🌟 Making Sustainable Period Care a Reality — For Everyone
Walking the line between sustainability and accessibility can be a tricky dance—especially in period care, where both are crucial issues impacting millions of people.
At Periodic, we believe that period products should be eco-friendly, safe for you, and widely accessible. To explore this intersection, we spoke with sustainability advocate Alyssa Barber from New Lifestyle ABB, who shared insights on how we can make period care more sustainable without leaving anyone behind.
Sustainable Period Care: Where to Start
Let’s start with a simple question: Do you actually like your period care routine right now?
If the answer is no—or even “meh”—you’re not alone. And chances are, your routine could be made more sustainable and more comfortable with just a few thoughtful tweaks.
Here are a few key principles to guide you:
Reduce waste whenever possible
Choose reusable products when they fit your lifestyle
Invest in quality over quantity
Support small and local businesses (even if you also shop at big-box stores)
Shopping locally helps strengthen communities and offers environmental benefits by keeping money in the local economy. And don't forget: always check the end-of-life plan for your products. Never flush them, and look into textile recycling for period underwear.
“Sustainable” doesn’t mean perfect. If it isn’t realistic, comfortable, or sustainable for you, it won’t stick.
The Key Challenge: Accessibility
One of the biggest barriers to sustainable period care is cost. Products like menstrual cups or period underwear can save money in the long run, but they come with a higher upfront investment.
Alyssa likens it to shopping at a dollar store:
“Even though it costs more per ounce [compared to buying in bulk], it’s what people can afford in the moment. The same thing happens with period care. Even if someone cares about sustainability, after covering essentials, they may not have the extra cash for a reusable option.”
Another often-overlooked barrier is access to clean, private water sources. Reusable products like menstrual cups require boiling or washing between uses—something that’s not always feasible for people living in unstable housing, dorms with shared bathrooms, or areas without reliable water infrastructure.
At Periodic, we recognize these challenges. Through our Community Support Program, we help small businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations offer free period products in public spaces—making period care accessible, regardless of someone’s financial situation or housing status.
What Can You Do Right Now?
You don’t need to overhaul your whole routine. Sustainability is about small, intentional choices. Here are some ways to start:
Take stock of what you already like and dislike about your current products
Ask: Do I really need something new, or am I just hoping for a quick fix?
When you do shop, buy from the most sustainable, ethical brand that fits your lifestyle
Research, watch product reviews, and avoid impulse buys based on trends
Remember: sustainability isn’t a one-size-fits-all journey
Expanding Access Through Policy and Community
Sustainability and period equity go hand in hand—and both require systemic change.
Alyssa and other advocates emphasize the importance of:
Expanding insurance coverage for period products
Creating product libraries and shared resources
Partnering with local organizations to distribute sustainable options
Investing in infrastructure—like clean, private water access—so reusable options are actually usable
Public policies that fund free period care in schools, restrooms, and workplaces can create lasting impact. At Periodic, we help bridge the gap by placing dispensers where they’re needed most—and filling them with accessible, sustainable products.
Reducing Waste Without Overconsumption
Sustainability isn’t about always buying the “right” product. It's about buying less, and buying smarter.
Before hitting “add to cart,” ask yourself:
Do I already have something that works?
Will this product actually improve my experience—or just give me a temporary dopamine hit?
Is this company really committed to sustainability?
Your Impact Goes Beyond Your Routine
Yes, personal choices matter—but so does collective action.
Supporting sustainable period care means:
Donating to or volunteering with organizations fighting period poverty
Engaging in policy conversations
Sharing resources with friends, workplaces, or your school
Together, we can create a future where period care is sustainable, equitable, and accessible to all.
