Real examples of sustainable period products: options you can use

Let’s start with the good stuff: real, concrete examples of sustainable period products you can actually buy and use today. No theory, just what people are putting in their carts and on their bodies.

Some of the best examples of sustainable period products include reusable menstrual cups, period underwear, cloth pads, reusable tampon applicators, organic cotton tampons and pads, and even menstrual discs. Each of these options cuts down on single-use plastic, packaging, or both.

Instead of thinking, “I have to overhaul everything at once,” you can pick one example of a sustainable period product to test on a lighter day or a weekend at home. That’s usually enough to see if it fits your routine.

Menstrual cups: a long-lasting example of low-waste protection

If you’ve heard about sustainable period products in the last few years, menstrual cups were probably at the top of the list. They’re one of the clearest examples of sustainable period products: options you can use for years instead of days.

A menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup made of medical-grade silicone, rubber, or TPE that you fold and insert like a tampon. It collects blood instead of absorbing it.

Real-world examples include:

• DivaCup (widely available in U.S. drugstores)
• Saalt Cup (offers different firmness levels)
• Lena Cup (often recommended for beginners)

Most cups last several years if you care for them properly. According to the Cleveland Clinic and other health sources, cups are considered safe for most users when cleaned as directed and emptied at least every 12 hours.¹

Why cups are more sustainable:

• One cup can replace hundreds of pads or tampons.
• Less plastic in your bathroom trash and less packaging.
• Silicone is durable, so you’re not constantly re-buying.

Who they tend to work well for:

• People comfortable with internal products.
• Those with medium to heavy flow who are tired of changing tampons constantly.
• Anyone who wants a set-it-and-forget-it option for up to 12 hours.

If you want a clear example of a sustainable period product that saves money and waste, a menstrual cup is hard to beat.

Period underwear: comfortable, reusable, and great for beginners

If the idea of inserting something isn’t appealing, period underwear is one of the most approachable examples of sustainable period products: options you can use with zero learning curve.

Period underwear looks and feels like regular underwear but has built-in absorbent layers that trap fluid and prevent leaks. You wear them, rinse them, wash them, and wear them again.

Real examples include:

• Thinx (one of the earliest big brands, wide size range)
• Modibodi (offers heavy-flow and swim options)
• Aerie Real Good period undies (more budget-friendly, often on sale)

Why period underwear is more sustainable:

• Replaces liners and light-flow pads entirely for many people.
• Can be worn as backup with a cup or disc on heavy days.
• With proper washing, pairs can last for years.

Who they’re great for:

• Teens just starting their period.
• People with sensory issues who dislike the feel of pads.
• Anyone working from home who wants maximum comfort.

Care is simple: rinse in cold water after use, then machine-wash on cold and air-dry. This does mean a bit more laundry, but for many, the trade-off in comfort and reduced waste is worth it.

For more on menstrual hygiene basics and safety, you can check general guidance from the CDC on menstrual health and hygiene: https://www.cdc.gov/menstrual-health/index.html

Cloth pads: washable pads as a familiar example of sustainable period products

If you like pads but hate the plastic, cloth pads are a very straightforward example of a sustainable period product. They work almost exactly like disposables, but you snap them around your underwear and wash them instead of throwing them away.

Real examples include:

• Lunapads / Aisle (long-time reusable pad brand)
• GladRags (cotton pads and liners)
• Homemade Etsy or small-shop pads (often bamboo or organic cotton)

Why cloth pads are more sustainable:

• One pad can last several years with proper care.
• They cut down on the plastic backing, wrappers, and adhesive strips from conventional pads.
• Many are made from natural fibers like organic cotton or bamboo.

Who they’re ideal for:

• People who already prefer pads over tampons.
• Those with sensitive skin who react to fragrances or synthetics.
• Anyone who wants a low-tech, low-learning-curve solution.

Maintenance is similar to period underwear: rinse in cold water, then wash and air-dry. Some people keep a small lidded wet bag in the bathroom or backpack to store used pads until laundry day.

Organic cotton tampons and pads: lower-waste swaps for familiar products

Maybe you’re not ready to jump into reusables, and that’s okay. There are still examples of sustainable period products: options you can use that look almost identical to what you already buy—just with cleaner materials and less plastic.

Examples include:

• Cora organic tampons and pads
• L. organic cotton tampons (often sold at Target)
• Seventh Generation chlorine-free pads and tampons
• Natracare organic cotton pads and tampons

These products focus on organic cotton, fewer synthetic fragrances, and less plastic in the applicators and packaging. Some brands also offer cardboard or plant-based applicators.

While they’re still disposable, they can be a better choice for:

• People with sensitive skin or allergies.
• Those who want to reduce plastic without changing their whole routine.
• Anyone who isn’t ready for cups or cloth but still wants a more sustainable option.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates tampons and menstrual products as medical devices, so reputable brands—conventional or organic—must meet safety standards.²

Menstrual discs and reusable discs: flexible options with less waste

Menstrual discs are another internal option that sit higher in the vaginal canal than cups, often just behind the pubic bone. They’re a good example of sustainable period products for people who want long wear-time and comfort during activities like sports or sex.

Types and examples include:

• Reusable discs like Nixit (soft silicone, long-lasting)
• Flex Reusable Disc (reusable version from the Flex brand)
• Single-use discs like Flex Disc (reduce applicator waste but are still disposable)

While single-use discs still create trash, they avoid plastic applicators and can be a stepping stone to fully reusable options.

