World Environment Day is more than a reminder to plant a tree or reduce plastic use. It’s also a chance to make personal care choices that support the planet. One area where small decisions can make a big impact? Menstrual products.
Traditional pads and tampons are responsible for thousands of tonnes of waste each year. Many contain plastic layers, synthetic fibres, and chemical additives that take hundreds of years to break down. Thankfully, more Australians are turning to sustainable, skin-friendly alternatives.
Here are six eco-conscious options that are better for your body and the planet.
1. Reusable Menstrual Pads
Made from breathable cotton or bamboo, reusable cloth pads can be washed and used for years. They come in different absorbency levels and snap securely to underwear.
A simple rinse and wash cycle is all it takes to reuse them. With proper care, they can last between three and five years, saving money and waste.
2. Menstrual Cups
A popular option for those wanting to ditch disposables, menstrual cups are made from medical-grade silicone and collect rather than absorb blood.
They’re inserted into the vagina and can be worn for up to 12 hours depending on flow. Many users say once they adjust to the feel and insertion technique, they’d never go back.
3. Biodegradable Disposable Pads
Not ready for a full switch to reusables? Biodegradable pads offer a middle ground. Made from organic cotton, cornstarch, or bamboo fibre, these products decompose more easily in landfill.
They feel similar to regular pads but have a much lighter footprint on the environment.
4. Period Underwear
Period underwear is gaining popularity fast. These look and feel like normal undies but include built-in absorbent layers that can handle light to medium flow.
They’re washable, discreet, and a great backup for heavier days. For many, they’re a seamless part of the switch to reusables.
5. Menstrual Discs
Menstrual discs are one of the newest innovations in period care. Unlike cups, they sit at the base of the cervix and collect fluid without relying on suction.
Reusable menstrual discs are ideal for heavy flow days and can be worn during sex. They also tend to hold more capacity than cups. Many people find them more comfortable once they get the hang of it.
my mimi is a standout Australian brand offering an award-winning reusable menstrual disc that ticks every box. Made from soft, medical-grade silicone, it’s free from dyes and fragrances. Each disc lasts up to five years and costs around 83 cents per month over its lifetime.
Available in two sizes, my mimi suits both beginners and those who’ve given birth. It also features a unique loop tab to make removal easier – a feature praised in customer reviews. In 2025, my mimi was recognised as the Best Sustainable Period Care Solution in Australia. It’s stocked nationally at Chemist Warehouse and globally through Amazon.
6. Organic Tampons
For those still using tampons, switching to organic cotton versions is a positive step. These products are free from bleaches, perfumes and synthetic coatings, and break down more quickly in landfill.
They offer a familiar experience with less environmental damage.
Watch Out for Greenwashing
With rising demand for sustainable products, many new brands are popping up in the reusable period care market. Not all are equal. Some aren’t approved by the Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA) or the US FDA, and fail to list their full material breakdown.
It’s important to buy from trusted companies with verified listings and transparent manufacturing practices. Retailers like Chemist Warehouse and Amazon are good places to start.
Some newer brands offer free products in exchange for reviews, which means five-star ratings can be misleading. Always read reviews that speak to comfort, durability, and fit – not just delivery speed or packaging.
Why It Matters
Period products are used regularly and in contact with one of the most absorbent parts of the body. Choosing sustainable, chemical-free options isn’t just about the environment. It’s also about health.
This World Environment Day, consider making the switch. Whether it’s a menstrual disc, reusable pad, or period underwear, your body and the planet will thank you.
