Preventing Period Pollution: How to Have a Plastic-Free Period

Each year, millions of disposable period products are used once and then discarded, contributing significantly to landfill waste and ocean pollution. But what if there was a way to manage your period without contributing to this growing environmental problem?

Cheeky Wipes have been leading the way in reusable products since 2008, we started collecting data in 2016 and along with saving millions of packs of wipes from landfill we have saved customers £28 million in sanitary products.

We will explore what period pollution is and how you can reduce or eliminate plastic waste from your menstrual cycle. We’ll dive into eco-friendly alternatives that can transform your period into a zero-waste, sustainable (more comfortable) experience.

What is Period Pollution?

Period pollution is the environmental damage caused by the disposal of single-use menstrual products like pads, tampons, applicators and their packaging. These products can be 90% plastic which do not biodegrade and will be around for hundreds of years.

Environmental Impact

Landfills and Oceans: According to a study, approximately 26,903 tons of waste from menstrual products end up in landfills every year in the UK alone. A single pad can take 500-800 years to decompose, if tampons and applicators are flushed down the toilet, they often end up in oceans, further endangering marine life - 3,363 tonnes end up in the environment. They contribute to marine debris, which can entangle sea animals and be ingested by marine life, leading to dire ecological consequences.

Carbon Footprint: The manufacturing process of these products is a concern. The carbon footprint of producing disposable menstrual products is significant, with each pad emitting 5.3 grams of CO2.

Health Implications

Conventional pads and tampons often contain chemicals like dioxins, fragrances, and pesticide residues, which can cause irritation and disrupt hormones. These products can contribute to the growth of bacteria, leading to infections and conditions like Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS).

In addition, when these products are discarded, they can take hundreds of years to break down, releasing microplastics and toxic chemicals into our soil and waterways. These pollutants can then infiltrate water sources and agricultural fields, eventually making their way into our food chain. Consuming food and water contaminated with microplastics and harmful chemicals can lead to various health issues, including hormonal imbalances, reproductive problems, and other long-term health risks.

Single-use menstrual waste in the ocean also impacts marine biodiversity and disrupts aquatic ecosystems, in particular when these products are ingested by marine animals, leading to health problems and even death.

"Cheeky pants are amazing! Used to use so many disposable pads and often had blood stains where the pad just couldn't catch it all. No more! Cheeky pants catch it all! Just rinse and wash in my normal load, so much easier than I thought it would be." Trustpilot, July '24

How to Have a Plastic-Free Period

The reusable period products available now are amazing and having a plastic-free period is simple as a result. 

Period Pants

Period pants look and feel like regular underwear but have built-in absorbent layers and waterproofing to prevent leaks. They are reusable, washable, and can last for several years, significantly reducing waste.

These pants have multiple layers of cotton or bamboo fabric to absorb menstrual flow. They can hold up to four tampons’ worth of fluid, depending on the brand and style. Washable pants are comfortable, easy to use, and available in various styles to suit different preferences and needs. They're perfect for overnight use and active days, for youngsters at school and for the unpredictable heavy flow of menopausal cycles. With proper care, they can last for years.

Care Tips: After use, rinse them in cold water, then wash them on a long, cold (30 degree) cycle without fabric softeners, which can reduce absorbency. For more detailed information click to see Cheeky Pants washing and care guides.

3 for £30 5 for £45 7 for £56 Sporty - Low-rise Cotton Period Pants - Heavy Period Pants £11.99 View Product Trustpilot 3 for £30 5 for £45 7 for £56 Feeling Cosy - Bamboo Period Pants Shorts £13.49 View Product Trustpilot 10 FREE Make up Wipes Over £40 Feeling Free - Boybrief Style Mid-Rise Period Pants £12.99   £8.99 View Product Trustpilot

Cloth Pads

Reusable period pads are an excellent reusable option. They are made from natural absorbent materials like cotton, bamboo, or hemp, they are comfortable, breathable, and chemical-free.

Washable period pads snap into place with poppers around the gusset of your underwear and absorb menstrual flow just like disposable pads but without the plastic waste. Cheeky Pads offer various sizes and absorbencies to suit different needs.

