6 Eco-Friendly Period Products to Consider This World Environment Day

Date Created: 1st of June 2025
Read Time: 5 minutes

As World Environment Day highlights the urgent need for sustainable choices, many Australians are reassessing the impact of their everyday products - including those used for period care.

Traditional pads and tampons contribute to landfill waste and can take hundreds of years to break down. Fortunately, there’s now a wide range of eco-conscious alternatives offering comfort, safety, and long-term value.

Here’s a closer look at six period care products designed with the planet in mind – including one standout Australian option.

1. Reusable Cloth Pads

These look like regular pads but are made from breathable, chemical-free fabric. They’re washable, gentle on skin, and can be reused for years with the right care. Most options come in different sizes and absorbencies. Simply rinse, wash, dry, and repeat. A great option for those looking to reduce waste without changing their routine too much.

2. Menstrual Cups

Flexible and bell-shaped, menstrual cups are designed to collect blood rather than absorb it. They’re worn internally and can last for years, saving money and reducing waste. They hold a decent amount of flow and are made from medical-grade silicone. With a little practice, many users find them a reliable, leak-free solution.

3. Biodegradable Disposable Pads

If you're not ready for reusables, biodegradable disposables are a step in the right direction. Made from bamboo fibre, organic cotton, or cornstarch, they break down faster than conventional plastic-based pads. These options still offer the convenience of single-use products, but with less environmental guilt.

4. Period Underwear

Period underwear looks and feels like regular underwear but includes built-in absorbent layers. They're ideal for light to moderate flow days, or as backup with other products. Washable and reusable, they're a comfortable and discreet way to manage periods without needing extra products.

5. Reusable Menstrual Discs

A menstrual disc is a flexible, shallow device that sits at the base of the cervix, collecting blood instead of absorbing it. Unlike cups, it doesn’t rely on suction, which makes it a good choice for IUD users and people who experience dryness or irritation.

my mimi, an Australian-owned brand, offers a trusted and award-winning reusable menstrual disc that’s been praised for comfort, design, and practicality. In 2025, my mimi was named Best Sustainable Period Care Solution in Australia.

Available in two sizes, it suits different anatomy and flow needs. The smaller disc works well for beginners or those with a low cervix, while the 61ml larger size is ideal for people over 30 or those who’ve given birth vaginally.

Each disc includes a soft loop tab for simple, fuss-free removal – an important feature for first-time users. Priced at $49.95 and lasting up to five years, the my mimi disc works out to approximately 83 cents per month, offering value for money and long-term sustainability.

6. Organic Cotton Tampons

For those still using tampons, switching to organic options can help. Made from 100% certified organic cotton, these tampons are free from dyes, bleaches, and synthetic additives. They’re biodegradable and often come in plastic-free packaging.

Why Reusables Are Gaining Ground

Beyond sustainability, reusable period products reduce exposure to unknown ingredients. Many traditional disposables contain chemical residues and are still not subject to full transparency in Australia.

Reusable discs and cups are made from medical-grade materials, with no added dyes or bleaches. They support the body’s natural pH and reduce the risk of irritation or dryness.

Caution: Not All Products Are Created Equal

As interest in reusable products grows, so too does the number of brands entering the market. Some new brands do not meet the safety standards set by bodies like the TGA or FDA. Others rely on tactics like “buy one, get one free” promotions in exchange for reviews, which can result in misleading 5-star ratings based on packaging or shipping speed – not actual product performance.

Consumers should look for brands stocked by national and international retailers like Chemist Warehouse and Amazon, and those that disclose their materials clearly. my mimi is fully verified on both platforms and supported by real customer feedback.

Making the Switch

If you’ve been considering a more eco-friendly option, World Environment Day is the perfect moment to take action. Whether you choose cloth pads, a menstrual disc, or period underwear, small changes in period care can lead to a meaningful difference for both your health and the environment.

my mimi is proud to be part of this movement – offering safe, reusable products that support comfort, confidence, and the planet.