The local brands making the best sustainable period care
Image via POM/Instagram
Words by Helena Bammant
Menstrual cups, discs and period underwear.
Having access to sanitary items is a privilege many people take for granted. But for those of us with easy access to period products, there is a growing awareness about the importance of making sustainable choices when it comes to our menstrual cycles.
The average woman uses between 10,000 and 15,000 pads and tampons over the years they menstruate, and neither the product or packaging can be recycled. All of this waste, as you would expect, ends up in landfill.
Have more burning questions? Head over to our Health section.
There was a point where disposable tampons and pads were the only options provided to period-havers, but now there are countless Australian-made options available, it’s the ideal time to try an eco-friendly alternative.
Saying goodbye to disposable products will save you time and money, while also helping the environment. Here is a breakdown of the best Australian and New Zealand brands making sanitary items sustainable, where you can buy them and how they work.
Menstrual cups and discs
Made of either latex or silicone, the menstrual cup is a little funnel-shaped container with a tail on the end (similar to a tampon string). It’s inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual blood. Unlike a tampon, they can be worn for up to eight hours and don’t interfere with the vagina’s natural moisture. At a push, they can be worn for up to 12 hours without the risk of toxic shock syndrome.
The cups can be firm, medium or soft. Larger cups are usually a bit firmer than the smaller ones and can be used for up to 10 years (ensuring you’ve cared for it properly). There are also usually two sizes – one for women who are under 30 and have not given birth vaginally, and one for women who are 30 and over or who have given birth vaginally. The length is dependent on your cervix position.
My mimi
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My mimi is an Australian brand offering eco-friendly menstrual discs, designed for 12-hour protection and made from medical-grade silicone. Not only do they offer comfotable products to replace pads and tampons, the product range includes a water-based lubricant, gentle foaming cleanser and a GO sanitiser to support complete vaginal wellness and sustainability.
Shop the full range here.
Moxie
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Old-time favourite sanitary brand Moxie has created a purse-worthy menstrual cup with a handy carry pod. Its regular cup holds approximately two and a half tampons worth of fluid and is also available in a super-size for a heavier flow. Each packet comes with a fold-out instruction booklet showing you how to use and care for your cup, giving you period peace of mind.
Find all your favourite Moxie products here.
Intimina
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For all those times you’re feeling frisky when Aunty Flow is in town, Intimina have you covered with the first and only reusable menstrual cup that can be used during sex! Its shape is wider and flatter and pushed further towards your cervix so no activity (or position) will get in the way. It can also be used for day-to-day wear, but due to its shape, most people prefer Intima’s Lily Cup as it’s easier to insert and retrieve.
Shop the full range here.
Period underwear
Period underwear is designed to function like normal underwear, but with the ability to absorb menstrual flow. While the exact design varies between brands, period undies generally have a moisture-wicking top layer, over one or more absorbent layers in the insert, and a leak-resistant final layer. They are washable and reusable and are designed to replace pads and tampons, or be worn with tampons and cups for extra protection. Basically, they look and feel just like your regular undies.
Awwa
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Who says you can’t wear cute lingerie when you have your period? New Zealand brand Awwa is home to some of the best-looking period undies, made from Tencel Modal – a super soft and sustainable fabric known for its ability to form and fit to your body. The brand offers styles to suit light, moderate and heavy flows, as well as a plus size range and a pregnancy and post partum range.
Shop the full collection here.
Peace of Mind (POM)
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Another very cute contender, Australian based brand POM make comfy, organic, luxurious period undies and swimwear. They are 100 per cent leakproof to provide full peace of mind, even in the water or lying on a white towel.
Browse the full range here.
Modibodi
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Modibodi has created period-proof undies and an activewear line using high-quality tech-savvy fabrics that absorb a moderate to medium flow, as well as minor bladder leaks or heavy discharge. Beach holiday? Have no fear! Modibodi is here with a leak-proof swimwear range. All your bases are (literally) covered.
Browse the full range here.
Thinx
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Made with signature four-layer technology, Thinx period undies are moisture-wicking, odour fighting, super absorbent, and leak-resistant. Available in all your favourite styles including boyshorts, cheeky, hip-hugger, thongs and a sports range, there’s a pair for all of your day-day duties.
Find them all here.
Bonds
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It makes sense that Bonds, perhaps Australia’s most beloved underwear brand, would make a foray into period underwear. Their Bloody Comfy Period Undies are available in the brand’s most popular styles – Tanga, Gee, Boyleg, Full Brief and Bikini. The undies are washable, have layers of leak-proof protection and are available in size 6-20.
Shop the range here.
For more on sustainable period care, head here.
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