Periods can be a lot of things: uncomfortable, beautiful, renewing — the list goes on. Whatever your natural cycle looks and feels like, a common thread among periods is they can also be wasteful.
From tampons wrapped in plastic to single-use pads, the average person who menstruates is estimated to throw away roughly 400 pounds of packaging from period products over the course of a lifetime. The good news is, with a few small tweaks, you can transform your routine into one that's more sustainable.
We recently caught up with Instagram baddie and mindful living whiz, Gabby Sage, who dished her top tips for a low-waste period — including a reminder that we're all doing our best with what's accessible to us. It's your period, and you should do whatever feels right for you.
Make the Switch
(Gabby Sage wearing the Leakproof Boyshort and Good to Go Seamless Bra in Black)
Reusable period products are a great way to reduce waste and make your period more sustainable. Instead of using single-use items like pads or tampons, I made the switch to using menstrual cups, Reusable Pads, and Leakproof Underwear interchangeably. I like using a combination of a menstrual cup and Leakproof Underwear throughout my menstrual cycle depending on how heavy my period is.
There's also a variety of styles, from thongs to high rise undies. For heavier period days, my go-to are the Boyshort and Dream Short styles. They’re so comfy, I forget they’re any different than my everyday undies. After wearing, I hand wash them in the shower or tub before throwing them in the wash for a more thorough clean.
Stock Up on Snacks
Let's face it: we all crave snacks on our period — so might as well stock up. By buying your snacks in bulk from your local zero-waste store or the bulk section of your grocer, you can make your munchies last longer and avoid any plastic packaging. Don't forget to bring your mason jars and reusable bags!
I always crave extra salty and sweet snacks during my menstrual cycle, which means I head straight for the bulk section to stock up on my favorites: almonds, dried fruit, sour candy, and chocolate.
Avoid Single-Use Plastic
(Gabby Sage wearing the Leakproof High Rise in Smokeshow)
Depending on your lifestyle and personal preferences, using reusable period products might not always be an option — and that's okay. There's still lots you can do to minimize waste, like opting for organic single-use products or single-use products that are free of plastic.
These small but significant considerations can prevent harmful toxins from being released into the environment. Not to mention, they'll also help prevent you from coming into contact with these same chemicals.
Rethink How You Wash
Common household cleaning products, like laundry detergent, are often the culprit of harsh chemicals that aren't great for the environment. That's why I like to opt for a non-toxic laundry detergent that's safer option for the planet.
If you live close to a refill shop you can also refill your cleaning products and reduce your plastic waste. If there isn’t a refill store nearby, don't fret. There are also lots of options when it comes to finding brands that offer non-toxic, refillable detergent options.
Remember: Nobody's Perfect
(Gabby Sage wearing the Leakproof High Rise in Misty Green and Waffle Robe in Cloud)
There's no shame in not being able to "perfectly" achieve a zero-waste period. We're all doing our best and it's impossible to be 100% sustainable.
Not everyone has the resources make sustainable choices, but it's always good to know what options you have at your disposal. All we can do is be considerate and do what we can in order to push for a better, more sustainable world.