In a lifetime the average person who menstruates uses over 11,000 disposable period products, according to the Women’s Environmental Network. Given I’m 45 and the average age for the menopause is 51 in the UK I still have six years (72 periods!) left to do my bit for the planet. 

It’s high time I swapped my conventional tampons and pads for a sustainable alternative. AKA a product that won’t wash up on a beach and spoil someone’s sandcastle.

Yes, sanitary products are the fifth most common item found on Europe’s beaches (in hot competition with a pile of disposable face masks now, thanks to the pandemic). In fact, the Women’s Environmental Network estimates that there are around nine plastic applicators and 23 sanitary pads for every kilometre of a beach in the UK. Lovely. They make their way there through being flushed down toilets or via landfill. Although the market is changing, at the moment in the UK the bestselling tampon products include plastic applicators, even though there are plenty of other eco-friendly period alternatives.

Time to switch...

The Modibodi Sensual Hi-Waist Bikini pants (available in seven different colours, from sizes 6-18, from £20.50 each) were so comfy and flattering, I didn’t want to take them off. The wide lace waistband was blissfully soft to wear and the Classic Bikini version (from £18.50 each) was a perfect fit too. 

The liner is made from a cooling combo of Merino, Spandex and Polyester, which amazingly never felt damp during my period. The pants come in seven different styles including Boyshorts and Thongs. There are Curvy, Maternity and even Swimwear* ranges (*for light spotting).

· NB The slogan is ‘Pee & Period-Proof’ and their leak-proof powers are expected to last two years.

· Buy cheaper in bulk.

· Wash on a cold, gentle cycle. Don’t soak, use fabric conditioner or strong stain removers. Store in a laundry bag to protect the natural fibres that bugs love to nibble on.

www.modibodi.co.uk

Available in over 10 different styles and five different flow types, the ‘Super’ version can absorb the equivalent of four tampons – yet the pants barely feel thicker than normal underwear. I loved the ultra-wide waistband on the Classic Hiphugger (£31.01), but there’s also a new Thinx Air (£25.45) version made from extra-thin fabric. The manufacturers suggest to either use them as a total replacement for tampons and pads, or as well as tampons or menstrual cups for extra protection.

Of course, not everyone can afford the initial outlay of period pants, though the long-term savings are vast. During lockdown three in ten girls and young women found it difficult to afford or access period products, according to a recent study by Plan International UK. To help fight period poverty, the ethical clothing store Sancho’s has a brilliant ‘Pay It Forward’ scheme where you can buy a pair of Thinx pants to donate to someone in need.  

· Buy cheaper in bulk.

· Machine-wash on a delicate cycle in a mesh laundry bag (no fabric conditioner) or hand-wash.

www.shethinx.com

Founded by friends Celia Pool and Alec Mills, the ‘D’ is described as the ‘world’s first reusable applicator’ and is meant to be kept for life. I’ve never had a problem with non-applicator tampons, but for anyone squeamish about it, the D would be a welcome purchase. DAME also make their own range of organic tampons ‘free from pesticides and harsh chemicals’, designed to be used with the ‘D’ applicator. If you’re out of the house, you’ll need to find a toilet with its own sink so you can rinse it after use or take a bottle of water to wash it out over the loo.

· £24.99 for the D applicator (comes with a storage tin, travel pouch and six DAME organic cotton tampons).

www.wearedame.co

Soon after the Mooncup launched 18 years ago, I was working in an all-female magazine office. My colleague interviewed the founder Su Hardy and we chuckled over the ‘strange’ idea of a silicone cup that you inserted to catch your period. Well, Su, who is now retired, is having the last laugh as the Mooncup was ahead of its time and has become hugely popular in the more eco-conscious world we live in today. 

The cup is a bit fiddly to insert at first, but by Day 4, I was on a roll with my folding technique (watch the website video for useful tips). I chose size A (for women over 30 or anyone who’s given birth vaginally, whatever your age). Go for size B if you’re under-30 and haven’t had a vaginal birth. It should last 4-8 hours before it needs emptying. The best way is to empty it down the loo, then rinse the cup in the sink. If you’re out, take a bottle of water to wash it out over the loo or wipe it out with a tissue.

· £21.99 for a Mooncup.

www.mooncup.co.uk

These were a perfect fit and I liked the stylish ‘criss-cross’, peep-hole detail on the hips. Made from a mix of cotton, nylon and elastane, these were so comfortable, they felt even better than ‘normal’ pants. They need to be changed regularly during the day, but they worked! Available in low-rise, mid-rise and high-waisted styles.

· Can be washed up to 30 degrees (no fabric conditioner).

· £10.50 per pair or buy as part of a ‘Starter Kit’.

www.cheekywipes.com

I loved the pink and white striped, watermelon design on these washable pads which come in Day or Night versions. The fleecy ‘Bamboo Minky’ liner did feel a bit hot, but is more absorbent than the thinner cotton version. Ideally, I’d like an extra popper to minimise movement – choose tight pants to keep it in place. Buy a matching ‘Wetbag’ (£6.95) to keep a spare pad in.

· Can be washed at 40 degrees (no fabric conditioner) or by hand.

· £4.50 per pad or buy cheaper in bulk.

www.cheekywipes.com

Other eco-friendly ranges