Why swap to reusables?
- An average person uses 11,000 single-use products in their lifetime. That’s a staggering 3 billion disposable menstrual products used every year in the UK.
- Period products take a long time to decompose in landfills, with estimates ranging from 500 to 800 years for some materials.
- A big-brand pack of 14 menstrual pads contains the same amount of plastic as 5 carrier bags.
Switch to reusables and save up to 94% of what you would have spent on disposables! The average lifetime cost of having a period is £4,800.
What choice of reusables do I have?
Check out this information from City to Sea to compare products and work out what might suit you best:
Menstrual cups
Soft, flexible cups that capture period blood rather than absorb it. They will last you up to 10 years! Menstrual cups provide the biggest cost savings of all the plastic-free options available. Always opt for cups that are made from medical-grade silicone, TPE or latex.
Period pants
Super comfy absorbent underwear that will last you up to 2 years and can be washed in the washing machine or by hand. They come in every style of pants you can imagine, as well as varying absorbency! Great for bladder leaks too.
Reusable period pads
Soft, comfortable, material pads which clip around your undies and you wash after use (machine or by hand). Available in loads of different absorbencies, colourful designs and sizes.
Period Swimwear
Swimwear with built-in leak protection so that you can swim, splash and relax effortlessly. Period swimwear can be washed in the washing machine after use.
Reusable Tampon applicator
You can use a reusable applicator for any disposable tampons. This new product fits neatly in your bag, ready for the big moment. Simply wash and re-use, for up to 10 years.
What do reusables cost?
Menstrual cups cost £9 – £24.90 and will last you up to 10 years.
A set of reusable pads will cost you about £10 – £35 and some can last up to 10 years.
A pair of period pants will cost you from around £5 and each pair will last you more than 2 years.
Find out exactly what you can save with the Anglian Water Periodic Calculator.
Where can I get reusables in Norfolk?
Reusable Period Products are available at many places around Norfolk, we have listed some below:
- Local supermarkets and high street clothing shops such as Mark & Spencer, Matalan, Next and other outlets.
- Tricky Period @ Norfolk Libraries
- Eco-stores; find local Norfolk Eco-stores here.
- Nourishing Norfolk Foodbanks
- Period Swimwear can be found in high street clothing shops or online stores such as ModiBodi or Cheekywipes
- Online stores such as Hey Girls, Wuka and Mooncup
FREE reusable period cup events.
Come along to an event near you, to find out more about reusable period products and pick up your FREE period cup giveaway. Find events details here: News/Events – Norfolk Recycles
FREE school resources
Visit our learning zone to order FREE Reusables teacher kits for your school in Norfolk. This includes samples of reusable p
ants, pads and cups.
You can also find downloadable FREE lesson plans, activities and animations from Hey Girls for both primary and secondary schools.
