Periods suck. Ask any female and she will probably respond with the same answer. Not only are they unpleasant physically and emotionally, but periods can also wreak havoc on the environment. The latter is a topic that largely goes undiscussed but should be when considering that the average woman uses around 240 tampons or pads each year, according to DivaCup. All of these products result in biologically contaminated waste that must enter landfills.

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During the UK’s Marine Conservation Society 2016 beach cleanup, they found 20 feminine hygiene products for every 100 meters of shoreline. This is a shocking amount that shows the impact of widely accepted feminine hygiene products, even while most go to landfills. On a local note, Greener Behrend organizes multiple beach clean ups throughout the year, including one for International Coastal Cleanup Day. Participants of these cleanups have seen first-hand the amount of feminine hygiene related products found on the beaches surround Lake Erie, specifically tampon applicators.

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Talking about periods is already a taboo subject and no one wants women to feel even worse about the topic, so what can be done to lessen the environmental impact? The answer is simple: use more environmentally friendly or reusable products when available. These are not only better for the environment, but can also be better for women’s health.

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The most environmentally friendly option available is widely considered the reusable menstrual cups. These are typically made out of latex or silicone and can be purchased for around $30 at many popular shopping locations, such as Walmart and Target, or online. It may seem expensive at first, but after taking into account the high cost of disposable products that need to be bought throughout the year, money ends up being saved. It is recommended that the user replace them at least once a year, but this can vary depending on specific body chemistry.

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Another option is simply to use disposable products that are made of materials better for the environment. Most products use rayon or rayon-cotton blends, which undergo much more processing than 100 percent cotton materials, according to Huantian Cao, a sustainable-textiles specialist at the University of Delaware. Switching to more eco-friendly materials can also improve women’s health as there is less chemical processing.

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Ultimately, women should use whatever they feel most comfortable with or have access to. Certain health conditions, phobias, or financial status may prevent certain women from using these products but it’s important to consider the environmental impact of disposable feminine hygiene products when purchasing them.