Sustainable period products that actually work: the best pads, menstrual cups and swimwear, tested

Tired of toxic tampons and plastic pads? We tested eco-friendly alternatives

• The best period pants, tried and tested for comfort, style and absorbency

There are countless things we can cut out of our lives to help reduce over-consumption, but period products are not one of them. The 3bn disposable menstrual products used in the UK every year generate an estimated 200,000 tonnes of menstrual waste. And sanitary pads, the most commonly used period product globally, are up to 90% plastic.

It gets worse. Studies have detected toxic pesticides and 16 types of metals in tampons. Not by choice, millions of us could be putting our health at risk by placing hidden toxic ingredients on one of the most sensitive parts of our bodies. In light of this, the Women’s Environmental Network is calling for a UK parliamentary bill covering menstrual health, dignity and sustainability.