Periods are a natural part of life. The products we use to manage them, however, leave a much bigger mark on the planet than many realise. Pads and tampons are convenient, but their environmental footprint is heavy. From plastic packaging to landfill waste, the cost to the earth builds up every cycle.
It is time to take a closer look at what periods mean for our environment and how switching to sustainable products like a reusable menstrual disc can help.
The waste problem with disposable products
The average person who menstruates will use around 10,000 to 12,000 disposable pads and tampons in their lifetime. That equates to more than 200 kilograms of waste. Much of this ends up in landfill.
Studies show that pads can contain up to 90 per cent plastic. A single pack of pads is the equivalent of four plastic bags. Tampons, though smaller, also include applicators and wrappers that do not break down easily. Globally, it is estimated that period products contribute to more than 50 per cent of non-biodegradable waste found in sewage.
This waste is not just a landfill issue. Disposables flushed down toilets often end up in rivers and oceans, where they break down into harmful microplastics. These particles are consumed by marine life and enter the food chain, causing long-term environmental damage.
The hidden footprint
It is not just the waste that matters. Disposable pads and tampons require huge amounts of resources to produce. Cotton for tampons, for example, uses water-intensive farming. Each pack of tampons requires more than 20,000 litres of water in its supply chain. Manufacturing also creates carbon emissions, adding to the climate burden.
By contrast, one reusable menstrual disc can be used for up to five years. This dramatically reduces the demand for raw materials, energy, and water.
Why menstrual discs matter
Reusable menstrual discs are designed to be both practical and sustainable. They collect rather than absorb menstrual fluid, offering up to 12 hours of protection per use. Unlike tampons or pads, they can be reused for years when cared for properly.
my mimi, an Australian brand awarded Best Sustainable Period Care Solution in Australia 2025, has led the way in making discs accessible and comfortable. Their discs come in two sizes, making it easier to find the right fit, and include a small loop tab for easy removal. This attention to design improves both comfort and usability.
Financially, the switch makes sense too. A my mimi disc works out to about 83 cents per month across its five-year lifetime. Compared to buying disposables every cycle, the savings are significant.
Measuring the environmental savings
Switching to a reusable menstrual disc can prevent more than 1,200 disposable products from being thrown away every five years. That is the equivalent of:
- Filling more than 30 small bathroom bins.
- Around 200 kilograms of waste avoided over a lifetime.
- Preventing thousands of pieces of plastic from entering waterways.
When multiplied across millions of people, the impact is extraordinary.
You can read more about the environmental benefits in detail on my mimi’s sustainability page.
Comfort and confidence without the waste
Some people still worry that reusables like discs will be uncomfortable or too complicated. The reality is very different. Once in place, a menstrual disc sits just below the cervix and behind the pubic bone. It cannot get lost inside the body and most users report that they cannot feel it at all.
For those new to reusable products, a disc may take a little practice. But with guidance on how to insert a menstrual disc correctly and tips for removing it without mess, confidence builds quickly. Many who make the switch find discs more comfortable than tampons because they do not cause dryness.
my mimi offers resources to help beginners and experienced users alike. From cleaning advice to fit tips, the brand has positioned itself as a trusted source of information as well as an award-winning product. You can learn more about their approach to education and practical benefits here: reusable menstrual disc Australia – benefits.
Menstrual stigma and sustainability
Talking openly about periods is also part of the solution. Menstrual stigma has often prevented discussion about sustainable alternatives. By educating people in schools and workplaces, and by brands speaking honestly about periods, stigma breaks down. This allows more people to understand the benefits of reusable menstrual products.
When periods are treated as normal, it becomes easier to highlight the environmental impact of disposables and promote alternatives like discs.
The future of period care
The shift toward sustainable menstruation is already underway. Younger generations are increasingly eco-conscious and looking for alternatives to waste-heavy products. Councils in Australia are even exploring rebates for reusable menstrual discs as part of broader sustainability programs.
For those wanting products that support both the body and the environment, reusable discs provide a clear solution. They last for years, reduce plastic waste, save money, and provide comfort.
my mimi has shown that small changes can make a big difference. Their award-winning design, with two size options and a loop tab for easy removal, has already been embraced by thousands of Australians.
Final thoughts
Periods are part of life, but the waste they generate does not have to be. Disposable pads and tampons carry a heavy environmental footprint, from production to landfill. Reusable menstrual discs offer a practical and sustainable alternative that can dramatically cut waste and reduce plastic pollution.
Choosing a brand like my mimi, recognised with the award for Best Sustainable Period Care Solution in Australia 2025, means choosing comfort, affordability, and sustainability all at once. With an average cost of less than a dollar per month, two sizes for a tailored fit, and an easy-to-remove loop tab, it is a smart choice for both people and the planet.
The future of period care is not disposable. It is sustainable.