Every month, you toss a pad or tampon into the bin and think, “It’s just one.” But what if I told you that one turns into thousands over a lifetime? And those cute little wrappers? Yeah, they’re basically plastic burritos that won’t decompose until your great-great-great-granddaughter is running for office.
Real talk: period products are choking the planet, and most of us have no idea.
Leila B here, and today, we’re talking trash. Literally.
Let’s break down what no one told us in health class, and why switching to reusables isn’t just smart for your body… It’s a power move for the planet.
The Ugly Truth About Disposable Period Products
Let’s get the numbers out of the way, because sis, they’re wild.
According to the Women’s Environmental Network, the average menstruator uses around 11,000 disposable pads, tampons, and liners in their lifetime. And most of those?
Made with plastic
Wrapped in plastic
Lined with plastic
And they take 500 to 800 years to decompose. Which means the pad you used in high school is probably still chilling in a landfill. Cute.
And the global impact?
- Over 200,000 tonnes of period product waste are dumped every year
- Tampons, pads, and their packaging are the fifth most common plastic waste found on beaches in Europe
So if you thought climate change had nothing to do with cramps and cravings… think again, sis.
Reusables: The Planet’s Favorite Period Partner
Here’s the good news: you can still have a comfortable, safe, stylish period without trashing the earth.
Reusable period underwear (like the kind Savvi Wear makes) isn’t just a trend — it’s a sustainable solution. Here’s why:
- One pair can last 2–3 years with proper care
- You drastically cut down on monthly waste
- You save money (goodbye, emergency pad runs)
- You make the earth just a little less exhausted
A 2021 study by Life Cycle Initiative found that switching to reusables reduces your menstrual carbon footprint by up to 90%. That’s a whole lot of cleaner air just from changing your underwear. Who knew?
Comfort Meets Consciousness (Because You Shouldn’t Have to Choose)
We get it — some reusables feel like they were designed by someone who’s never bled a day in their life. I get you, sis. That’s why I’ll always recommend Savvi Wear.
What about Savvi Wear’s pieces?
They’re made by people who get it. Who bloats. Who bleeds. Who’ve leaked in public bathrooms and lived to tell the tale. Every pair is soft, absorbent, and designed to make you feel held, not stuffed or suffocated.
And the best part? You’re not just investing in yourself, you’re investing in cleaner oceans, greener landfills, and a better world for the girls coming after us.
Your Period Isn’t the Problem — Waste Is
Periods are natural. Pollution isn’t.
And honestly? The Earth deserves better than single-use plastic pads that take longer to decompose than the Eiffel Tower took to build.
By switching to reusables, you become part of a quiet revolution. A ripple that becomes a wave.
One less wrapper here. One less tampon there. It adds up.
It matters.
From Me to You
No shame if you’ve been rocking disposables this whole time. I was too, until I learned better.
But now that we know? We’re making new choices. Conscious ones. Period-positive, planet-loving ones.
Your flow doesn’t have to cost the earth. So next time you pack your period kit, ask yourself: “Is this helping me and the planet?”
If the answer’s no, girl, you’ve got options.
With flow, facts, and fewer landfills,
Leila B
