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Okay, ladies, let's talk about feminine hygiene, namely the environmental impact of chucking hundreds of applicators, pads, and packaging every year. Deal, schmeal? Multiply that number by, say, all the ovulating women in America, and you get an annual production of 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons used once and then cast off into our already overtaxed landfills each year, according to the National Women's Health Network.
That's not even the worst of it: According to the Village Voice, in 1992, a Congressional subcommittee dug up an exchange of memos in which U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) scientists reported their discovery of trace levels of dioxins-carcinogenic compounds that are produced through the chlorine bleaching of wood pulp, as well as the manufacture of rayon. Rayon is generally used in tampons and wood pulp in pads for absorbency. Then there's Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS). More than 50 women died and over a thousand suffered in the 1970s and 1980s after an outbreak of TSS caused by synthetic fibers-including viscous rayon, which is still being used today-that amplified the toxins of the bacterium Staphylococcus aureus. But while the lowest risk for TSS would be had by using 100 percent cotton, most of the cotton crop in the United States is drenched in pesticides, not to mention genetically engineered, which the London-based Institute for Science in Society warns could give rise to antibiotic-resistant bacteria. So what's a girl to do? Here are some options we've rustled up:
1. Organic, all-natural disposable cotton pads and tampons: Natracare has a line of unbleached, chemical-free feminine-hygiene products, including tampons made from 100 percent organic cotton. You can also find organic-cotton tampons at Seventh Generation, along with chlorine- and fragrance-free pantyliners, ultra-thin pads with wings, and maxi-pads made with wood pulp that has been treated for absorbency.
2. Reusable cotton cloth pads: If the environmental impact (and cost) of disposables is a concern, consider rewashable fabric pads, available in both cotton and organic-cotton versions, from companies such as GladRags, Lunapads, and Sckoon. (Or support your local crafter at Etsy.) You'll find pantyliners, pads for both light and heavy days, and postpartum liners in myriad funky colors and patterns. And, because these pads last for years, you'll wind up saving hundreds of dollars in disposables over the next few years. If you want to make your own, pay Tiny Bird Organics a visit for detailed instructions.
3. Menstrual cups: The Diva Cup, Mooncup, and the Keeper are menstrual cups, made from natural gum rubber or medical-grade silicon, that you wear internally. (This writer is a happy Keeper user.) Although you have to pony up $35 or so, these babies are said to last for 10 years, which will rake you $800 in savings, according to GladRags. The best part: You'll never have to worry about stocking up supplies or finding a discrete way to dispose of used pads or tampons, which really comes in handy when you're staying with your in-laws over the holidays and Aunt Flo comes calling. Plus, you'll no longer feel like you're wearing a diaper-cramps and mood swings are enough, thankyouverymuch.
Difficulty level: Easy
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