3 Ways to Have a Zero Waste Period

Updated October 23, 2026.

This post contains affiliate links to products I use or have researched from brands I trust. If you choose to make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!

When I was in high school, I would sneak tampons to the bathroom hidden in my sleeve. Thankfully, those days are long gone! As I became more comfortable with my body, I also became increasingly aware of the waste my period created each month. Conventional menstrual products are typically single-use and often contain plastic, including applicators, wrappers, and packaging. The good news is there are now zero waste period alternatives that can help you reduce that waste and save money.

The Problem With Conventional Menstrual Products

On average, a person who menstruates will spend 6 years of their life with their period. That handful of days every month really adds up! This works out to approximately 10,000 to 15,000 disposable period products ending up in landfills per menstruating person and costs an estimated $6000 over the course of your life.

In addition to being costly, conventional menstrual products are single-use and made of plastic, cotton (a water and pesticide intensive crop with many ethical sourcing issues), and wood pulp, and are treated with chemicals for colour, absorption, scent, and waterproofing. A tremendous amount of resources go into producing and shipping these single-use products, only to end up in landfills and waterways.

Reusable products require resources to make and clean, too, but they can replace years of disposable purchases. Research comparing their environmental impacts has found that menstrual cups have a lower environmental footprint than the single-use products studied.

Why Switch to Reusable Menstrual Products?

There is so much more to switching than just reducing waste! One of the most valuable things for me was learning to become more in tune with my body, especially as I enter perimenopause.

While the initial cost of the swap is more expensive than a monthly supply of disposables, you will save time and money by not purchasing any more menstrual hygiene products for several years. Since switching, I am seeing more and more options pop up everywhere at more accessible prices. Some brands also donate to folks in need of menstrual products, so please consider this when making your selection.

So what are your options? In this series I will explore the 3 most popular options for zero waste – menstrual cups, cloth pads, and period underwear. I’ll discuss my experience with them, average cost, frequently asked questions, and more. Keep in mind that there is no perfect solution – your body and circumstances will change over time, so go with the flow…literally.

Click on the photos below for a more thorough explanation of each of the 3 most popular options for a zero waste period!

I preferred tampons before going zero waste, so I naturally gravitated towards a menstrual cup. I used my MoonCup for ten years and recently started using a Saalt cup. I added cloth pads for light days and spotting, and have now tried period underwear overnight and really liked them! I haven’t tried a menstrual disc myself, but you can learn about those in the cup and disc guide.

There truly is no “one size fits all”—a mix of different options may be just the ticket for your period.