Single-use Menstrual products are destined to end up in sewers or landfills. Not only are single-use menstrual products expensive, but they require so much packaging - cardboard boxes, instructions, individual wrappings, applicators, etc. Also, the manufacturing process for menstrual products is environmentally harmful, since the cotton is bleached to pristine white perfection only to be a used to absorb bloody uterine lining and vaginal secretions.
As part of my quest to produce less waste I explored alternatives to disposable pads, tampons, and liners. Menstrual alternatives may sound weird and gross to some women, but I think filling our landfills and clogging our sewers with sanitary pads and tampons is much grosser. Get to know your body and empower yourself. Reusable menstrual products are environmentally and economically sustainable.
Menstrual cups or keepers are made from silicon or latex. They catch rather than absorb menstrual fluid. The soft flexible cups are folded and inserted like a non-applicator tampon. The cups can be worn for up to twelve hours.
When removing the cup simply pour the blood into the toilet and rinse the cup. If you are in a public bathroom just bring a container of water in the stall with you.
Where to buy -
Moon Cup UK
Moon Cup US
Diva Cup
Price: $35-40, needs to be replaced about every five years
My experience -
Insertion was much easier than expected. The cup did not leak at all and posed no problem for bicycling or other activities. I am completely satisfied with my Moon Cup and recommend it to every woman who currently uses tampons or Instead cups.
This video does a great job explaining how to insert and remove a menstrual cup:
Sea sponge tampons are harvested from plant-like sea creatures. The natural fibers are similar in texture to the vaginal wall. They can even be worn during sex! Sea sponge tampons are inserted while wet and are reusable. They can be composted once they wear out. Since sea sponges are simple multi-cellular animals, for this reason some vegans choose not to use sea sponge tampons.
Where to buy -
Jade and Pearl
Sea Pearls UK
Price: $6-15, lasts 3-6 months
Cloth pads can be purchased at healthy living stores or made by hand. Pads typically have wings that wrap around your underwear and are secured with a snap or button. Pads can be worn until they are uncomfortably wet. They can be washed by hand or in a machine; rinsing with cold water is recommended.
Where to buy -
Lunapads
Glad Rags
Make your own!
Price: $5-20, can last 5-7 years.
Here it a template for sewing your own cloth menstrual pad.
Video instructions for LunaPad:
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