How Women Can Have a More Sustainable Period at Work
Managing your period at work can be more sustainable than you think. With more women looking for eco-friendly period solutions, sustainable menstrual products are becoming more and more important in workplace wellness.
There are many ways for employees to reduce waste, save money and feel comfortable throughout the working day. This guide will explore how women can have a more sustainable period at work and the best eco-friendly period products, as well as cover how businesses can support eco-friendly choices.
- Why Sustainable Periods Matter at Work
- Best Eco-Friendly Period Products for the Office
- Building a Sustainable Period Kit for Work
- How Workplaces Can Support Sustainable Periods
- Managing Period Care Sustainably at Work
- Why Choose Woosh Washrooms for Eco-Friendly Period Solutions
- Key Takeaways for a Greener Period at Work
Why Sustainable Periods Matter at Work
Traditional disposable period products generate thousands of tonnes of waste each year, with plastic applicators, wrappers, and synthetic materials often ending up in landfills or oceans. Switching to eco-friendly period options helps significantly reduce this environmental footprint, making sustainability a practical goal for both individuals and workplaces.
Sustainable menstrual products not only reduce waste but also offer comfort and convenience during long office hours. Using these products means women can save money over time, and workplaces can promote wellness, inclusivity, and environmentally conscious practices, creating a healthier and more supportive office environment.
Best Eco-Friendly Period Products for the Office
Finding sustainable menstrual products that fit into a busy workday can feel challenging, but there are plenty of practical, eco-friendly options that combine comfort and reduced environmental impact. From reusable solutions to biodegradable disposables, there are multiple ways that women can make their periods greener while at the office.
Menstrual Cups
Menstrual cups are made from medical-grade silicone and can be reused for several years, making them one of the most environmentally friendly period products available. They hold more fluid than a tampon, last up to 12 hours, and are discreet enough to manage comfortably during work hours.
Reusable Pads
Washable pads are made from soft, absorbent fabrics and can be worn just like traditional pads. After use, they can be rinsed and stored in a wet bag until washing, making them a practical eco-friendly period choice for women who prefer external protection.
Period Underwear
Period underwear is designed to absorb menstrual flow without the need for additional products, offering a seamless and reusable solution for long workdays. They come in everyday underwear styles and can be worn alone or as backup protection with a reusable cup or pad.
Organic and Biodegradable Disposable Options
For women who aren’t ready to fully switch to reusable products, organic and biodegradable pads or tampons are a greener alternative to conventional disposables. Made from organic cotton or other compostable materials, these products break down more easily, contain fewer chemicals, and reduce the plastic waste associated with traditional period products.
Building a Sustainable Period Kit for Work
Having a well-prepared period kit at work makes managing your cycle easier, cleaner, and more environmentally friendly, as well as helping you be prepared for unexpected periods. A sustainable kit ensures you have everything you need without relying on single-use products, helping you stay comfortable and confident throughout the day.
Must-Have Items for Your Eco-Friendly Kit
Your eco-friendly period kit should include reusable and hygienic essentials that make your workday stress-free:
- Menstrual cup - for a long-lasting, low-waste solution.
- Reusable pads or period underwear - for comfort and backup protection.
- Wet bag - a small, waterproof pouch to store used products discreetly until you can wash them.
- Natural or biodegradable wipes - for quick freshening up without plastic waste.
- Optional extras - a small bottle of water for rinsing your cup, a spare pair of underwear, or a pouch for carrying all items neatly.
Tips for Storing and Carrying Reusable Products
- Use small pouches or wet bags to store clean and used items separately.
- Store your kit in a desk drawer or handbag for easy access during the day.
- Keep spare pads, underwear or wipes handy to ensure you’re prepared for any situation.
How Workplaces Can Support Sustainable Periods
It’s crucial for businesses to provide accessible and well-stocked bathrooms to create a period-friendly workspace, support women’s health and promote sustainable practices. Employers can make quick changes that empower employees and reduce environmental impact.
Providing Eco-Friendly Period Products in Bathrooms
Employers could improve by offering sustainable menstrual products like menstrual cups, reusable pads or biodegradable disposables, ensuring employees have convenient access to eco-friendly options in office bathrooms.
Choosing Sustainable Suppliers for Office Restrooms
Partnering with eco-conscious suppliers helps workplaces maintain a greener supply chain for period products and other restroom essentials. This ensures all items meet sustainability standards, from sourcing and packaging to disposal.
