Comments on: Plastic-free Feminine Hygiene. It had to happen enventually. http://myplasticfreelife.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to/ Learn to live life with less plastic... for the health of our bodies, our oceans, our planet. I don't buy new plastic. Join me on my plastic-free journey. Mon, 13 Feb 2012 04:55:13 +0000 hourly 1 By: Sarah http://myplasticfreelife.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to/comment-page-1/#comment-38989 Sarah Wed, 01 Feb 2012 06:25:18 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to-happen-enventually/#comment-38989 I love how many comments there are on here :) Just throwing in my vote (four years later) I am a college student and I proudly use cloth pads that I made myself out of old fabric we had around the house. It really is amazing the difference it has made - makes that time of the month much more bearable, it is a billion times comfier, and is not creating any plastic crap or costing me money! And it is surprisingly not weird to have to rinse out the pads and everything - feels way more natural and I don't mind at all! I can say right now - any babies in my future will totally be cloth diapered! I love how many comments there are on here :) Just throwing in my vote (four years later) I am a college student and I proudly use cloth pads that I made myself out of old fabric we had around the house. It really is amazing the difference it has made – makes that time of the month much more bearable, it is a billion times comfier, and is not creating any plastic crap or costing me money! And it is surprisingly not weird to have to rinse out the pads and everything – feels way more natural and I don’t mind at all! I can say right now – any babies in my future will totally be cloth diapered!

]]> By: Nadia http://myplasticfreelife.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to/comment-page-1/#comment-32253 Nadia Tue, 08 Feb 2011 08:52:15 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to-happen-enventually/#comment-32253 I would like to add my voice to those in favour of cups. I have had a Lunette (a Finnish made menstrual cup similar to the Diva) for about half a year, and wish I'd discovered it a decade ago! I believe it has several advantages over any other methods: 1) It avoids all the waste associated with disposables 2) Once you have one, you avoid the ongoing costs of disposables 3) It is much quicker and easier, and uses less water than washing out reusable pads (which I have also used) 4) It doesn't leak!! 5) You only have to empty it once or at the most twice a day - in the shower is the easiest The other thing I would like to point out is that silicon is not a plastic, it is an element, and one which is known to be very stable (ie. it is difficult to get it to react with other chemicals) which is why it is used. Yes, there is a certain amount of energy and raw materials which go into its production, but this is the case for any solution to the monthly problem. In using one Lunette, I may be saving 2000 tampons* from being produced and flushed away. I believe this to be the most startling reason for choosing to use it. Whether you call a silicone cup plastic or not, you have to decide the reasons why you are reducing your plastic use in this case. There are 2 as far as I can see: 1) To reduce the demand for oil 2) To reduce the impact plastics have, both hormonally on humans, and at the end of their useful lives as waste in landfill and waterways. I am sure that the amount of raw material used to make one cup is less than that of a thousand tampons, especially once you take transport into consideration, and it certainly wins in terms of waste reduction. * For the sake of calculation: 1 period = 4 tampons x 4 days = 16 tampons; 12 periods per year = ~200 tampons. If a Lunette lasts 10 years = 2000 tampons not used! That's a lot of money spent, resources used and waste produced. I would rather wear the organic cotton as t-shirts and underpants than use it only once for tampons! I would like to add my voice to those in favour of cups. I have had a Lunette (a Finnish made menstrual cup similar to the Diva) for about half a year, and wish I’d discovered it a decade ago!

I believe it has several advantages over any other methods:
1) It avoids all the waste associated with disposables
2) Once you have one, you avoid the ongoing costs of disposables
3) It is much quicker and easier, and uses less water than washing out reusable pads (which I have also used)
4) It doesn’t leak!!
5) You only have to empty it once or at the most twice a day – in the shower is the easiest

The other thing I would like to point out is that silicon is not a plastic, it is an element, and one which is known to be very stable (ie. it is difficult to get it to react with other chemicals) which is why it is used. Yes, there is a certain amount of energy and raw materials which go into its production, but this is the case for any solution to the monthly problem.

In using one Lunette, I may be saving 2000 tampons* from being produced and flushed away. I believe this to be the most startling reason for choosing to use it.

Whether you call a silicone cup plastic or not, you have to decide the reasons why you are reducing your plastic use in this case. There are 2 as far as I can see:
1) To reduce the demand for oil
2) To reduce the impact plastics have, both hormonally on humans, and at the end of their useful lives as waste in landfill and waterways.

I am sure that the amount of raw material used to make one cup is less than that of a thousand tampons, especially once you take transport into consideration, and it certainly wins in terms of waste reduction.

* For the sake of calculation: 1 period = 4 tampons x 4 days = 16 tampons; 12 periods per year = ~200 tampons. If a Lunette lasts 10 years = 2000 tampons not used! That’s a lot of money spent, resources used and waste produced. I would rather wear the organic cotton as t-shirts and underpants than use it only once for tampons!

