When I think of being more sustainable, my period is far from the first thing that comes to mind.

But, why is that the case when an individual throws away roughly 11,000 pads and/or tampons in their lifetime?

That’s a lot of waste, so I think it’s time we talk about it.

Think about how many people on this planet use tampons and pads. While we’re at it- let’s take a second to think about the 250 million girls around the world who DON’T have access to safe menstrual products and tools too (Bet you didn’t think you could be so grateful for tampons, huh?).

The average woman ― and transgender and nonbinary person who menstruates ― spends roughly $1,418.67 on tampons throughout their lifetime- just to flush them down the toilet. That’s 250-300 pounds of waste per person each year on average.

So, you’re not supposed to flush tampons?

So, here is the thing- I honestly have flushed a lot of tampons down the toilet, and I’m feeling really bad about it right about now.

I’m not sure how we all came under the impression that it was acceptable or even recommended, but there’s definitely a tremendous awareness issue.

In just 10 years, Marine Conservation Society members have picked up more than 20,000 tampons, applicators, and sanitary pads from U.K. beaches.

So, now you’re probably thinking, “Wow, I should really start disposing of them in the trash.” If you did already, pat yourself on the back (or whatever makes you feel nice I guess)!

The sustainability issue isn’t solved by that, unfortunately, as putting them in the trash just means they’ll end up in a landfill, only to decompose slowly over hundreds of years.

The best alternative would be a plastic-free or reusable one.

So, if you don’t want to let your monthly visitor keep you from being sustainable, check out some of these great options to make your period just a little bit greener.

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are reusable flexible cups made of silicon or latex rubber that catch and collect your flow instead of absorbing it.

Cups tend to cost around $40, but they can last between two and four years, so it’s still a much better deal than tampons or pads.

Put a Cup In It has a great menstrual cup comparison chart and even a quiz to find out which one is right for you.

Applicator-free tampons

So, applicator-free tampons are a great in-between step if you’re not ready to make a big change yet or if you just want to keep using tampons while still using less plastic.

You’re more likely to see people using these in Europe, but it’s a really easy switch that can have a huge impact.

Not only do these lil guys have no unnecessary plastic applicator, but they also use less plastic wrap, cardboard and, ultimately,  carbon emissions from transportation and manufacturing (because the box is smaller and lighter).

They’re smaller, cheaper, and less wasteful. What more could you want?

Read all about them here.

Period Panties

If you cringed at the word panties- first, let me apologize because I did too, but I couldn’t resist the alliteration.

I haven’t tried these, so I’m not going to pretend I know which one is best, but Lunapads definitely seems to be a popular pick (they also have reusable pads for anyone who hates tampons and period undies). They’re organic cotton undies that hold two tampons’ worth.

These are great for people who don’t like to insert anything, but still want a reusable alternative to pads. Users say they’re incredibly comfortable!

If you’re on the fence about making a change, calculating how much waste your period creates each year with this calculator might help you pick a side.

It’s up to us to get the conversation started about periods and sustainability.

Happy sustainable perioding?

S.