Installing Sustainable Period Waste Bins
Dedicated sanitary waste bins make proper disposal easy and hygienic while supporting recycling or composting initiatives where available. Providing clearly labelled, eco-friendly bins encourages responsible habits and reduces landfill waste.
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Managing Period Care Sustainably at Work
Proper handling of period products is key to maximising environmental benefits and maintaining hygiene throughout the workday.
Proper Disposal of Period Products
Dispose of all period products in accordance with local guidelines, using proper sanitary bins to prevent contamination and reduce environmental harm. Encourage colleagues to follow the same practices to maintain a clean and sustainable office environment.
Cleaning and Storing Reusable Products Safely
Reusable products like cups, pads, and period underwear should be rinsed or stored in wet bags until they can be properly washed. Following safe cleaning practices prolongs the life of these items and ensures they remain hygienic for daily use.
Reducing Single-Use Plastics in the Office
Cutting down on single-use plastics, such as wrappers, bags, and disposable wipes, further reduces environmental impact. Combining eco-friendly products with reduced plastic use helps create a truly sustainable workplace.
Why Choose Woosh Washrooms for Eco-Friendly Period Solutions
Creating a sustainable workplace starts with practical, reliable solutions for everyday needs, and Woosh Washrooms makes eco-friendly period care easy for businesses of all sizes.
At Woosh Washrooms, we provide high-quality, eco-friendly period bins designed to safely handle sanitary waste while promoting responsible disposal. These bins help workplaces meet sustainability goals, reduce landfill impact, and maintain hygienic, clean restroom environments for employees.
In addition to sustainable period bins, Woosh offers a full range of eco-conscious restroom solutions, including water-saving fixtures, biodegradable soap and paper products, and environmentally responsible washroom services. Together, these products and services create greener, healthier workplaces while supporting overall corporate sustainability initiatives.
Key Takeaways for a Greener Period at Work
- Choosing eco-friendly period products such as menstrual cups, reusable pads, period underwear, or organic/biodegradable disposables helps reduce landfill waste and plastic pollution.
- A well-prepared sustainable period kit with essentials like a menstrual cup, reusable pads or underwear, a wet bag, and natural wipes ensures comfort and hygiene during work hours.
- Proper storage and cleaning of reusable products using pouches or wet bags prolongs their lifespan and keeps them hygienic.
- Workplaces can support sustainability by stocking eco-friendly menstrual products, partnering with sustainable suppliers, and providing clearly labelled sanitary waste bins.
- Following responsible disposal practices and reducing single-use plastics in the office maximises environmental benefits and promotes a cleaner workspace.
- Implementing these practices benefits both employees and employers, fostering comfort, inclusivity, and a greener, healthier office environment.
- Choosing Woosh Washrooms’ sustainable solutions, including eco-friendly period bins and other green washroom products, helps workplaces meet sustainability goals while maintaining high hygiene standards.
FAQs
What is the most sustainable period product?
The most sustainable period product is typically a menstrual cup because it is reusable, lasts for several years, and generates minimal waste compared to disposable options. Other sustainable menstrual products, such as period underwear and reusable pads, are also excellent eco-friendly alternatives that reduce landfill impact and plastic use while providing comfort for everyday wear.
Are pads or tampons worse for the environment?
Pads tend to have a slightly higher environmental impact than tampons because they contain more plastic and generate more waste per use. Tampons also use plastic in their applicators and wrappers, but their smaller size and lower material content generally mean they create less landfill waste.
Where does menstrual waste go?
Menstrual waste from conventional products often ends up in landfill or, if flushed, can enter sewage systems and waterways, contributing to plastic pollution. Using sustainable period products such as reusable pads, menstrual cups, or compostable disposables helps divert waste from landfills, supporting a cleaner and more eco-conscious approach to menstrual care.
How to have a zero waste period?
To achieve a zero waste period, use reusable menstrual products like menstrual cups, period underwear, and washable pads, combined with biodegradable or compostable accessories where needed. Minimising single-use plastics and maintaining proper cleaning and storage practices ensures your period is both hygienic and environmentally friendly, making zero waste a realistic goal.
Make Your Periods More Sustainable at Work
Having a sustainable period at work is easier than you might think. Choosing eco-friendly period products, creating a simple kit, and practising responsible disposal means women can stay comfortable while reducing waste. Workplaces can support this by providing sustainable menstrual products and eco-friendly period bins, creating a greener, more supportive environment for everyone.
Woosh Washrooms makes it easy for businesses to create greener offices with our range of sustainable period bins and washroom solutions. Take the first step towards a cleaner, more sustainable workplace today. Contact our expert team today to elevate your workplace sustainability.
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