Green Your Period: Luna Pads, Diva Cup and Seventh Generation
Okay not to go all heavy (pun intended) on you or anything, but we need to get our facts straight: Disposable pads are made with polyethylene plastic, which depletes the ozone, contributes to global warming, and emits sulfur and nitrogen oxides. The FDA alleges that dioxin is no longer an issue in tampons, but some aren’t convinced. And the reason why they’re pure white? Chlorine bleach. But don’t forget about the pesticide and insecticide residue from the conventional cotton that make up tampons.
That’s a lot of chemicals we’re putting near some pretty vulnerable parts.
How to make your time of the month a little more green? If you like reusable pads, choose those made from plant-based materials that are both absorbent and leak-proof—or even reusable! If you’re a fan of the ‘pon, try organic cotton and chlorine-free. And for the open-minded among us, consider a revolutionary option in the form of a reusable menstrual cup. Here are a few that we swear by:
Reusable and (dare we say) adorable Lunapads and Lunapanties aren’t just washable, they’re fashionable! Sewn from conventionally grown or certified organic cotton, both are reusable—just rinse them out, then toss them in the laundry. And in bright colors and patterns, they make the whole process of dealing with your period slightly ironic and even fun. With built-in pads, the panties and thongs are great for the beginning or end of your cycle when you need a wee bit more protection. Thanks to their reusable nature, Luna products will save you a ton of money in the long run, too. And to take the edge off menstrual tension, you’ve got to try the Luna Pad’s Lunatic: Women’s Monthly Madness bar made from organic dark chocolate, chaste tree berry extract, maca root, zazubean, and fortified with dong quai extract.
We loved it then, we love it now: The DivaCup is a menstrual cup that simply collects (it doesn’t absorb) menstrual flow. You can wear it internally for up to 12 hours without emptying. What don’t we love about the cup? Work, travel, do yoga—you’ll never stress having a product in your pocket or purse again.
tomKIT is a eco-friendly period starter kit perfect for a tween or teen who wants to stay clean without sacrificing convenience (or the Earth). The kit includes biodegradable pads and panty liners, natural wipes, wash or toss undies, organic hand sanitizer, and chocolate flavored lip balm, along with an essential cycle chart to keep that time of month on track (printed on recycled paper of course).
Seventh Generation Feminine Care Organic Cotton and Chlorine-free Tampons, Maxi-Pads and Ultra Thin Pads are just like the conventional versions in terms of look, feel, and reliability, but these bad boys aren’t so bad on the environment (or your body). We love them!
