Eco-friendly period products that save the planet and your time.

As many of you know, I love finding new, easy ways to reduce waste. I'm also a tad obsessed with buying different sanitary products... but we don't need to talk about that.

I didn't realise until I started using reusable sanitary products just how much waste comes from tampons and pads! It's taken me a while to find products that work for me but I think I've finally got it!

Here are my favourite period products for those looking to have a more planet-friendly time of the month!

The Menstrual Cup

This was actually the first reusable product I tried due to my body severely disliking tampons. A menstrual cup is pretty self-explanatory. It works similar to a tampon, except the blood is collected within the cup.

You can then dispose of the liquid and wash the cup out to reuse. I will say, these are brilliant if you want something that is going to last a long time. On average, a cup can last someone between five and eight years. That's a lot of waste saved!

Of course, you can go about your daily routine with a cup in as you would a tampon. A menstrual cup is also the obvious answer for those who do lots of sports or swimming!

A couple of cons, or at least things I can't really work with. For me, a menstrual cup is the eco-alternative that is the most hassle. Cleaning it isn't too difficult, when you remember to do it. If you're like me and forget, you're likely to be cleaning it on the first day of your period because you forgot to 28 days ago.

It's also not the easiest thing to change in public. If you have to empty your cup in a public toilet it can be messy. Plus you can't exactly carry your cup and wash it in public sinks. It's all a bit tricky.

As a side note, I've seen lots of people describe these as being 'as easy as a tampon' and they're not. They're definitely not difficult, but it's different. A cup is likely not going to work for everyone, and some people won't feel comfortable using them.

I would still recommend a cup as it is a great alternative to tampons. I still use mine every now and then, but it's definitely not the product I reach for when I come on.

Reusable pads

These are my newest trial! I've actually only used them for one period so far, so much opinion could change.

I think these work great. They're exactly the same as pads, but without waste! These are much easier to use than menstrual cups too. You just clip them onto your knickers using the popper and then wash them at the end of the day or week.

For me, I have to change these more or less the same as I would a regular pad. These are definitely comfier than regular throw-away pads though! They just feel like you're wearing very padded knickers. Super comfy.

Plus, they are the prettiest period products I've ever seen. Look at this adorable dino print one from Sew Little!

My only criticism of these is that they do move slightly throughout the day. I think because they're missing that sticky layer on the bottom they kind of slide around a bit. It's not masses, but enough to make you worry that you're bleeding on your jeans.

Overall, I would recommend these and will definitely be using them in the future!

Period knickers

These are my favourite swap by miles. I really wasn't sure how I would feel about these before I bought them, but I thought I'd give them a go!

Period knickers work similarly to reusable pads, apart from the 'pad' is built into the knickers. These are super comfy and so easy. I would say that these are the only period product, reusable or not, that I've ever felt 100% confident in.

I've never felt like I was leaking. I've never been worried about UTIs or thrush. They just do what they're meant to do.

The best part is that you just feel like you're wearing knickers. You don't feel uncomfortable like you may do when wearing pads, tampons, or a cup. They're just knickers. If we didn't have the extremely painful cramps, you wouldn't even know you were bleeding!

I would recommend these to anyone who is beginning their switch to reusable sanitary products. They're by far the easiest to use and get to grips with. I actually wish I had bought these earlier than I did because they are essential.

Have you tried any other eco-friendly period products? Let me know if you have any suggestions of what I should try next!