Period Waste Is a Big Problem

Here’s How You Can Support a Smarter Solution

We are all aware of the plastic pollution problem and most of us have already tried to cut back on plastic bags, reduce single use plastic bottles or started recycling more diligently. But there’s another major source of plastic waste that often goes unnoticed,  disposable period products.

And while you may not experience periods yourself, chances are you care about someone who does, your partner, your daughter, your sister, your friend. Supporting them in making sustainable choices (if they want to) is a powerful way to help both them and the planet.

Here’s what you need to know about the problem of period waste and why reusable period cups are such a smart solution.

The Problem: Period Products Create Tons of Waste
The average person who menstruates will use more than 10,000 pads and tampons in their lifetime. That adds up quickly.

Some facts to put it into perspective:

Every year, around 12–15 billion pads and tampons are thrown away in the U.S. alone.

Many of these products contain plastic pads can be up to 90% plastic, and applicators are often made of non-recyclable plastic.

These materials can take 500–800 years to break down.

Used products often end up polluting landfills, oceans, and waterways, where they harm wildlife.

We tend to think of period products as small and disposable but over a lifetime, one person’s period waste contributes significantly to our planet’s plastic problem.

The Solution: Reusable Period Cups
One of the most effective ways to reduce this waste is by switching to a reusable period cup.

Here’s why:

A single medical-grade silicone cup can last up to 10 years with proper care.

Over that time, it can replace thousands of pads and tampons.

It’s more environmentally friendly, cost-effective, and often more comfortable for the user.

By supporting and encouraging the women in your life to consider a period cup you’re helping reduce an enormous amount of unnecessary waste.

Why This Matters to You
Even if you’ll never use a period product yourself, this issue impacts everyone. Period waste contributes to the same pollution that threatens our oceans, clogs our landfills, and damages ecosystems that we all rely on.

And just as importantly, being informed and supportive about sustainable period options shows respect for the women in your life and care for the world they, and you, live in.

How You Can Help
Here are a few ways to show up:

Educate yourself. Learn the basics about period cups so you can have a meaningful conversation without discomfort or judgment.

Have her back. If she wants to try a cup, encourage her, help her research, and be patient while she gets used to it.

Support sustainable choices. When buying supplies for your daughter, partner, or someone else, consider including a reusable cup or sustainable pads in the options.

A cleaner future...
Disposable period products have a hidden environmental cost that’s too big to ignore. A small change, like switching to a reusable period cup, can prevent thousands of pads and tampons from ending up in landfills or the ocean.

You can play a part by being informed, supportive, and encouraging when the topic comes up.

Because caring about the planet isn’t just about what you do yourself, it’s also about supporting the people you care about in making choices that matter.