You’re here looking for sustainable period products so you might already know this but just in case you don’t… Want to know something shocking? We toss nearly 20 billion single-use tampons, pads and applicators into North American landfills every year. 

Until I read this stat, I hadn’t considered the immense amount of waste I create – or we collectively create – with our current menstrual waste system. Have you? Think about the boxes with plastic windows, instructions (that we don’t need), plastic wrapping, plastic applicator, then the tampons themselves. When wrapped in plastic bags, period waste can take centuries to break down.

The average woman uses over 11,000 tampons in our lifetime, leaving behind waste residue far beyond our lifespan. And want to know something equally as disturbing? Most tampons and pads are not even cotton, they’re plastic. Talk about an endocrine disruptor! I don’t want plastic nor synthetic fragrances inside my body and I’m guessing you don’t either. 

My solution? Reusable, sustainable period products that have a life beyond single-use. With no risk of TSS, these amazing alternatives are the most amazing, badass, money saving solution to the mass amounts of period waste.

About three years ago, I switched to a menstrual cup – it changed my life and I think more women using them can help change the world. It was a bit uncomfortable for the first couple of cycles but then I got the hang of it and I’ve never looked back. Nearly all the women in my life use them now + love them after I suggested the idea. It makes me so happy! If a menstrual cup isn’t for you, that’s fine! I’ve also shared other reusable options for your cycle.

SUSTAINABLE PERIOD PRODUCTS

MENSTRUAL CUP

Saalt Co. 

Lunette Cup

Mahina Cup

Dot Cup

PERIOD UNDERWEAR

Thinx 

Modi Bodi

Knix 

Rael

REUSABLE APPLICATOR

DAME

They offer a 100% organic cotton tampon subscription after you buy the initial applicator. This company is a certified B Corporation, carbon neutral, super innovative & awesome. 

OTHER PERIOD ESSENTIALS

Women’s Code 

For years, my mother-in-love has raved about the knowledge she gained from a book called Women’s Bodies, Women’s Wisdom by Christiane Northrup. Now, this book Women’s Code was written by Alisa Vitti – the mentee of Christiane Northrup and is a condensed, modern version that is packed full of information about our cycles, pain with periods, how to reduce/avoid that, etc. It’s an incredible book that I recommend every woman read! 

Also, through this book and other naturopathic resources I’ve found, I have discovered that acupuncture and Chinese medicine can aid significantly with period pain. If you are in pain, read this book and seek out an acupuncturist in your area. It’s not something we have to ‘suffer through’ for the rest of our lives. 

Semaine

Along the same vein, this supplement is plant-based period relief. It specifically addresses period pain, providing a natural, anti-inflammatory solution to period symptoms like cramps, bloating, low energy, etc. Read more here.

CBD Oil

Taken both orally or topically on the lower abdomen, CBD is incredible. Make sure the brand you are using is organically grown & sustainably made. There are a lot of weird CBD companies out there & they are certainly not all created equal. Here’s the brand I currently use: Bloom Farms CBD. They kindly gave me a discount code for you to use. Enter elanaloo at checkout for 15% off.

Dragontime Essential Oil 

This has been a period go-to of mine for years. I usually apply it topically to the lower abdomen when I have any cramps & love the relief it offers. If you love essential oils & don’t want to pay full retail, read this blogpost to become a wholesale member like I have been for seven or so years.

I wanted to share these resources because I haven’t found a compiled list yet and know this is one of the best ways we as women can quickly reduce our waste and feel empowered with our cycle. I’m always open to expanding this list so please share any ideas or essentials you recommend.