Why choose an eco-friendly alternative to sanitary products?

Every year, billions of disposable hygiene products are used worldwide. This massive amount of often non-recyclable waste contributes to soil and ocean pollution and threatens biodiversity. 

Every disposable product takes hundreds of years to decompose. Our use of single-use sanitary products worsens the problem of plastic waste, as well as deforestation caused by cellulose production.

The environmental impact of disposable period products is massive.

So what should you do? Are there practical, reliable, and effective ways to have your period in a more eco-friendly way, more in harmony with nature and the environment? What are the eco-friendly alternatives to plastic pads and tampons? 

In this article, you’ll discover: 

• the environmental impact of disposable period products and why it’s urgent to change our habits; 
• the benefits of choosing an eco-friendly alternative, for both your health and your wallet; 
• an overview of the different eco-friendly alternatives available: the menstrual cup, period underwear, and other reusable solutions; 
• Louloucup’s perspective on the situation; 
• an FAQ answering the main questions about eco-friendly alternative period products.

Disposable menstrual products are a major source of pollution. The amount of waste is enormous. They take hundreds of years to decompose. The environmental impact is huge. 

Every year, billions of period products are thrown away worldwide, creating a huge amount of waste that ends up in landfills or, worse, in the ocean.

A disposable pad can take up to 500 years to fully decompose. That means almost all of this waste remains on Earth for generations.

These products, often full of plastic and chemicals, end up in our soil and water, harming the quality of our ecosystems.

Using disposable tampons or single-use pads has three serious, concrete consequences you should be aware of.

Disposable sanitary products thrown in the trash often end up in waterways and, eventually, in the oceans. They pollute beaches and harm marine life, which can ingest them or get entangled.


Unlike other products, disposable pads are difficult to recycle due to the combination of materials used in their manufacture. This leads to a massive buildup of non-biodegradable waste.
Sanitary pads or tampons simply can’t be recycled. The plastic in particular prevents recycling. The waste has to be burned or buried. Either way, disposal is polluting (when it actually happens).


Switching to eco-friendly alternatives to disposable products offers many benefits, whether environmental, personal, or financial.

Reusable alternatives, like cups or period underwear, can drastically reduce the amount of waste produced each month. By using a durable, washable, and eco-friendly product for several years, you directly help to reduce plastic and organic waste.


By choosing reusable and washable products, you reduce the demand for raw materials like plastic and cellulose. This helps preserve natural resources and lower the environmental impact linked to their extraction and processing. Reusable period products (period swimsuits, panties, menstrual discs, menstrual cups) are often free of harmful chemicals and made with respect for the environment. Using them reduces air, soil, and water pollution.

Disposable period products may contain chemicals and fragrances that can cause irritation or allergies in some women. Eco-friendly alternatives, often made from natural and hypoallergenic materials, offer a gentler, healthier solution for your body, intimate area, and vaginal flora. Menstrual cups and period panties are designed to be comfortable and fit your body, anatomy, and intimate needs. These menstrual products allow for better airflow, reducing the risk of irritation and discomfort.


There are now several options to replace disposable hygiene products (pads, tampons, and panty liners). What will you choose? The cup, period underwear, discs, or washable pads?

The menstrual cup is a small, flexible cup made of medical-grade silicone that is inserted into the vagina to collect menstrual flow. This little inverted bell acts as a soft, gentle, and extremely reliable reservoir, so you can feel free and comfortable during your period. 

Among its many qualities:

• Reusable and long-lasting: a cup can be used for several years if properly cared for.
• Practical and economical: the cup significantly reduces the need to buy disposable period products.
• Hygienic: easy to clean and use, the cup offers a healthy solution for period collection.

To get the most out of your menstrual cup, remember to:

• Read the instructions carefully: each cup model may have its own instructions.
• Clean it regularly: before and after each use, rinse it with water and mild soap.
• Respect the maximum wear time: At Louloucup, we recommend removing, emptying, and rinsing your cup every 6 hours.
  

Menstrual underwear is a true revolution in hygienic protection. Designed to be worn like regular underwear, absorbent period panties have a special absorbent zone in the lining. This means the underwear can capture and absorb menstrual flow optimally.

The Ella menstrual panty is pretty and comfortable. It absorbs normal or medium flow and can be worn both day and night. It’s designed for all body types and available in sizes XS to XXXL.

Ella, made of cotton and tulle, offers a feminine and elegant cut—neither low-rise nor high-waisted. The tulle waistband adds a sophisticated touch while ensuring a perfect fit.

It can absorb the equivalent of 2 to 3 tampons, making it ideal for teens and women with a steady but not heavy menstrual flow.


It can be worn during the day or at the end of your period when your flow is lighter, letting you go a whole day without leaks or saturation.

To ensure the durability and effectiveness of your period underwear:

• Always use a short wash cycle at 30°C. Avoid heat and very hot water.
• Avoid overly harsh detergents and aggressive fabric softeners, as they can damage the absorbent membrane.
• Avoid the dryer to prevent damaging the fibers and fabric.

