We talk a lot about fast fashion and beauty, and the negative effects on the environment. What we don’t hear much about are the slightly less glamorous menstrual products. But we should! Did you know 45 billion tampons and single-use pads are sent to landfill every year? That’s a huge contribution to the worldwide waste crisis. Many women are simply not aware that there are reusable and eco-friendly alternatives.
In the past few years, the market for menstrual cups – a reusable alternative to tampons – has exploded, creating a wide range of options that will work for your body, and be kind on the environment. The average cup is around $40, and while that’s a larger investment than a box of tampons, if looked after they can last up to five years, bringing the cost-per-use down to under 60 cents per cycle. Our two most trusted brands are:
Hello Cup
Hello Cup is a local brand founded by two nurses who were frustrated by the lack of quality and variety of cups on the market. We love this brand’s commitment to using only the best materials, with its cups made from medical-grade TPE (thermoplastic elastomer), free of silicone, rubber, latex, BPAs and heavy metals.
Additionally, we’re fans of the wide range of sizes offered (XS to L), and the specialised ‘low cervix’ cup, which also comes in two sizes, so you can get the most comfortable fit possible. Hello Cup also allows you to try a range of fit options through its double boxes, where you can choose two different sizes to try for a $40 discount.
Tom Organic
Tom Organic’s period cup is another excellent choice. This cup has a much easier cleaning process than most on the market, as it is able to be sterilised in a microwave rather than on a stovetop in boiling water. While this one only comes in two sizes (S/M and M/L), it is a great beginner cup because of its unparalleled convenience and availability – Tom Organic’s period cup is available in most Chemist Warehouse stores throughout Australia.