By Team Planet Green | Mon Jun 8, 2009 15:37
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Buy Green: Tampons
From organic cotton to sea sponges to reusable cups, these five feminine products are easy on your body and the earth.
By Kimberly Mok
So, it's that time of the month, and what you may not know may hurt you. Conventional feminine hygiene products often contain a multitude of unlisted chemicals that are harmful to both your body and the planet. Look no further—here are five greener options that will keep you and your conscience feeling clean.
Conventional feminine hygiene products are often marketed by companies as discreet and safe to use—but the fact is, ordinary, non-biodegradable feminine hygiene products not only end up languishing in landfills or flushed into our waterways, their lifecycle also requires the processing of polyethylene plastics, which contributes to pollution and ozone depletion.
The use of pesticide-grown and chlorine-bleached cotton and other synthetics in feminine products also raises concerns, as harmful residues (dioxins) have been found in such products. Dioxins are known carcinogens, and should not be placed anywhere near your reproductive organs. Some studies implicate the synthetic materials used in conventional tampons show an increased risk of toxic shock syndrome (TSS). The average woman discards 16,800 tampons during her lifetime, and with 20 billion pads and tampons being tossed annually in the United States alone, it makes sense to seriously consider less risky and more sensible options.
Though many swear by reusable cups or cloth pads, some may find it difficult to make the switch. In that case, perhaps transitioning to an eco-friendly tampon could be a step in the right direction, as tampons are a greener choice over pads.
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Chlorine-Free Organic Cotton Tampons From Seventh Generation
Why We Like It: Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free Organic Cotton Tampons are made from organic cotton (no irritating, synthetic materials here), whitened without the use of chlorine bleach, compact, and safe for sensitive skin. You have the choice of applicator or no applicator (though note that with an applicator, you have more landfill waste), and three absorbencies. Organic cotton pads and panty liners are also available.
Eco Factor: These tampons are made with 100 percent certified organic cotton, meaning no possibility of dioxin residues associated with chlorine bleach or pesticides associated with conventional cotton cultivation. Even the box is made from 100 percent recycled paper. Seventh Generation has also launched Tamponification, a Web site dedicated to raising menstrual awareness.
Best For: Stashing in your bag when you're on-the-go, busy moms, your trendy teenage daughter
Where: Seventh Generation or widely available at health food stores or retailers including Whole Foods and CVS
How Much: $3.60 - $6 for a box of 20
Image courtesy of Seventh Generation
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Organic Cotton Tampons From Natracare
Why We Like It: These Organic Cotton Tampons from Natracare are super absorbent. The applicators—made from biodegradable cardboard—have a rounded, petal-like shape that allows for easy insertion. Or, go without applicators, with three absorbencies. Natracare's line also includes pads, panty liners, and feminine wipes.
Eco Factor: Women with allergies take note: Rayon and other synthetic materials and chemical additives such as binders or surfactants are not used in these minimalist tampons.
Best For: Women with sensitive skin, heavier menstrual flow
Where: See (Natracare's retailer locator
How Much: $4.90 - $6 for a box of 20
Image courtesy of Bodywise
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Organic Cotton Tampons From Maxim
Why We Like It: Maxim tampons are completely "fluff-pulp" free—meaning this manufacturer does not use any of the conventional combination of bleached fluff pulp, plastics, and synthetics (like rayon or viscose) for filler. Instead of harsh bleach, hydrogen peroxide is used to whiten the cotton, which is hypoallergenic and fragrance-free.
Eco Factor: These tampons are made with 100 percent certified organic cotton that's cultivated without the use of pesticides, fungicides, herbicides, sewage sludge, irradiation, petrochemicals, or genetic engineering. As an added bonus, they are designed to compost quickly and packed in recycled and recyclable packaging.
Best For: Women who have vaginal irritation when using conventional products
Where: Maxim or select pharmacies and drugstores
How Much: $4.70 - $6 for a box of 20
Image courtesy of MaximHy
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Sea Pearl Sea Sponge Tampons From Jade and Pearl
Why We Like It: Jade and Pearl Sea Pearl Sea Sponge Tampons are inspired by the traditional use of sponges by menstruating women of ancient times, including the famed last Egyptian pharaoh, Cleopatra. These sponges are reusable and an environmentally smart alternative to disposable organic cotton tampons. To use, moisten, insert, and wash out before re-inserting every four to six hours. They are very soft, less drying than disposable tampons, and come in three sizes that easily conform to internal curves. They are also easy to take care of—just soak in the natural disinfecting solution of your choice (such as apple cider vinegar and water) and air dry.
Eco Factor: These sustainably hand-harvested and biodegradable sponges will last up to six months—saving you money and generating a lot less waste compared to disposables.
Best For: Women who prefer personally-tailored options (you can trim these babies to your liking) or who have an uncomfortable time using menstrual cups
Where: Jade and Pearl, natural food stores, or Amazon.com
How Much: $12 for two sponge tampons, plus cotton bag on Jade and Pearl
Image courtesy of Jade & Pearl
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The Diva Cup From Diva International
Why We Like It: With 75 years behind it, the Diva Cup is not some new-fangled menstrual contraption. In fact, many women who use this reusable alternative rave about how it leaks less and how they?re never going back to pads or tampons. Made from medical grade, plastic-free, and BPA-free silicone and available in two sizes, the Diva Cup is hypoallergenic, dioxin-free, and can be worn up to 12 hours before it needs to be removed and washed (there's even a botanically-based DivaWash cleanser just for it). Unlike tampons, the Cup does not have TSS associated with its use. Since it's made from the same material as heart valves and joint replacements, it tends to be pretty sturdy, which means you won't need to replace it often.
Eco-Factor: As an alternative to disposables, the Diva Cup doesn't go off to a landfill after one use or plug toilets, and is safer for your body.
Best For: Women with severe menstrual cramps (it helps reduce them) or with latex allergies
Where: Check out Diva Cup's retailer locator
How Much: $17 - $30 for one cup
Image courtesy of Diva International
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