You know those plastic “applicators” are not a great eco-idea. So what’re you gonna do?
The easiest change — go organic cotton. For tampon girls, that means shopping at Trader Joe’s, where tampons are both organic and inexpensive. Other options are natracare (at Co-opportunity) and Seventh Generation (at Whole Foods and other stores).
But as Grist’s Umbra points out, “”Natural” tampons, which are non-chlorinated and/or made from all-organic cotton, reduce the production impacts of sanitary products but continue the waste problem.”
I still use organic tampons from time to time, but here’s what both I and Umbra use most of the time: The Keeper. This rubber object basically traps menstrual fluid — for up to 8 hours, 2x as long as tampons. Unlike tampons, the Keeper doesn’t cause Toxic Shock Syndrome or other health probs. Plus, the Keeper helps some women alleviate their cramps.
Allergic to rubber? Try the Diva Cup, made of a latex-free silicone. Other than the material, the Diva Cup’s pretty much works the same way as the Keeper.
If you’re more a pad girl, consider GladRags — organic cotton reusable pads with low-impact dyes that last 5 years. To clean them, you just pre-soak them after they’re used, then machine or hand wash them at the end of the week or so.
Update, 6/26/06: Another pad option’s New Moon pads from Sweet Cheeks, recommended by Vegan Knitting :)
FYI: Seventh Generation’s come up with a whole blog about enviro-friendly menstruation at Tamponification. Visit the site to tampontificate –
Update, 11/19/08: The Keeper wins out in Grist’s review of eco-minded feminine products.
I went through the same trend from mainstream products to the organic ones. I’m not willing to use the keeper because I get UTIs and I stoppped using tampons just in case. I bought one set of gladrags but didn’t like the absorbability of them. I know use pads made by a WAHM called Sweet Cheeks Diapers. They are awesome and come a whole host of sizes (and colors!) I find that the ones meant for teens fit me best (the regulars are too wide except at night) and I’m so happy with them. I actually look forward to my period now! You can often find them on eBay which is where I bought my first few. But you can get several different sets for a really reasonable price from them direct and they were happy to do some customizing for me. I even have a wet bag to keep them in when I’m out and about! And the flannel is so soft.
Comment by Vegan Knitting — June 20, 2006 @ 12:57 pm
For some reason the link didn’t work. Here it is:
http://www.sweetcheeksdiapers.com/
Comment by Vegan Knitting — June 20, 2006 @ 12:57 pm
Thanks for the tip! I just added it as an update to the post :)
Comment by Siel — June 26, 2006 @ 2:59 pm
Like everyone reading this blog, I am starting to evaluate my eco-footprint very closely. I’m trying to make significant changes in every aspect of my life- even with my feminine hygiene choices. When I did some research, I learned of the billions of tampons and pads thrown into landfills each year…. and I contributed to some of that! Horrifying! I am no using a reusable alternative called The Diva Cup (www.divacup.com). I am SO glad to see it on this blog!! It did take a little time to get used to, but now I can honestly say I am NEVER going back to my old products (or old ways!). It’s a seemingly small contribution to the planet, but if every woman eventually stopped using “traditional” products, think of the enormous change we could make TOGETHER! I hope the Diva Cup becomes the choice for all women!
Comment by kerry — January 14, 2009 @ 8:55 am