🌍 Are Menstrual Cups Better for the Environment?
Choosing eco-friendly menstrual products is a powerful way to reduce waste and protect your health. Two popular reusable options are menstrual cups and reusable menstrual discs—like this NYX silicone disc set you mentioned: https://nyxcollection.com/products/silicone-period-disco-menstrual-disc-reusable-menstrual-disc-2pcs.
Let's explore how menstrual cups compare environmentally and whether discs are just as sustainable.
♻️ 1. Waste Reduction & Longevity
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Menstrual Cups
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Reusable for up to 10 years
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One cup replaces roughly 2,400 pads or tampons over its lifetime ogmagazine.org.au+2genderedinnovations.stanford.edu+2reddit.com+2vogue.com+2en.wikipedia.org+2davidsuzuki.org+2ogmagazine.org.au+9allmatters.com+9en.wikipedia.org+9
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Lifecycle assessments show cups have <1.5% of the environmental impact of disposables researchgate.net+1washingtonpost.com+1
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Reusable Menstrual Discs (like NYX)
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Also made from durable medical-grade silicone
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Similar longevity to cups — often months to years, depending on care blissnatural.inen.wikipedia.org
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Spare you the packaging & waste of single-use discs
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Verdict: Both cups and reusable discs dramatically reduce waste compared to single-use products.
🔋 2. Production Footprint
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Menstrual cups' global warming potential, resource use, and waste generation are significantly lower than disposables en.wikipedia.org+11genderedinnovations.stanford.edu+11blissnatural.in+11.
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Reusable discs are cut from similar silicone, lending a comparable environmental profile to cups in production and use blissnatural.in+1es.wikipedia.org+1.
🧪 3. Material & Disposal
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Both are made of medical-grade silicone, durable and inert—though not biodegradable, they still outperform disposable products over their lifespan .
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End-of-life disposal:
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Cups may be recyclable depending on local facilities es.wikipedia.org.
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Discs are less commonly recycled but still significantly reduce waste volume.
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💡 4. Real-World Impact
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Replacing disposables with a menstrual cup or disc can cut 90–99% of period product waste washingtonpost.com+6researchgate.net+6blissnatural.in+6vogue.com.
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The David Suzuki Foundation reports that reusable options help avoid microplastics and plastic pollution from pads and tampons, which can take centuries to degrade and leach toxins davidsuzuki.org.
🔄 5. Cups vs Discs: Environmental Comparison
| Feature | Menstrual Cup | Reusable Menstrual Disc |
|---|---|---|
| Lifespan | ~5–10 years | 6 months–1+ year |
| Waste Reduction | >90% less than disposables | Similar, depends on replacement frequency |
| Production Footprint | Very low per year of use | Comparable to cups |
| Disposal Options | Some recyclable options | Less frequently recyclable |
| Convenience Factor | Requires cleaning, cup care | Same care required, plus disc handling |
📝 Final Thoughts
Yes, menstrual cups are fantastic for the environment, offering the lowest carbon and waste footprint over time—even compared to reusable discs.
But high-quality reusable discs (like your NYX silicone disc set) are nearly just as eco-friendly, well-structured, and offer added benefits like comfort and suitability during sex.
✅ What Should You Choose?
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Choose a menstrual cup if you want the longest lifespan, most sustainability, and cost savings.
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Choose a reusable disc if you prefer its shape, comfort, or want to wear it during intimacy.
🌱 Eco-Friendly Period Care Tips
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Boil your cup or disc between cycles to sterilize.
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Clean with mild, fragrance-free soap during your period.
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Store in breathable pouch to prolong life.
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At the end of its life, check for local recycling options for silicone.