Going Green with Feminine Hygiene

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By: Jennifer Newell
Published: Thursday, 29 May 2008

As the world becomes more aware of environmental concerns, many people have found ways to incorporate "green" alternatives into their daily lives. Women can play a special role in these recycling and conserving times if they consider products that they use monthly during menstruation. There are numerous products now on the market that serve as reasonable, if not preferable, alternatives to traditional ones.

While these alternative products, such as organic pads and tampons, cloth pads, and reusable menstrual cups, are not for everyone, those who have switched to these eco-friendly options are typically pleased with the results. In addition, many of the products do cost less than mainstream brands, and the reusable products can save a great deal of money for female consumers in the long run.

Disposable Products

Several brands have recently entered the market, which offer safe and chlorine-free pads and tampons for those seeking to continue using the types of products to which they've become accustomed. The benefit to using the newer products is that they are chemical free and 100% all natural, organic cotton.

Natracare is the most common brand name that manufactures and sells tampons and pads that are disposable but free from chemicals. The line of products was developed as a response to health and environmental concerns about the use of rayon, dioxin pollution caused by chlorine bleaching, and the extensive use of pesticide sprays on most cotton. Dioxin has also been connected to cancer and other health concerns, so reducing dioxin exposure was a major factor in the creation of the tampons, and certified organic cotton was the answer.

Other brands that cater to the eco-friendly consumer include Organic Essentials and Seventh Generation, both of which use certified organic cotton and are free of dioxin and bleach. Stores like Whole Foods and Trader Joe's carry some of the natural products, but they can also be ordered online at Amazon or private companies that specialize in "green" products.

Reusable Tampons

It does not seem like the most obvious item to reuse, but it can be done with the right material. Sea sponge tampons are actually extracted from the ocean floor and are about as natural as one can get. There is no applicator, only the sponge that is rinsed every few hours and reinserted. At the end of the menstrual cycle, it should be cleaned and air dried, and proper care will allow the tampon to be reused for approximately six months.

There are several companies that manufacture sea sponges for this purpose, like Sea Pearls and Jade and Pearl. Considering that a woman typically uses 11,000 tampons - a widely accepted estimate - in her menstruating years, being able to buy two sponges for $10 or $12 and use them for an entire year makes great economic and environmental sense.

Reusable Pads

Years ago, it was common for women to use cloth diapers for babies, and in light of the trend of becoming environmentally conscious, many parents are switching back. The same can be said for women and menstrual pads. Considering the massive amount of waste from disposable pads, reusable cloth products are becoming more popular with women. The cloths can be washed and reused, and while the liners and liner holders are not exactly cheap, quite a bit of money is saved in time due to the recycling of all products involved.

There are numerous brands available, including GladRags and LunaPads that are made in different sizes, colors, and styles and can be accessorized with carrying cases and soaking containers. What many women like about the reusable cloths is their softness and comfort, as all are made from cotton - mostly organic cotton - and free from chemicals and other materials found in disposable pads. Some brands, like Sorella Luna Organic pads are all-in-one products that do not require that a separate liner and holder be purchased.

Basically, after use, pads are kept in a water-filled container to soak, which helps prevent stains, until the cloths can be washed. Some people allow them to dry, then soak in cold water prior to washing, but stains may not come out as easily. Even so, the process is easy and prevents the waste and discomfort that most women find with store-bought disposable pads.

Menstrual Cups

The last category of natural alternatives to traditional menstrual products is the cup. They are small, bell-shaped cups inserted into the vagina to catch the menstrual flow. Though there are disposable cups, the most popular eco-friendly type is the reusable kind because they last up to ten years. Most are made of rubber or silicone.

The Keeper is a common brand that is made of natural gum rubber, but for women with latex allergies, the DivaCup is preferred, as it is made of silicone. Both products can be worn for 6 to 12 hours at a time, depending on flow, then emptied, cleaned, and reinserted. They also come in two sizes - one for those who have birthed children, and one for those who have not. Women seem to like the convenience of one product, which comes with a cloth carrying bag, and the absence of any need for back-up pad protection.