Besides cups and period underwear, several other reusable and eco-friendly alternatives are available on the market or at the pharmacy and may suit your personal needs and comfort.

• Washable sanitary pads
  
Made from organic cotton, these pads can be washed and reused for several menstrual cycles. They attach to regular, classic underwear.

  
  
• Menstrual discs
  The cup’s cousin, this internal protection sits higher than a cup.
  
  
• Organic cotton tampons
  Though disposable, these tampons are made from certified, labeled cotton, free of pesticides and harmful chemicals, offering a more eco-friendly option.
  

At LouLoucup, we believe there’s a better way to manage your period than with irritating tampons or uncomfortable pads. 

We believe that women and teenagers shouldn’t have to see their periods as yet another mental load. We’re also convinced that quality menstrual products that are affordable, practical, reliable, and sustainable do exist. 

Don’t compromise between comfort and health, price and style. That’s the Louloucup philosophy. Protect the environment, think about biodiversity, consume differently, feel beautiful and confident, safe and at ease. Eco-friendly alternatives to traditional period products are available. 

At LouLoucup, we take pride in our commitment to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly lifestyle. Our expertise is built on years of research and experience in the field of eco-friendly menstrual products. We are dedicated to providing products that combine comfort, effectiveness, and design, while ensuring a reduced environmental impact.

Our brand is backed by studies and testimonials from satisfied customers, highlighting the quality and durability of our products. The solutions offered by LouLoucup are designed to meet the diverse needs of women ages 12 to 50. We make it a point to provide clear and accurate information so you can make an informed choice.

On the Louloucup shop, you’ll find a wide selection of ultra-comfortable menstrual cups, as well as period underwear for every woman: for teens, postpartum moms, and plus sizes. And for making the most of the pool this summer, check out our amazing line of period swimwear. 

Our products are designed to offer a sustainable, economical, and body- and planet-friendly solution. And we've succeeded! 

Alternatives like the menstrual cup and period underwear offer excellent effectiveness. When used and cared for properly, these menstrual products allow you to manage your flow safely and hygienically, while reducing the risk of leaks. Cups, underwear, tangas, boxers, or discs are just as reliable and effective as tampons or pads.

The initial investment may seem higher than buying disposable products, but in the long run, the savings are substantial. A menstrual cup or period underwear can last for several years, reducing both your monthly expenses and your ecological footprint. You should see purchasing and ordering menstrual products as a real investment. But it’s truly worth it!

Gentle washing, natural, non-aggressive cleaning products, and a bit of patience—your eco-friendly period products deserve gentle care. Rinse your cup with cold water, then wash it with lukewarm water and mild soap. Sterilize it in boiling water before use. Rinse your period underwear with cold water, then machine wash on a 30°C cycle without fabric softener. 

At Louloucup, we are committed to providing high-quality, long-lasting, and eco-friendly products. Explore our full collection of menstrual cups and period panties. Feel free to check out our customer reviews and join our community to share your experiences.

In summary, choosing an eco-friendly alternative to disposable period products has many benefits. By switching to options like a menstrual cup or period underwear, you help to: 

• Protecting the environment: by reducing massive waste production, you’re actively helping fight soil and ocean pollution.
  
  
• Improving your health: by using products made from natural and hypoallergenic materials, you minimize the risk of allergies and irritation. (All Louloucup underwear is lined with certified organic oeko-tex cotton).
• Real savings: Even though the initial investment is significant, the durability of these products lets you save a lot of money in the long run.


Choosing an eco-friendly alternative to disposable period products is a meaningful choice. It’s a step toward a more sustainable future by reducing waste and limiting the use of chemicals. It’s also about self-care, prioritizing solutions designed for the female body that provide comfort and well-being.

When each of us chooses reusable products, the positive impact multiplies. Imagine if millions of women opted for eco-friendly alternatives every month: we would drastically reduce pollution, preserve our natural resources, and inspire others to join the movement.

Beyond practical and economic benefits, this choice is part of an ethical approach. By caring for our bodies and the environment, we’re giving future generations a better tomorrow. At LouLoucup, we firmly believe every small action counts, and every reusable product is a step toward a healthier, more respectful world.

Eco-friendly alternatives are an effective, hygienic, healthy, safe, and economical solution that meets the current needs of our society. Whether you’re a teenager experiencing your first period or an active woman looking to combine comfort and responsibility, there’s a solution for every need.

The Loulou cup is made in France and is of the highest quality. Ultra-soft, it’s very easy to use. It’s flexible and folds easily for gentle insertion. The Loulou cup adapts to even the most sensitive body types. 

The Louloucup period panty is feminine, absorbent, organic, and affordable. Ranging from XXS to 5XL, Louloucup aims to be inclusive for everyone! Our model photos are never retouched, and we always strive to represent our products with a variety of different body types. 

In conclusion, choosing an eco-friendly alternative to disposable period products is an essential step to protect our planet, improve our well-being, and save money in the long run. 

Whether you choose a menstrual cup, period underwear like the Ella model, or other solutions, you're actively helping reduce waste and preserve natural resources.