~Earthy Flow~ Les Filles only!

K  let's keep it real home-girls, raise your hand if you have flushed a tampon?  Well were you aware that flushing tampons is more dangerous for the environment then you think, it is absolutely not just something your mom tells you that ends up not being true.  I've been on two trips to a sewage treatment plant (not my choice mind you one for an environmental biology field trip in college and once for a homeschooling field trip with my girls ;)  BOOOOO!  And guess what pals we could see them floating around in the water tanks. It was pretty narrrr! So news flash you should NOT flush tampons, it clogs up the workings of the treatment plants!

Moving on to what is in those bad boys, raise your other hand if you knew that in most store bought tampons you can find these chemicals:

Asbestos

Dioxin/Rayon 

Tampons currently sold in the U.S. are made of cotton, rayon, or blends of rayon and cotton. Rayon is made from cellulose fibers derived from wood pulp. In this process the wood pulp is bleached.

 Pesticides:

 Non-organic cotton is a pesticide-intensive crop. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency classifies seven of the top 15 pesticides used on cotton as possible, likely, probable, or known to cause cancer in humans. Meanwhile, the FDA recommends, but does not require, that tampons be free of any pesticide and herbicide residues. This means that manufacturers can choose to ignore the recommendation. In most cases we don’t know whether or not they do.

Are you also aware that:

  Rayon in tampons causes TSS, and dryness or ulcerations of vaginal tissues.  TSS is a rare but potentially fatal disease caused by a bacterial toxin. (Different bacterial toxins may cause TSS, depending on the situation, but most often streptococci and staphylococci are responsible.)   The The number of reported TSS cases has decreased significantly in recent years.   I gather because gals are using so many of those chlorine free tampons.  Approximately half the cases of TSS reported today are associated with tampon use during menstruation, usually in young women.

While these products are really convenient, there’s just no way around the fact that they are costly to the environment in terms of expanding landfills and use of natural resources, not to mention dollars from our wallets. Individually, we women can expect to spend several thousand dollars over the course of our lifetime on this disposable paper/plastic product that typically is not biodegradable.
 In the US alone, over 20 Billion feminine hygiene pads and tampons are dumped in the trash a year. That’s even more than diapers! By using organic cotton washable feminine hygiene cloth menstrual pads, we reduce the use of chemicals, otherwise used to grow the cotton. We also reduce the use of chemicals used in manufacturing the disposable pads.


Chemicals in pads:

• Petroleum-based chemicals: Conventional disposable feminine pads often have an absorbent center filling and layers made from petroleum-based chemicals (plastics) and a barrier made of polyethylene film to prevent leakage.

• Additives: Many feminine products marketed as “deodorant” contain synthetic fragrance. Manufacturers often use undisclosed mixtures of various scent chemicals and ingredients that spread fragrance, such as diethyl phthalate. These chemicals can irritate the skin and eyes and may trigger allergies and breathing difficulties. Researchers are looking into whether phthalates disrupt the normal hormonal balances and function in the body.

So any way you slice it fellow vaginas, you will have foreign things near your delicates as well as be contibuting to some kind of pollution.  So let's now examine the importance of being feminine hygiene earthy!

Less waste as well as, less chemicals in our crotchelle regions which are important for procreating and love making if I may be crass for a un momento!  ;) Enough said! 

So keep in mind the first time I looked into this whole process I said no way dude!   As with many things in my life where I judge before really understanding or educating myself on subject (character flaw I am getting better at mind you) I am not wearing a mohair pad that I have to just chill in, and let things get reasty!  LOL!  I wanted no part of it!  And then I talked to a few earthy gal friends, and finally broke down and purchased a reusable pad and was super surprised that they are not so bad!  They pull moisture away just fine, and they also don't feel like a giant diaper in my growing.  And for the gals that are active and have not worn a pad since they were 13 the cups are just as great! 

Now on to the fun stuff.  I have been personally exploring the eco feminine hygiene phenomenon for about 4 years now.  Since I am unlucky in DNA and can't take birth control (unless my family wants to see my head spin around and me talk like Sue Sylvester from glee)  I am plagued monthly with not only  hemorrhaging but a severe case of my good ole Endometriosis cramps to boot.  Meaning chocolate, evening primrose, wine and a prayers are called upon!  As well as these earthy feminine products.  Below are my top picks, I have used them all and love them and could not be happier with the earthy way of doing things. 

