Is it possible to have a plastic-free period?

Five ways to make your period more sustainable

1. Check out the Women's Environmental Network. It supports the use of healthier and more sustainable alternatives to conventional sanitary products, from reusable menstrual cups to organic cotton tampons. It seeks to educate and inform people about menstrual health, and has successfully campaigned to change the way conventional products are made and sold in the UK.

2. Try a menstrual cup like the Mooncup (£21.99, Boots). It's both greener and cheaper than monthly disposables. Made of silicone, it's said to hold hold three times as much as a tampon can absorb. You can use it overnight as well as when travelling, swimming, exercising. Other options include the foldable RubyCup, Fleurcup or the Organicup. 

3. Buy yourself a pair of period pants to try on for size. Dear Kate, Pretty Clever Pants and WUKA are brands which have created knickers which double up as a sanitary pad.

4. Have a go at using a reusable pad. Lunapads can be washed in the washing machine and are stocked at Eco Menstrual. Alternatively, No More Taboo specialises in reusable menstrual hygiene products and is based in Bristol. It poses the question: why should your period cost the earth?

5. Switch to organic, biodegradable, 100% cotton tampons. Try TOTM, which is certified by the Global Organic Textile Standard and urges you to "be kinder to your vagina."