Top 10 Eco-Friendly Menstrual Products Every Woman Should Know

“When we care for our cycles with respect, we also care for the Earth that sustains us.”

Every month, billions of disposable pads and tampons are discarded worldwide. Most contain up to 90% plastic, which takes centuries to break down. In India alone, more than 12 billion pads are thrown away each year, creating over 113,000 tonnes of waste.

Eco-friendly menstrual products reduce this burden while supporting women’s health, dignity, and economic independence. They come in many forms, reusable, biodegradable, community-made and each carries unique strengths and limitations.

Made of medical-grade silicone, menstrual cups are inserted into the vagina to collect, not absorb, menstrual blood. They can last for 5–10 years if cared for properly.

Soft, washable pads made of cotton or bamboo fibres. In India, groups like Eco Femme and Goonj promote them widely.

Looks like regular underwear but has built-in absorbent layers. Popular among adolescents and working women.

Made from organic cotton, banana fibre, or bamboo, with no plastic or chlorine bleaching. Brands like Saathi Pads are leading in India.

Flat, flexible discs that sit at the vaginal fornix and collect menstrual blood.

Natural or synthetic sponges that absorb menstrual flow.

Invented in India by Arunachalam Muruganantham (“Padman”), small-scale machines enable women’s groups to produce affordable pads.

Innovative pads designed to dissolve in water or decompose quickly.

Many women use a mix—reusables at home, disposables when travelling.

Bamboo, banana fibre, and clean cotton cloth are still widely used in India.

Myth 1: Menstrual cups cause infections.

Fact: Cups are safe if washed with mild soap and sterilised by boiling between cycles. Infections usually arise from poor hygiene, not the product itself.

Myth 2: Cloth pads are unhygienic.

Fact: When washed with soap and dried in sunlight, cloth pads are safe. In fact, sunlight acts as a natural disinfectant. Problems occur only if pads are reused without proper drying.

Myth 3: Biodegradable pads are 100% waste-free.

Fact: They decompose faster than plastic pads but still need proper composting facilities. If thrown in mixed garbage, they may not degrade efficiently.

Myth 4: Period underwear is too modern for Indian users.

Fact: Many young women in cities are already adopting them. Their popularity is growing, especially in schools and workplaces where discretion matters.

Myth 5: Eco-friendly products are always expensive.

Fact: While initial costs may be higher, products like menstrual cups save money in the long run. A single cup can replace thousands of pads or tampons.

Eco-friendly menstrual products are more than alternatives; they are a movement towards dignity, health, and sustainability. In India, grassroots organisations and innovators are already proving that change is possible. By choosing wisely, every woman not only protects her body but also contributes to a healthier planet.