• Panty liners - Great for kids, or to pop in your pants when you think your period is on its way. Useful for discharge or tiny bladder leaks.
• Day Pads - For regular period flow, just switch as often as you would single use sanitary pads.
• Maternity / night pads - Longer, more absorbent pads for heavy period flow or postpartum use. Perfect for overnight use due to their length.
• Incontinence pads - Whilst all our period pads can be used for urinary incontinence, we have odour controlling charcoal pads too.

Cloth pads are washable and can be reused for several years, making them a cost-effective and sustainable choice. They are free from harmful chemicals and additives, providing a safer alternative for your body.

Care Tips: Rinse the pads in cold water after use and then machine wash. Avoid using bleach or fabric softeners. To learn more read our blog on how long reusable cloth pads last.

Mix & Match ANY Pads Buy 5 get the cheapest FREE Bamboo Panty LINERS - Bamboo Plush £3.99 View Product Trustpilot

Mix & Match ANY Pads Buy 5 get the cheapest FREE Bamboo Reusable Sanitary Pads - Day Period Pads Bamboo Charcoal £5.49 View Product Trustpilot

Mix & Match ANY Pads Buy 5 get the cheapest FREE Bamboo Maternity Pads for Heavy Flow - Bamboo Charcoal £6.49 View Product Trustpilot

Mix & Match ANY Pads Buy 5 get the cheapest FREE Cotton Reusable Panty Liners - Washable £4.49 View Product Trustpilot

Mix & Match ANY Pads Buy 5 get the cheapest FREE Reusable Cotton Sanitary Pad - Regular - Day £3.29  -  £5.49 View Product Trustpilot

Mix & Match ANY Pads Buy 5 get the cheapest FREE Cotton Cloth Pads for Heavy Flow & Incontinence £3.89  -  £6.49 View Product Trustpilot

Menstrual Cup

The menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup made from medical-grade silicone that is inserted into the vaginalike a tampon to collect menstrual flow.

It can be fiddly to insert but once you get the hang of it, it creates a seal and you can't feel it.

They can be worn for up to 12 hours, depending on flow and it can last for up to ten years with proper care.

Care Tips: Sterilise your cup before the start of each cycle and wash it thoroughly with a mild soap after each use. 

Organic Cotton Tampons

Made entirely from organic cotton, these tampons decompose much faster than conventional tampons and are free from synthetic materials and harmful chemicals.

Organic tampons are better for the environment and your body, as they are less likely to cause irritation and do not contain chemicals like chlorine or fragrances.

They can be a little more expensive than other brands but are beginning to be more readily available on the high street and online.

Additional Tips

If it feels like a big change to commit to reusable all at once, here's our top tips to get started. 

1. Start small and begin with one reusable product and gradually incorporate more reusable products into your routine.
2. Allow yourself a trial period to get accustomed to new products. It may take a few cycles to find what works best for you - don't buy lots of one thing from the start.
3. Explore different types and styles of reusable products to find what fits your lifestyle and comfort. Try to match your everyday style in period underwear.
4. Look for reviews to find products that suit your needs. Trustpilot has most of the main brands and Cheeky Period pants have many reviews.
5. Read and follow the care instructions to extend the lifespan of your products. They will remain effective and hygienic for years to come.
6. Rinse and wash after each use and have airy storage between cycles to stop them becoming musty.
7. Keep up to date with the latest sustainable menstrual products. New products and improvements to existing ones are constantly being added.
8. Share what you’ve learned with friends and family to help spread awareness. Encouraging others to make eco-friendly choices can have a ripple effect, leading to more significant environmental change.
9. Look for budget-friendly options. While the initial investment in reusable products might be higher, they save money over time.
10. Look for discounts, bundles, and kits that offer multiple products at a reduced price, making the transition more affordable.

Whether you're ready to dive in completely or prefer to take small steps, there are many ways to contribute to reducing period pollution. If you found this article informative you may like to read more blogs here -

Can you wear period pants overnight?

Reusable pants v's reusable pads

Do period pants really work?

Contact us if you want to more information about switching to reusable pee and period products. You can drop an email over or use the online chat. We all use the products ourslevesand nothing is TMI. We all happily overshare our own experiences.

About the Author: Kirstin loves sea swimming and lives with her three children by the seaside. On the Cheeky Wipes customer service team she spends most days talking about periods, poo, and pee.