Reusable vs Disposable: True Environmental Cost of Period Products (Cups, Discs, Underwear)

Key Takeaways:

·        Sustainable Period Care: Reusable period products like cups, discs, and underwear can significantly reduce waste and carbon footprint compared to disposable options.

·        Disposable Waste Crisis: Disposable period products contribute to massive landfill waste and environmental damage due to non-biodegradable materials and carbon emissions from their production and disposal processes.

·        Eco Meets Savings: Switching to reusable period products not only benefits the environment but can also result in cost savings over time, making it both an eco-friendly and economical choice.

There’s a lot more to managing periods or leaks than what’s on the surface. Every choice we make, from the type of product to the material it’s made of, ripples out into our wallets, routines, and, yes, the planet itself. For too long, disposable tampons and pads have been the go-to for most people navigating periods and bladder leaks, but the conversation is changing. With the rise of sustainable period products like reusable cups, discs, and leakproof underwear, we’re facing an essential question: what’s the real cost of convenience?

Here at Saalt, we understand what it’s like to live life as a juggling act. The last thing anyone wants is added stress—or environmental guilt—because of the products we use. That’s where sustainable, premium alternatives come in. Brands like Saalt are reimagining what it means to manage leaks, focusing not just on performance, but on what happens to these products before and after we use them.

This article takes an honest look at the environmental impact of both reusable and disposable period products. We’ll cut through the marketing speak to weigh the waste, cost, and peace of mind that come with each option; so you can make the best choice for your body, your budget, and the world we all share.

Why Your Period Product Choice Matters for the Planet

When it comes to periods, every product choice isn’t just personal, it’s planetary. Every disposable pad, tampon, and applicator you’ve ever used is still out there, sitting in a landfill or swimming in the ocean. On average, one person generates 250 to 300 pounds of period product waste in their lifetime. Multiply that by billions of menstruators, and the sheer scale of this often-invisible waste stream is staggering.

Disposable products are largely made from plastic, rayon, and other non-biodegradable materials. That means your tampon’s thin plastic wrapper—or worse, its applicator—can take hundreds of years to break down. Even compostable or "eco-friendly" disposables still demand significant raw resources and energy to produce, package, and transport, often for just a single use.

Reusable period products flip the script. Menstrual cups, discs, and period pants are made to last for years, replacing hundreds of disposable products during their lifetime. The result? Dramatically reduced waste and a lighter footprint on the earth’s resources. Plus, manufacturing reusable options generally requires less water, energy, and raw material over time— especially when you factor in how rarely they need to be replaced.

The shift to sustainable period products isn’t just about cutting waste. It represents a powerful step toward supporting environmental health, advocating for conscious consumption, and investing in a future where everyone can manage their periods without polluting the planet.

The Lifecycle Footprint of Pads and Tampons, From Cotton Field to Landfill

Let’s trace the humble disposable pad and tampon back to their roots. Most pads and tampons start in fields—vast stretches of land dedicated to growing cotton, which is prized for its softness and absorbency. But conventional cotton farming is resource-heavy: producing a single pound of cotton can take over 1,800 gallons of water, and pesticide use is significant. Beyond that, the manufacturing process for disposable period products relies on additional materials like plastic, rayon, and super-absorbent polymers. Each layer, wrapper, and adhesive strip is part of a supply chain that burns fossil fuels and emits greenhouse gases every step of the way.

Once these products leave factories, they’re individually wrapped and packaged—often in more plastic. Transporting them from warehouse to store racks means trucks spewing exhaust, all so a one-time use product can be ready when you need it most. But the story doesn’t end when you toss them in the trash.

