Sustainable Period Products: My Honest Review

Sustainable Period Products: My Honest Review

Hey everyone! Emma Chen here, your favourite Toronto-based fashion and lifestyle blogger, and today were diving into a topic thats, well, a little more personal than my usual brunch spots or styling tips, but no less important: sustainable period products. As someone whos constantly striving to live a more mindful, eco-conscious life C from my thrifted finds in Kensington Market to my plant-based meals C it was only natural that my period routine would eventually come under the sustainability microscope.

For years, like so many of us, I just used what was available. Tampons and pads, individually wrapped, tossed away without a second thought. But then I started really thinking about the sheer volume of waste. Multiply my monthly contribution by millions of menstruators, and the numbers are staggering.

Landfills overflowing with plastic applicators, wrappers, and non-biodegradable materials C it just didn't sit right with my values anymore. So, about three years ago, I decided to embark on a journey to find sustainable alternatives that actually worked for me. This isn't about shaming anyone; it's about sharing my honest experience, the good, the bad, and the sometimes messy, in hopes it might inspire or inform your own choices. So, grab a cup of tea (or your favourite Toronto-roasted coffee!

), and lets get into it.

The Menstrual Cup: My First Foray into Freedom (and Fumbling)

My sustainable period journey officially began with the menstrual cup. I remember standing in a small, independent health food store near Christie Pits, staring at the different brands, feeling a mix of apprehension and curiosity. The idea of inserting, removing, and cleaning a silicone cup seemed daunting, to say the least. My first few cycles with the cup were, to put it mildly, a learning curve. There were leaks, there were moments of panic in tiny public washrooms (hello, busy downtown Toronto cafes!), and there was definitely a period of figuring out the "fold" and "seal" that worked for my body. I even had a memorable incident trying to change it in a particularly cramped stall at the AGO C not ideal, folks!

But I persevered, mainly because Id heard so many rave reviews, and I was determined to make it work. And honestly? I'm so glad I did. Once I got the hang of it, the menstrual cup became a complete a standout feature. I could wear it for up to 12 hours, which meant no more mid-day changes during a long workday or while exploring the city. It's incredibly comfortable; most of the time, I forget its even there. And the environmental impact is huge C one cup can last for years! The initial investment might seem a bit high, but it pays for itself within months.

• Pros:
  • Eco-friendly: Virtually zero waste for years.
  • Cost-effective: Pays for itself quickly compared to disposables.
  • Long-lasting wear: Up to 12 hours, perfect for busy days or overnight.
  • Comfortable: Once inserted correctly, you cant feel it.
  • Body-friendly: No chemicals, dyes, or fragrances.
• Cons:
  • Steep learning curve: Can take a few cycles to master.
  • Messy: Removal can be a bit messy, especially in public restrooms without a private sink.
  • Initial discomfort: Some people find insertion challenging at first.
  • Requires cleaning: Needs to be washed with soap and water, and sterilized between cycles.

Verdict: A definite winner for me! It took patience, but the long-term benefits for my wallet and the planet are undeniable. It's now my primary period product.

Period Underwear: The A standout feature I Never Knew I Needed

Next up on my sustainable period exploration was period underwear. Id seen them pop up on Instagram and heard friends in my Toronto circle chatting about them. My initial thought was, "Absorbent underwear? Is that really going to hold up?" The idea of feeling like I was wearing a diaper was a definite turn-off. But the convenience factor, especially for lighter days or as a backup for my cup, was too appealing to ignore. So, I took the plunge and ordered a couple of pairs online.

And wow, was I pleasantly surprised! The technology behind these things is incredible. Theyre surprisingly thin, comfortable, and discreet. Ive worn them under skinny jeans for brunch in the Distillery District, during a yoga class in Liberty Village, and even on long walks along the lakefront, and they feel just like regular underwear. For my lighter days, theyre perfect on their own. On heavier days, I use them as a brilliant backup to my menstrual cup, providing that extra layer of security that gives me immense peace of mind, especially when Im out and about, running errands on the TTC, or attending events.

The main "con" for me has been the washing routine. Living in a condo in Toronto with in-suite laundry is a blessing, but even so, the thought of rinsing out underwear by hand before tossing it in the machine isn't the most glamorous part of my routine. But it's a small price to pay for the comfort and sustainability they offer.

• Pros:
  • Incredibly comfortable: Feels like regular underwear.
  • Easy to use: No insertion, no fuss.
  • Discreet: No one knows youre wearing them.
  • Versatile: Great for light days, spotting, or as a backup.
  • Sustainable: Reduces disposable waste significantly.
• Cons:
  • Initial cost: Can be expensive to build a full collection.
  • Washing routine: Requires rinsing before washing, which can be a bit inconvenient.
  • Bulkier on heavier days: Some brands can feel a bit thick if you need maximum absorbency.
  • Drying time: Can take longer to air dry than regular underwear.

