Thinking about the sanitary products you use probably isn't top of your list, but there are things you deserve to know about disposables - and there is money to be saved!
Around eight years ago I remember sitting talking with a woman at a festival. She was telling me in great detail about her Mooncup, and how she would use collected menstrual blood to feed her plants. I found the topic pretty rank at the time, and I really didn’t grasp the concept – I thought it was a hippy fad that was just a bit too far outside my comfort zone. I didn’t stop to think about my own use of disposables, and the effect that had on the environment and myself until my body forced me to.
A year or so after that conversation I started to have really bad reactions to tampons. My body felt like it was physically trying to rid itself of them, and it was painful. I developed other symptoms and felt so unwell that I thought I may even have Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) – I went straight to the doctor. I didn’t have TSS, but the doctor had no explanation. I asked if it was possible I’d developed an allergy to tampons, and was practically laughed out of the office. She said that would be impossible because tampons are made of completely pure cotton – “There is nothing to be allergic to!”
I went away and did some research, and found that the doctor was pretty much talking rubbish - though she probably just had no idea. There is so much more to it that I could have imagined. I already knew that using tampons came with the risk of TSS, and can cause various unpleasant symptoms including vaginal ulcers and dryness. However, I didn’t know that the fibres that make up tampons and pads go through a variety of chemical processes, and to make sure they are pristinely white, they are bleached. (Why, exactly, do we need them to be pure white? It bemuses me.)
These processes leave behind all sorts of disinfection-by-products (DBPs) and toxic dioxins. Not to mention the potential trace pesticides and herbicides in the cotton itself, and the fibres that are left behind. There were a multitude of things that could have been causing my reaction, and that I really did not want to be absorbing into my body.
"Dioxins released during chlorine bleaching and plastics manufacture have been shown to cause cancer, miscarriages and damage to the immune system and toxic shock syndrome." - Moon Times
By this point, I couldn’t simply switch to sanitary pads because I knew too much - I knew that the average sanitary towel contains about the same amount of plastic as 4 carrier bags – with all the associated chemicals. This means they aren't compostable or biodegradable. I also knew that wearing a synthetic pad basically traps heat and moisture and becomes the perfect breeding ground for bacteria – which is pretty unpleasant. I didn't ever like using pads anyway, so it wasn't too hard to cross them off my list.
The depressing reality is that most pads and tampons end up in landfill or the ocean. According to Natracare, “Every year, in Britain alone, we would need to dig a hole 300 feet wide and 300 feet deep to bury the used sanitary pads and tampons that women throw away.” I feel a bit sad that I've contributed to that already - and that most women probably don't realise quite how long their sanitary waste hangs around after it's thrown 'away'.
But - there ARE alternatives. Most people I speak to about reusable sanitary products switch off - and I can't blame them because I've been there! But they aren't gross, or unpleasant, or expensive.
The two best alternatives in my opinion, are menstrual cups and washable cloth pads. They're better for your body, the environment and will save you money!
 |
Menstrual cups
There are several makes available but the Mooncup is probably the best known, and can be bought off-the-shelf in many Boots stores here in the UK. I use one, and I think it's fantastic. It put a stop to all the issues I'd been having, and revolutionised periods for me. I now find periods to be slightly shorter in length, less painful, and much less stressful.
 |
| Mooncup available here [AL] |
Unfortunately, Mooncups seem to have a bit of a reputation for being a 'middle-class' trend but it this really needs to change. To me, menstrual cups are the ultimate thrifty product - you may only need to ever buy one, saving you a fair amount on disposables throughout your fertile lifetime!
When I first bought my Mooncup, the leaflet said that with proper care it would last 10 years before needing replacing. Now, the website suggests that if you care for them properly (boiling in water for 5 minutes between each period and storing somewhere dry), they can go on indefinitely – but you should replace them if they become sticky or lose their shape.
Better for your health
“The Mooncup is made from soft medical grade silicone, is latex-free and hypoallergenic and contains no dyes, BPA, phthalates, plastic, bleaches or toxins.”
It collects rather than absorbs, so it won't cause dryness. There are no chemicals or toxins to leach out into your body. The cup environment does not support the growth of bacteria as pads and tampons do, and therefore there is little or no associated risk of TSS.
Saves money
Absolutely no waste
You simply empty your Mooncup into the toilet or down the sink … or feed your plants with it. Nothing goes to landfill.
When your Mooncup reaches the end of its life, it should be possible to get it recycled. (When I get to this point, I will let you know!) Medical grade silicone is recycled by hospitals, so in principle it should be possible for cups to get recycled too.
More convenient
Many people think Mooncups are messy – but they aren't. It can take a bit of practice to get the 'knack' of putting it in and removing it neatly, but you will get the hang of it and it will be worth it!
You don’t need to empty it as often as you would need to change a tampon – they hold 3 times more and should be emptied every 4-8 hours and after wearing overnight. I can go about my day and totally forget it's there, with no stress about needing to find toilets or bins!