In the United States alone, it’s estimated that 20 billion pads, tampons, and applicators end up in landfills every year. These products are designed to be durable enough to withstand heavy flow days, which also makes them slow to break down. Between plastic backings, synthetic fibers, and chemical additives, a single pad can take up to 800 years to decompose. Tampons, especially those with plastic applicators, linger in the environment just as long. And the microplastics released from these items can find their way into waterways, affecting wildlife and possibly even our own health. (National Library of Medicine)

When you add up the environmental costs—water use, farming chemicals, fossil fuels, manufacturing emissions, and landfill waste—the true impact of disposable pads and tampons goes far beyond your bathroom trash can. It’s a complex, global footprint that can’t be ignored in the conversation about sustainable period products. (The Guardian)

Reusables 101: Cups, Discs, and Underwear Explained

Navigating the world of sustainable period products can be overwhelming, especially as reusable options take center stage. Here’s a rundown on the best menstrual cups, discs, and leakproof underwear so you can make informed choices for your body—and the planet.

Menstrual Cups

Menstrual cups are flexible, medical-grade silicone (or TPE) devices shaped like tiny bells. Worn internally, they collect rather than absorb menstrual fluid. Once inserted, they form a leak-resistant seal and can stay in place for up to 12 hours. Just empty, rinse, and reinsert. With proper care, one cup can last several years, making it a powerhouse of sustainability. They’re subtle, cost-effective over time, and dramatically reduce waste compared to disposables.

Menstrual Discs

Similar in concept but a little different in design, menstrual discs are disc-shaped, flat devices that sit higher in the vaginal canal than cups. They also collect menstrual flow and, thanks to their placement, can be worn during intimacy, or period sex. Discs typically hold even more than cups and can also be reused for years with careful cleaning. Like cups, discs help divert thousands of single-use products from landfills over their lifespan.

Leakproof Underwear

Leakproof period underwear is designed for comfort, convenience, and confidence. Advanced absorbent layers are built right into the fabric, trapping moisture and controlling odor. You simply wear them like regular underwear, wash, and reuse. No special folding or insertion required! Available in a variety of cuts, colors, and absorbency levels, leakproof period underwear is a game-changer for overnight protection, backup for cups or discs, or as a standalone solution. One pair can replace dozens (sometimes hundreds!) of pads or tampons annually.

Switching to these sustainable period products doesn’t just cut down on waste: it changes the day-to-day routine, offering more flexibility, reliability, and empowerment—no more last-minute tampon dashes or awkward wardrobe choices.

Breaking Down Carbon Emissions: Disposable vs. Reusable Period Care

When comparing period products, price and convenience aren’t the whole story—carbon emissions offer a deeper look at their environmental impact. This carbon footprint is measured by the greenhouse gases released throughout a product’s life cycle, from manufacturing through disposal.

Disposable pads and tampons are used by many for their simplicity, but their environmental cost adds up quickly. Their production requires resource-intensive cotton, wood pulp, and plastic—all demanding significant energy. The packaging—individual wrappers, boxes, and films—adds further emissions. Each disposable gets only one use before it’s headed to landfill, where plastic components can take hundreds of years to decompose, slowly releasing greenhouse gases over time. Throughout a lifetime, one person can send 11,000–16,000 disposable products to the landfill, multiplying their carbon impact significantly.

In contrast, reusable period products—like Saalt’s best menstrual discs, cups, or period underwear have a longer lifespan and require fewer replacements. Production still uses resources, but you need far fewer items overall: a single period disc or several pairs of period underwear can last for years. This dramatically reduces the number of products manufactured, packaged, and shipped throughout your life, and less packaging waste ends up in landfill. Fewer trips to buy products also cut carbon emissions linked to transportation.

The takeaway? Any product has a carbon cost, but disposables, multiplied over months and years, quickly outweigh reusables. Switching to reusable period options can significantly shrink your carbon footprint. It’s a small change for you, but a substantial one for the planet.

Cost Over Time: Saving Your Wallet While Saving the Earth

It’s no secret that single-use pads and tampons add up, both in your trash can and on your monthly budget. On the surface, disposable products seem convenient—until you tally up just how many boxes you’ll buy in a year, or even over a lifetime. According to recent estimates, the average menstruating person will use somewhere between 5,000 to 15,000 pads and tampons in their lifetime. That’s potentially thousands of dollars spent, and mountains of waste sent to landfills.

