We're eco-friendly from our organic shampoo right down to our vegan sneakers. But when that time of the month rolls around, we unwittingly become planet crushing nightmares. In North America alone, women add 12 billion pads and 7 million tampons — plus all that packaging — to landfills every year. They may be called "sanitary pads", but there's nothing sanitary about the thought of used, chemical-laced feminine hygiene products polluting our planet. As if getting our periods wasn't punishment enough, now we have to live with the thought that the impact from our monthly visitor lasts a whole lot longer than a month.
So how far should we go to keep our periods from negatively impacting our planet? One simple switch: opt for organic cotton pads and tampons that aren't bleached with chlorine. Seventh Generation has an eco-friendly line of pads and tampons that are chlorine free. That means they're safer for our bodies and for our planet. Think about it: if toxic chemicals are so harmful to our soil, what good could they possibly be doing to our most delicate body parts?
Take it one step further: eliminate as much waste as possible. I have yet to see a public restroom that has sorted recycling for tampon applicators, pad pouches, and paper strips; we're lucky if we even get a brown paper bag to stash our sanitary trash. So go applicator-free with tampons like O.B. It can get a little messy, but we're washing our hands anyway, so why not skip all that excess waste and get right to the point? It's easy to get over the ick factor when we picture the alternative: wastebaskets, and then landfills, overflowing with used applicators. Gross!
Finally, take the ultimate step – if you dare. Switch to a Diva Cup ($33). The silicone cups are reusable for up to 10 years, create no waste, and are making eco-friendly converts left and right. Sure, they're tough to market (no ad exec is going to jump for joy over the idea of showing us emptying our Diva Cups), but just because you haven't seen commercials doesn't mean there aren't plenty of women out there who will never go back to bulky pads and ineffective tampons. Investing in a Diva Cup is investing in our future. We save $400 a year in feminine hygiene expenses (that's enough to take a trip, donate to a green organization or use an I'm Not a Plastic Bag!) and countless dollars in waste disposal.
Just as we've switched from sipping wasteful bottled water to carrying a re-fillable Nalgene, isn't it time to take a better-for-us better-for-the-earth stand when it comes to our cycles? What better way to show we're pro-planet than by putting our bodies on the line for it?
We're all for it, but we see how concepts like the Diva Cup and the absence of mess-free applicators would make any gal a little uncomfortable. So we want to hear your thoughts: how green would you go when it comes to your feminine hygiene choices?
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i use cloth pads and wash them myself. bought from lunapads.com i have for about 7 years now. before that i was an ob gal but not for green reasons. thats what my mom used, so thats what i used.
I’ve had a Diva Cup for almost two years now. Absolutely the best thing ever. I told everyone I knew about it when I first got it and converted two of my friends as well. They take a little getting used to, but really are the best.
I got a divacup this summer – and it’s one of the best purchases I’ve ever made! It does take a little getting used to using it, but it is actually easier, less messy, and has even seemed to shorten the length of my periods. It’s also nice not to always have to carry around tampons or pads in your purse or pocket or whatever. If you’re at all curious about it, give it a try!
I’ve been using my Diva Cup for 6 months now and love it. There is definitely a learning curve, but once you get the hang of it, it’s fabulous. My periods are shorter and the terrible cramping I had when using tampons is virtually nonexistent!
I use Natracare Organic cotton tampons, liners and intimate wipes. I used to use mainstream brands until I realized that they contained chemicals I would not want in my body or damaging the planet. I’ve been using Organic feminine items exclusively for about 5 years and am very happy with the results– I never feel like I am getting lesser quality in using natural brands. Being able to buy them online is also really convenient. I particularly like Natracare’s thong liners and intimate wipes.
I’ve been using the Moon Cup [UK version of Diva Cup] for almost a year now. It’s really awesome, and I’ll never go back to anything disposable. I’m saving money, and like someone already said – you don’t have to carry tampons/pads around, which I always hated. No strings hanging out, no shifting pads, you can almost forget you’re on your period.
I LOVE my Diva cup. I’ve been using for almost 2 years now.
I agree – I switched to the Diva Cup about 6 months ago, and it’s so much better than tampons and pads!
I RIP UP OLD CLOTHES AND USE THEM WHEN I’M ON THE RAG. THAT’S WHY THEY CALL IT ON THE RAG! I WONDER IF A CUP WOULD PUSH THE BLOOD BACK UP INSIDE ME AND GET ALL SMELLY LIKE A FISH MARKET.
In addition you can use Natural Skincare – Not only do we have to protect our impact on the environment, we’ve got to protect our own bodies and reduce the amount of chemicals and toxins we absorb. Skincare is so important and its a topic we think a lot about here in sunny Florida.
I to have found something I really like its called Winalite
. They are a sanitary napkin with no chemicals, synthetic materials, dyes, or perfumes. They are made of cotton and thin silk for ultimate comfort and absorption. They have some great qualities and I recommended for everyone to take a look they are a great alternative to the every day pad and tampon that cause us so many great health risks.