Unveiling the Environmental Toll of Disposable Pads and Tampons: Switch to Sustainable Alternatives
- Saalt
- Nov 19, 2025
- 2 min read
Disposable pads and tampons, while convenient for millions managing periods, postpartum recovery, or bladder leaks, exact a heavy environmental price. A typical menstruator uses 10,000–15,000 products over a lifetime, generating up to 200 kg of waste. Globally, billions are discarded annually, with U.S. figures alone at 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons yearly. Composed of up to 90% plastic—including rayon, polyester, and polyethylene—these items take 500–800 years to decompose, breaking into microplastics that pollute oceans, soil, and food chains, harming marine life and ecosystems.
Production demands massive resources: cotton farming guzzles 10,000–20,000 liters of water per kilogram, plus pesticides polluting waterways. Chemical processing introduces toxic dioxins and PFAS ("forever chemicals"), linked to hormone disruption and cancer, persisting in landfills and emitting methane—a potent greenhouse gas.
Yet, sustainable shifts are possible. Opt for a menstrual disc for high-capacity, eco-friendly collection without suction; a reusable menstrual cup, lasting years and reducing waste by 99%; or absorbent period underwear, made without PFAs, and versatile for leaks. These alternatives cut pollution, save money, and support period equity. Small choices like these foster a greener planet—embrace reusables today for healthier cycles and a sustainable future.
Saalt is a sustainable period care brand working to support everyone who menstruates. They dedicate themselves to creating clean, high-performance products that are better for you and the planet. Their ethically made period cups and period underwear are for professional athletes, office workers, adventurers, and those new to their cycle. For a process that is natural and essential, Saalt offers something just as natural and straightforward.
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