Now, let’s stack that against reusable options—like period cups, discs, and leakproof panties. The sticker price might be higher upfront, but the lifespan of these products tells a different story. One menstrual cup, for example, can last up to ten years. Think about it: one purchase, ten years of periods, a fraction of the waste. Period panties and reusable discs can also be worn, washed, and reused for years, reducing the need for frequent replacements.

The real financial benefit kicks in after just a few cycles. Calculate what you typically spend per month on disposables, then consider the break-even point where reusables have paid for themselves—usually within the first year. After that, every cycle means more savings for you and less waste for the planet. That’s what we call multitasking: a win for your wallet, and a big score for sustainability. 

The Real Choice for a Sustainable Period: Empowering Every Leak

Choosing between reusable and disposable period products isn’t just about comfort—it’s about the true environmental cost and what kind of world we want to leave behind. Reusable products like menstrual cups, discs, and leakproof underwear offer a powerful alternative to traditional disposables that pile up in landfills year after year. At Saalt, we believe that sustainable period products should feel premium, work for all of life’s leaks, and help you move through every stage of life with confidence, not compromise.

It’s clear: making the switch to reusables isn’t just friendlier to the planet—it’s also a commitment to your own well-being and a future where no one has to choose between sustainability and effectiveness. As a B-Corp dedicated to period equity and transparency, Saalt is proud to support women and girls worldwide. Every pair of leakproof underwear or menstrual cup you use helps reduce waste, save money, and contribute to a global movement for good through Saalt’s charity, impact, and donation work. Your choice truly matters; for yourself, your family, and the planet. Ready to make the sustainable switch? Saalt is here for every leak and every stage.

Read Also:

• Disposable vs. Reusable Menstrual Discs: A Bestie’s Guide

• How Are Reusable Period Products Sustainable?

• How Hard Is Reusable Period Care Maintenance?

FAQs About the True Environmental Cost of Period Products

What are reusable period products?

Reusable period products are menstrual care items designed for multiple uses and long-lasting wear. These include menstrual cups, discs, and leakproof underwear like those made by Saalt. Instead of tossing them out after every use, you simply wash, sanitize, and reuse—making them a sustainable choice for people who menstruate.

How do disposable pads and tampons impact the environment?

Disposable pads and tampons create a significant environmental footprint. Most contain plastic, and their packaging, wrappers, and applicators add to the pile. In fact, a single person can use up to 11,000 disposable period products in their lifetime, most of which end up in landfills or oceans and can take centuries to decompose. The production, packaging, and transportation of these items also increase their carbon footprint.

Do menstrual cups produce less waste than pads and tampons?

Absolutely. Menstrual cups, like those from Saalt, are designed to last several years. By replacing thousands of single-use products, they drastically cut down on waste. Not only do cups divert disposable products from landfills, but their low-maintenance care means less energy and fewer resources are needed over time. When teens can start their first period with  teen period underwear and eventually a teen period cup, early habits are set, making lifelong personal and global impact. 

What materials are reusable period products made from?

Reusable period products are carefully crafted for safety, comfort, and durability. Saalt cups and discs are made from high-quality medical-grade silicone, which is flexible, hypoallergenic, and biocompatible. Leakproof underwear from Saalt is made without PFAs and comes in a range of absorbencies and styles, designed to support all kinds of flows and life stages. 

How long do reusable period products last?

The lifespan depends on the product and how well you care for it. Saalt’s menstrual cups and reusable menstrual discs can last up to 10 years with proper cleaning and storage. Leakproof underwear can stay in rotation for years—often hundreds of washes—without losing potency or comfort. Choosing high-quality, sustainable period products is a win for the environment and your wallet.

Sources:

1. The Guardian. (2025, September 16) Sustainable period products that actually work: the best pads, menstrual cups and swimwear, tested.

https://www.theguardian.com/thefilter/2025/sep/16/best-sustainable-period-products-menstrual-cups-pads-swimwerar-uk (Accessed: 25 November 2025).

2. National Library of Medicine. (2025, March 18) Toward eco-friendly menstrual products: a comparative life cycle assessment of sanitary pads made from bamboo pulp vs. a conventional one. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40100500/ (Accessed: 25 November 2025).