Verdict: A strong contender and essential for my routine. Perfect for backup, lighter days, and overall peace of mind. I own several pairs and wouldn't go back.

Reusable Pads: The Comfortable, Homebody Option

Reusable pads were another product I explored. Theyre essentially fabric versions of disposable pads, often made from cotton, bamboo, or hemp, with a waterproof backing and snaps to fasten around your underwear. I picked up a few sets from a lovely little zero-waste shop in Kensington Market, drawn to their colourful patterns and soft textures.

My experience with reusable pads has been generally positive, particularly for days when I'm mostly at home. They're incredibly soft against the skin, which is a huge plus, especially compared to some of the conventional pads that can feel a bit plasticky. They also come in various absorbencies, so you can tailor them to your flow. For cozy weekends spent reading on my balcony or working from my home office, they're fantastic.

However, I found them less ideal for my active Toronto lifestyle. They can sometimes shift around, especially if Im walking a lot or running errands. And the bulkiness, while not terrible, is more noticeable than period underwear or a cup. Changing them when Im out can also be a bit of a logistical challenge C you need a wet bag to store the used ones until you get home, which adds another item to carry in my tote bag. For some, this might be a non-issue, but for me, juggling a busy schedule and multiple bags, it became a small hindrance.

• Pros:
  • Soft and comfortable: Gentle on the skin, no harsh chemicals.
  • Variety of absorbencies: Customizable to your flow.
  • Eco-friendly: Reusable for years, significantly reducing waste.
  • Breathable: Often more breathable than disposable pads.
• Cons:
  • Can shift: May not stay in place as well as disposables for active individuals.
  • Bulkier: More noticeable than period underwear or a cup.
  • Requires carrying a wet bag: For used pads when out of the house.
  • Washing routine: Similar to period underwear, requires rinsing.

Verdict: Good for specific situations. I still use them for lazy days at home or overnight, but theyre not my go-to for venturing out.

The "Eco-Friendly" Disposables: For When Life Happens

Finally, lets talk about organic and biodegradable disposable options. While my goal is always to reduce waste, I'm also a realist. Life happens. Sometimes, Im travelling, or Im faced with a situation where reusing isn't practical or hygienic. Maybe I'm staying with friends who don't have a great laundry setup, or I'm on a camping trip far from running water. For these moments, I turn to organic cotton tampons or pads that are free from dyes, fragrances, and chlorine bleaching, and ideally, come with biodegradable applicators or no applicator at all.

I can now find these pretty easily at my local Shoppers Drug Mart or health food stores across Toronto, which is a testament to how much these options have grown in popularity. While they still generate waste, its a significantly "cleaner" waste than conventional products. They decompose much faster and dont introduce harmful chemicals into the environment or my body. They offer the convenience of disposables without the heavy environmental guilt associated with their conventional counterparts.

• Pros:
  • Convenient: Easy to use and dispose of, no washing required.
  • Better for you: Free from harsh chemicals, dyes, and fragrances.
  • Better for the planet (relatively): Biodegradable materials reduce environmental impact compared to conventional disposables.
  • Widely available: Increasingly easy to find in most stores.
• Cons:
  • Still generate waste: Not truly zero-waste.
  • More expensive: Often cost more than conventional disposables.
  • Not as sustainable as reusables: Still a single-use product.

Verdict: My ethical emergency backup. I keep a small stash for travel or unexpected situations, feeling much better about their impact.

My Sustainable Period Journey: A Toronto Takeaway

Embarking on this journey has been incredibly eye-opening. Its taught me that sustainability isn't about perfection; its about making conscious choices that align with your values, one step at a time. There's no one-size-fits-all solution, and what works for me as a 32-year-old living in Toronto might be completely different for someone else. My period routine is now a blend: my menstrual cup for most days, period underwear for backup and lighter flow, reusable pads for home comfort, and eco-friendly disposables for when I absolutely need them.

The benefits extend beyond just environmental impact. Ive saved money in the long run, and I feel a deeper connection and understanding of my body and its natural cycles. Its empowered me to take control of a part of my life that used to feel like an inconvenient, wasteful burden. If you're considering making the switch, my advice is to start small, do your research, and be patient with yourself. Don't be afraid to experiment to find what truly works for you. Your body, your wallet, and our beautiful planet will thank you for it.

Have you tried any sustainable period products? What are your favourites, or what challenges have you faced? I'd love to hear your honest reviews in the comments below! Let's continue this conversation and inspire each other to live a little more sustainably, one period at a time.