable Period Product?No, period pants aren't the most sustainable period product. In terms of longevity and resources consumed both during manufacture and usage, the sustainability of period products in rank are: - Menstrual cup
- Reusable period pads
- Period pants
- Organic / FSC certified tampons
- Organic / FSC certified pads
- Standard tampons
- Standard pads
ConclusionAre period pants eco friendly? Yes and they're more than a plastic free trend—they're a smart choice for both you and the planet. By choosing these, you're helping cut down on waste and pollution. Want to try them out? Check out our reusable period protection kits. Got questions or comments? Drop us a line below—we love hearing from you! 'I find the website extremely easy to navigate and its absolutely full of really useful information, not only about the products but also hints and tips as well. Sustainable products normally come with a bit of a price tag however Cheeky Wipes regularly do deals to help make it affordable! I use the period pants and find them amazing! It's helped eliminate chafing and completely reduced my sanitary product waste as well ' Product Review Learn more about sustainable choices like bamboo period pants and period pants for teens and tweens on our site. Let's make better choices together! Cheeky offer a 100% happiness guarantee, so if you try our products and aren't happy, we'll refund you without quibble. Our team all use the products themselves so are well placed to answer any questions you may have before ordering - nothing is TMI! Please do drop us a line if we can help. In addition, you may also find these articles interesting: About the Author: Helen Rankin founded Cheeky Wipes, the original reusable wipes kit back in 2008 after disposable wipes caused her eczema to flare up. 4 kids later, internal period protection such as tampons or menstrual cups were no longer an option for her and she went on to develop their range of 'Simple Reusables' to include period pants, reusable panty liners and reusable sanitary pads. The Cheeky customer services team pride themselves on providing honest, friendly advice and just LOVE to chat pee, poo and periods all day long, helping people make the switch to reusables! The Company was recognised for their hard work in developing environmentally friendly products with the Queens Award in Enterprise for Sustainable Development in 2021. | 
