DAME Period Pants (to avoid plastic disposables)
These are very popular these days, a form of zero waste feminine care, rather than disposable plastic towels and tampons. To be fair, menstrual cups are better as they are completely plastic-free. Even period pants have synthetic fibres, for the waterproof backing.
Invest in a microfiber filter (which you can to launder all synthetics, then you catch the microplastics to be sent off for recycling, and get empty cartridges in return).
They kind of work like cloth nappies (!). They are made from cotton but have a waterproof pad sewn in (again, use a microfiber filter to launder as this is still synthetic fabric). You change them every few hours, then just rinse with cold water first, then throw them in with your wash.
You can remove stains with oxygen bleach (this does not harm to the planet – just activate with warm water, soak and use within 40 minutes, then pour the rest of the water down the sink or drain to clean them).
Don’t use fabric conditioners on period pants, as this will reduce absorbency (also avoid tumble driers – it’s best to avoid fabric conditioners anyway, as they can increase flammability of fabrics, especially when used with heat).
