The Sustainable Cycle

The Sustainable Cycle is your go-to blog for all things periods, sustainability, and environmental science.

Covering low-waste period care, menstrual cups, ocean conservation, biodiversity, and practical eco-tips, it brings together science and everyday life in one space. Written by a Bachelor of Biomedical Science, Master of Sustainability graduate, and soon-to-be Master of Marine Science and Environmental Management graduate, the blog blends evidence-based insights with actionable ideas to help you live more sustainably—one cycle at a time
Pachamama Menstrual Cup: Troubleshooting Guide
This guide from Pachamama covers the most common menstrual cup problems like leaking, discomfort, trouble inserting or removing, and offers simple, practical fixes based on real customer experiences. It reassures new users that learning to use a menstrual cup takes a few cycles, and with patience and the right adjustments, it can become a comfortable and sustainable period-care choice. Read more...
Your period has a supply chain: From farm to factory to ocean
Periods are natural. Plastic pollution isn’t. Sanitary products are one of the most overlooked sources of long-term waste and potential chemical exposure. While pads and tampons are often assumed to be mostly biodegradable cotton, they are typically made from 30–60% plastic, including polyethylene (PE) and polypropylene (PP), and can persist in landfills for centuries. Recent research has also detected trace metals — including arsenic and lead — in multiple tampon brands, raising important questions about raw materials, manufacturing, and regulation. Detection does not automatically mean harm, but significant research gaps... Read more...
Scuba Diving on Your Period: Why menstrual cups are a diver’s best friend
From both personal experience and a physiological perspective, I’ve never had any issues using a menstrual cup while scuba diving. I first switched to a cup during a month-long marine conservation project on the Belize Barrier Reef, where I was diving up to three times a day while conducting predatory fish surveys and helping remove invasive lionfish. Living on a remote island with long field days made reliable period management non-negotiable - and the cup quickly became the most practical and comfortable option. I genuinely never went back. It’s now... Read more...
From Forests to Periods: What environmental consulting taught me about harm, protection, and everyday choices
A personal look at working in environmental consulting, the uncomfortable reality of deforestation, and how everyday demand - from food to menstrual products - connects to global environmental harm. Plus, why small mindset shifts still matter. Read more...
Why Menstrual Cups Are More Comfortable Than Pads and Tampons
This blog post explores why menstrual cups are widely regarded as more comfortable than pads and tampons. It highlights how cups reduce dryness and irritation, remain virtually unnoticeable when worn correctly, eliminate friction or external discomfort, and offer longer wear times for convenience. The post explains how these factors combine to create a gentler, more body-friendly period experience, making menstrual cups a popular choice for those seeking both comfort and ease during menstruation! Read more...
Why Water Quality Matters - Especially for Menstrual Health
Clean water is essential for health, dignity, and menstrual care — yet millions still lack access. This post explores the link between water quality and menstrual health, why products alone aren’t enough, and how clean water underpins truly sustainable period solutions. This is an environmental issue. A public health issue. And a human rights issue. Read more...
How to Choose the Right Menstrual Cup Size (Without the Stress)
This post breaks down how to choose the right menstrual cup by considering flow, design, material, age, and childbirth history without the stress or guesswork. Read more...