When emptying, simply rinse the cup with clean water and reinstall. If you're in a cubicle with no sink, wipe with toilet paper - or make sure you take a bottle of water with you. (Just make sure to sterilise/boil it in-between periods.)
When travelling, it is lovely to only have to pack your Mooncup and not worry about stocking up on packs of disposables.
A few tips
- Get the right size for you - there are two to choose from - the website explains.
- Give it time – it can take a while to get used to your Mooncup, but do perservere if you find it hard at first – the benefits are worth it.
- Trim the stem if it's too long - at first mine would dig in – trim it in tiny stages until you can't feel it any more when it's in, but can still catch hold of it for removal.
For more information, the FAQ’s on the Mooncup site are full of information.
Washable Pads
 |
| Reusable pad from Drapers Organic Cotton |
and years if well cared for.
It's a good idea to start off with 10-15 pads so that you don't have to do washing every day.
Better for your health
Cotton is breathable, unlike the plastics used in disposable pads, and therefore helps keep thrush and fungal issues at bay. There should be no chemicals used in the processing of organic cotton, so there's nothing toxic for you to absorb.
Saves you money
Although the initial investment of around £6 per pre-made pad feels costly, they will last for years and years if looked after. I know of people who've had the same pads for over a decade and with plenty of life left in them! There isn't much cost involved in their care. You rinse them in water and wash with your laundry, so it shouldn't cost any extra. If you bought 20 pads in ten years, you'd have saved at least £360 (based on previously spending £4 per month on disposables).
If you choose to make your own pads, the cost will be significantly less. You might consider using old cotton sheets which don't look so great on the bed any more but could be cut up and made into pads. You may find you have everything you need already to get started for free (with a bit of time spent on the sewing machine!) There are lots of tutorials for making your own pads online.
Much better for the environment
Switching to washable pads means you aren't creating any waste. When they eventually come to the end of their lives, they can be composted! Obviously things like poppers/velcro will need to be removed and preferably reused - but the natural fabrics can be cut up and put on the compost heap.
Convenient and comfortable
They are soft and are much more comfortable to wear than synthetics as a result. Most tend to fasten under the gusset with studs/poppers, making them secure - there are no sticky strips to come unstuck and cause leaks. You don't throw them away, so the worry about putting disposables in the bin at a friend's house is gone. You can wrap them up in reusable sealable waterproof bags to take home for washing. No one need ever know!
Obviously washing your pads is a bit inconvenient. You'll need to be organised and well prepared to ensure you're well stocked for your period.
Choosing your pads
Look for pads made with organic unbleached cotton where possible so you know the fibres have not been exposed to harmful pesticides or herbicides, and that the cotton doesn't contain any toxins from the bleaching process. Watch out for any hidden synthetic layers or paddings.
Stick to natural fibres - they allow breathability and they will biodegrade when you've finished with them. Bamboo, though a lovely fabric, is not as sustainable as it's made out to be - the plant fibres go through harsh chemical processing to create the silky soft end result. It pays to do a bit of research about materials, especially when it's going to be in close contact with sensitive places!
Beware of bright patterns and strong colours - dyeing in itself can be a pretty toxic process. There are some beautiful prints and designs out there, but do some research and check to see what sort of dyes are being used. I personally wouldn't want to pay for an organic pad which might contain toxins from the dyeing process.
However, any reusable pad is going to be better than a synthetic disposable - even if it's non-organic and dyed a myriad of colours. Anything undesirable in the fabrics will be less and less present with the repeated washings, the material will still be breathable and comfortable, and you won't be creating any waste! Don't be disheartened if you can't afford to buy everything organic, or if you've got your heart set on a patterned pad - this ought to be an enjoyable process.
Companies that specialise in washable pads:
- www.ecomenstrual.co.uk - Stock a wide range of brands and types, including a great range of organic unbleached pads by Lunapads.
- www.honouryourflow.co.uk - Fantastic range of beautiful pads including plenty made from organic materials with the option for unbleached and plain designs. Regular pads from £6.25 each
- www.moontimes.co.uk - Lovely company stocking a wide variety of washable pads, with options for organic, un-dyed and unbleached. They sell other reusables too.
- www.drapersorganiccotton.co.uk - Stocking simple natural and organic unbleached cotton pads.
Obviously if you opt to make your own pads, you'll have total control over what they're made from - and it can be fun!
There are other reusables available, including natural sponges and reusable tampons, which I will look at in another post - this one got rather long!
For those of you who want rid of the toxic disposables but aren't ready for reusables, Natracare offer a range of organic disposable pads and tampons which might be the right compromise. Being over 99% biodegradable and compostable, and free of toxins, they are a vast improvement over the usual brands. (If using tampons, make sure you use the right absorbency for your flow to minimise dryness).
I'd love to hear from you if you have any suggestions for other affordable and non toxic alternatives to disposables!
Thriftmaiden
x
No comments:
Post a Comment