Your set up, if you are going the earthy route should be as follows~

Have a small bucket in your bathroom that has cold water and a small amount of attitude laundry detergent.  After use soak and or wash out, hang in your shower and wear them the whole cycle!  Or soak and machine as needed!  Make sure to soak to reduce stains!  Having a big supply so that you don't run out makes this way of life super convenient look below for multiple deals!

http://www.etsy.com/listing/65297186/mystery-pack-set-of-20-cotton-print?ref=sr_gallery_7&ga_search_query=reusable+feminine+pads+packs&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all


 Pads:
 
By using reusable, washable feminine hygiene pads we help keep our planet clean.

MonoMoi
These are lite flow super absorbant pantyliners and they are teeninie!  Great for spotting!
Set of 3 is only $ 9.52! 
http://www.etsy.com/listing/94086422/set-of-3-cloth-mentrual-pantyliners-with?ref=sr_gallery_3&ga_search_query=panty+liner+resuable+napkins&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all 


 Moonpads
These are great for medium flow, for gals that don't have a steady flow via the birth control ;)  LOL!  Super cute fabrics and work great, they don't feel bulky.  I purchased one from my local co-op to give it a try for $7.90, or a 3 pack for $21.90!
http://www.etsy.com/shop/epicerma

  
HelloAuntFlow
These little numbers are great for heavy to extra heavy flow, super great overnight protection.  Dreamy fabrics and also not too bulky.  If you buy 3 of these you can have a supply for your whole cycle and at $11.00 each they are a steal since they last up to 5 years when properly cared for. 
 http://www.etsy.com/listing/112410256/11-extra-heavy-flow-unicorn-magic?ref=sr_gallery_9&ga_search_query=heavy+reusable+maxi+pad&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_spelling_corrected=heavy+resuable+maxi+pad&ga_search_type=all


Plugs:


MoonCup
 One woman uses up to 22 items of sanitary protection every period. Regardless of your flow, you only need one Mooncup, and it lasts for years and years, making it the most economical sanitary product you can buy.  $30 bucks and you are in for years!  
http://www.mooncup.co.uk/

DivaCup
 For the active ladies of the world these are great because now you can find them everywhere and they offer you 12 hour leak-free protection!  Exercise, swimming, you are golden.  Made from the highest quality healthcare grade silicone to assure comfort and durability.  Does not contain any of the following: latex, plastic, PVC, acrylic, acrylate, BPA, phthalate, elastomer, polyethylene, and free of colors and dyes.  Reusable and eco-friendly – no waste, no chemicals.  Features extra grip ridges for easier removal.  Also $30 bucks, it is a small price to pay to not have to keep running to market when you are out of Tampons in my book!  ;)
http://divacup.com/


Bags





 
Great for your used pads, keep moisture and scents in when you are out and about! 
http://www.etsy.com/listing/129682094/grey-chevron-pad-wrapper-little-wet-bag?ref=sr_gallery_37&ga_search_query=wet+bags&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all 

 

http://www.etsy.com/listing/129622177/mamabear-pad-wallet-wet-dry-bag-for?ref=sr_gallery_16&ga_search_query=cloth+pad+bag&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=US&ga_search_type=all

 

 Cleaning Agents:
 
 I personally use the same thing I used for my daughters cloth diapers so they wouldn't stain, but you can use any normal clothing detergent.  This delicate one is nice because like my undies and bras I want them to last make sure dye & sent free!   


http://chicvegan.com/roux-mason-eco-friendly-laundry/ 


 So of course this will be an updated post, scicence these days means in about a year there will be all new ways of slaying the menstruation dragon!  But until then I hope that you consider the earthy way.   Just buy one pad, and one cup system and give it a try.  I promise like cloth diapering and other things that take a tad more work it will be an easy method to find your groove with!  Please post questions or comments that you may have, I love learning new things and to hear how things work for others.

Tread lightly!


For those of you into silly readings here is a great read all about menstruation past and present!
http://tranquilheart.hubpages.com/hub/Overview-of-menstrual-pads