Best Eco-friendly & Reusable Period Pads

How do sustainable period pads work?

They work much the same as traditional pads, but many actually report better absorbency and less irritation. Disposable pads can either be made from natural, biodegradable materials, such as bamboo, organic cotton and wood pulp which work by absorbing menstrual flow and keeping it in the pad until it is time to change. They are then disposed of in a compost bin or with regular waste. Reusable pads on the other hand are made to be reused many times, usually lasting at least 60 washes and usually use a bamboo absorbent core.

How do you wash reusable period pads?

Reusable period pads can be washed with your normal load using a gentle eco-friendly detergent (ideally non-bio). They don't need to go in their own separate wash though as this adds a much higher carbon footprint to them.

It's best to rinse the pads in cold water to remove excess blood and store them in a waterproof pad bag if out and about and wash them within 48 hours of use. Avoid using fabric softeners, oxygen bleaches or tumble drying, as these can damage the pad's absorbency and natural fibres.

How do you dispose of eco-friendly pads?

For single-use pads that are certified compostable, they can be put in your compost bin providing it is sealed & functions correctly, reaching the required optimum temperature. Or you can pop them out with your usual household waste. Or in the case of Fluus (listed below) you can certifiably flush them - genius!

Are sustainable period pads more expensive than regular pads?

Let's take the brand Always, their regular cotton pads are currently 31p per unit. Most of the brands in our list are in the same price range with some being cheaper. Reusable period pads are usually even cheaper than disposable pads, despite the higher upfront cost, over time they will save you money as you won't need to purchase them as frequently. We've worked out their 'cost per use' below based on using them a total of 60 times (though they can last up to 150 washes!)

3 benefits of switching to sustainable period pads

Less Waste

By using reusable or eco-friendly period pads, you can significantly reduce the amount of waste going to landfills and waterways. This helps to decrease your carbon footprint and helps protect the environment.

Less Money

Over time, reusable and eco-friendly period pads can save you money since you no longer need to keep buying disposable pads every month and more sustainable options are very price competitive with conventional pads. This makes them a more affordable and sustainable option.

Less Irritation

Reusable and eco-friendly period pads are often made of natural materials, such as organic cotton or bamboo, which can be gentler on your skin and reduce the risk of irritation or allergic reactions. They can also be free from harmful chemicals often found in traditional disposable pads.