Why discs can be more sustainable:

• Reusable discs can last years with proper care.
• Even single-use discs often produce less plastic than traditional tampon-plus-applicator combos.
• Some users report fewer leaks, meaning fewer backup products.

Discs can have a learning curve, like cups, but many people find them more comfortable once they get the hang of insertion and removal.

For general menstrual product safety, Mayo Clinic and WebMD offer helpful overviews of internal menstrual products and toxic shock syndrome risk:³

Reusable tampon applicators: a small change with real impact

If tampons are your non-negotiable, a reusable tampon applicator is a smart example of a sustainable period product that doesn’t ask you to switch absorbent materials at all.

You use a reusable applicator with applicator-free tampons (often called digital tampons). Instead of throwing away a plastic tube every time, you wash and reuse the same applicator.

Examples include:

• DAME reusable tampon applicator (UK-based but ships internationally)
• Thinx for All and similar brands that pair applicator-free tampons with lower-waste packaging

Why this is more sustainable:

• Cuts down dramatically on the plastic tubes that end up in landfills and waterways.
• Lets you keep using tampons if that’s what works best for your body.

This is one of the best examples of sustainable period products for people who want a small behavioral shift rather than a total overhaul.

Supporting products: liners, cups, and storage that make low-waste easier

Sometimes the most realistic examples of sustainable period products: options you can use are the backup items that make the main products work better.

Helpful supporting products include:

• Washable pantyliners made from cotton or bamboo for spotting days.
• Small wet bags (often used for cloth diapers) to store used pads or period underwear when you’re out.
• Sterilizing cups or microwave steam bags to sanitize menstrual cups and discs.

These supporting items don’t get as much attention, but they often decide whether a sustainable period setup is actually convenient in daily life.

How to choose from these examples of sustainable period products

Looking at all these examples of sustainable period products: options you can use might feel a bit overwhelming, so let’s simplify the decision process.

Think about three questions:

1. How comfortable are you with internal products?
If you’re okay with tampons, you might like menstrual cups or discs. If not, period underwear and cloth pads are better starting points.

2. How heavy is your flow?

• Heavy flow: cups, reusable discs, or heavy-absorbency period underwear.
• Light to medium: cloth pads, period underwear, or organic cotton disposables.

3. What’s your laundry situation?
If you have easy access to a washing machine, reusables are simple. If not, you might mix organic disposables with one reusable item, like a cup or a few pairs of period underwear.

You don’t have to be “perfect” to make progress. Even swapping one product—like switching from plastic-applicator tampons to organic, cardboard-applicator ones—is still an example of a sustainable period product choice that reduces waste over time.

2024–2025 trends in sustainable period products

As of 2024–2025, the landscape of sustainable period products is shifting in a few key ways:

• More size-inclusive period underwear: Brands are expanding size ranges and offering more gender-neutral styles.
• Better transparency about materials: More companies now list exact fabric blends, absorbency levels, and chemical testing results.
• Increased availability in big-box stores: You no longer have to order everything online. Many U.S. supermarkets and pharmacies now stock at least one example of a sustainable period product, like menstrual cups or organic cotton pads.
• Policy shifts: Some U.S. states and countries are reducing or removing the “tampon tax,” and schools are beginning to provide free menstrual products. This opens the door for public institutions to consider sustainable options as part of their purchasing.

If you’re just starting out, this means it’s easier than ever to find and test these products without committing to a giant online order.

FAQs about examples of sustainable period products

Q: What are some easy beginner examples of sustainable period products: options you can use without a big learning curve?
Period underwear and cloth pads are usually the easiest starting points. They work like what you already know—just reusable. Organic cotton pads and tampons are another gentle first step if you want to keep everything disposable but lower your plastic and chemical exposure.

Q: Is there an example of a sustainable period product that works for very heavy flow?
Yes. Many people with heavy periods swear by menstrual cups or reusable discs because they hold more fluid than a regular tampon. Pairing a cup with heavy-absorbency period underwear is another strong setup. Some brands label their products “super” or “overnight,” which can be helpful for heavy bleeders.

Q: Are these examples of sustainable period products actually safer or healthier?
“Sustainable” doesn’t automatically mean safer, but many people find they experience less irritation with organic cotton or reusable fabrics. Internal products like cups and discs are generally considered safe when used as directed and cleaned properly. For medical questions or if you have an IUD, it’s wise to talk with a healthcare provider or check resources from organizations like Mayo Clinic or WebMD.

Q: How do I clean reusable examples of sustainable period products like cups, discs, and cloth pads?
Most menstrual cups and reusable discs can be rinsed with water and mild, fragrance-free soap between uses, then boiled or steamed at the start or end of each cycle (follow the brand’s instructions). Cloth pads and period underwear should be rinsed in cold water, then machine-washed on cold and air-dried. Always check the care label.

Q: What if I try one example of a sustainable period product and hate it?
That’s normal. Many people go through a bit of trial and error. If a cup doesn’t work, you might love period underwear. If cloth pads feel bulky, an organic cotton disposable pad might be your sweet spot. Treat it like finding the right pair of jeans: it may take a couple of tries, but once you find your fit, you’ll use it for years.

Switching to any of these examples of sustainable period products: options you can use in real life is less about perfection and more about progress. Start with one small change, see how it feels, and build from there. Your period, your comfort, your pace.