Eco-Chic: The DivaCup

So, you’re trying to be a good person and maintain your eco-conscious ways by recycling all you can, buying Green products and supporting Green companies. But then along comes that time of the month and there you are throwing away pad after pad, tampon after tampon. You certainly can’t recycle those! Then, if you’re like me, you get slightly freaked out reading articles about the chemicals tampon and pad manufacturers use to make everything nice and white.
What to do? We have some interesting alternatives. Remember last year when we told you about Instead, the disposable menstrual cups? They don’t work very well, in my experience. However, the DivaCup is a different story all together. It’s easier to insert and takes much less technique to get it in properly. (There’s still a learning curve, though.) If cared for properly, the DivaCup should last for years, so you won’t generate waste.

The DivaCup calls for you to become very familiar with yourself and may take a few tries before it sits properly in place. Opinions on the DivaCup and similar products vary, but the majority of women I talked to love their DivaCups, even through a few initial bumps in the road. (One user discovered that lubrication makes insertion much easier.) They love that you can leave it in for up to 12 hours without worrying about leaks or possible health concerns. The cup cuts way down on potential odors. Plus, it’s wonderful not to have to run out and buy tampons or pads (or spot cleaners for panties) every month. Apparently it’s even become a buzzworthy trend.

If you have some issue or questions or anxieties about the DivaCup, the ladies in this online community seem very knowledgeable on the subject. Buy the DivaCup (both Model 1 and Model 2) from Amazon.com.

So what do you say? Are you ready to forgo tampons for the sake of the planet? Have you tried the DivaCup? Post your comments.