]]> By: Deb http://myplasticfreelife.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to/comment-page-1/#comment-15773 Deb Thu, 22 Jul 2010 04:54:59 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to-happen-enventually/#comment-15773 This is my second cycle as a cup-and-cloth-pads user, and I think it's fantastic. if you really want "the convenience and cleanliness of disposable pads and tampons" but without the full trash basket or the monthly cost, I highly recommend this route. The cup has a learning curve (mine's a Mooncup), but once you've got it, it's quick, easy, and leak-free - and completely painless. I made my pads, so they're the size and shape I want (and pretty, too!), comfy, and probably more sanitary than a plastic pad. They were also virtually free to make. So if you're on the fence about reusable pads and cups, here's one more encouragement to give them a try. There are very supportive communities (try LiveJournal) for these products - come over and ask questions. :) This is my second cycle as a cup-and-cloth-pads user, and I think it’s fantastic.
if you really want “the convenience and cleanliness of disposable pads and tampons” but without the full trash basket or the monthly cost, I highly recommend this route. The cup has a learning curve (mine’s a Mooncup), but once you’ve got it, it’s quick, easy, and leak-free – and completely painless. I made my pads, so they’re the size and shape I want (and pretty, too!), comfy, and probably more sanitary than a plastic pad. They were also virtually free to make.

So if you’re on the fence about reusable pads and cups, here’s one more encouragement to give them a try. There are very supportive communities (try LiveJournal) for these products – come over and ask questions. :)

]]> By: Jessie http://myplasticfreelife.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to/comment-page-1/#comment-12071 Jessie Tue, 20 Apr 2010 15:24:53 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to-happen-enventually/#comment-12071 I wanted to say my bit on your site for all us ladies out there that want the convenience and cleanliness of disposable pads and tampons. That is why I use Natracare products. I use them as they are extremely soft and comfortable and do the job I need them to do. They are made using sustainable materials and are biodegradable and compostable which is important to me. I have done a lot of research about this company and there products and they not only walk the walk, but talk the talk too. They have won ethical awards and environmental awards for their products - I don't see any of the other brands meeting these standards. Natracare products do not contain ANY plastics either in the products themselves (unlike Seventh Generation products and Always) nor in their packaging. No half measures. I love their wipestoo. They are made from organic cotton and are biodegradable (great for hiking and camping) and unlike other brands (not going to repeat myself) they do not contain any petrochemicals or skin irritating ingredients and they smell great too. The intimate wipes are the perfect size and fit in my purse and the baby wipes are great for keeping in the car or gym bag. So all the ladies out their that don't want a soiled cloth rag in a plastic bag in your bag or a sore vagina from trying to get that cup thing in right so it doesn't leak (yes I have tried them all) try Natracare. I wanted to say my bit on your site for all us ladies out there that want the convenience and cleanliness of disposable pads and tampons. That is why I use Natracare products. I use them as they are extremely soft and comfortable and do the job I need them to do. They are made using sustainable materials and are biodegradable and compostable which is important to me. I have done a lot of research about this company and there products and they not only walk the walk, but talk the talk too. They have won ethical awards and environmental awards for their products – I don’t see any of the other brands meeting these standards. Natracare products do not contain ANY plastics either in the products themselves (unlike Seventh Generation products and Always) nor in their packaging. No half measures. I love their wipestoo. They are made from organic cotton and are biodegradable (great for hiking and camping) and unlike other brands (not going to repeat myself) they do not contain any petrochemicals or skin irritating ingredients and they smell great too. The intimate wipes are the perfect size and fit in my purse and the baby wipes are great for keeping in the car or gym bag.
So all the ladies out their that don’t want a soiled cloth rag in a plastic bag in your bag or a sore vagina from trying to get that cup thing in right so it doesn’t leak (yes I have tried them all) try Natracare.

]]> By: margery http://myplasticfreelife.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to/comment-page-1/#comment-11894 margery Fri, 09 Apr 2010 21:55:51 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to-happen-enventually/#comment-11894 I love Lunapads! I started by switching to the diva cup, but I ordered it from Lunapads and got two reusable panyliners with it. I had had no idea how much more comfortable those pieces of cotton would be. I love them. It took me awhile to get used to the diva cup, and I even gave up using it for awhile, so I got more lunapads in the meantime and I will never, ever go back. It just makes too much sense. Why use a disposable product when the alternative is more comfortable, more cost effective, and better for the environment all round? And once I got used to the cup I never needed to dump it out and clean it during the day. It just goes in in the morning and comes out (and goes back in) at night. I have a reasonably heavy flow, and I've only come close to filling it once, and that was after it was in all night and most of the next day due to extenuating circumstances (not recommended use of the cup, for sure) Also they have this nifty product for discreetly wiping out the cup: http://lunapads.com/extras/wysi-wipes.html Not helpful for those of us avoiding plastic, since they are packaged in a plastic bag. But potentially nifty. Also, for me, it's a local company. And I like that. I like the custom-made idea too though. That's sweet. I love Lunapads! I started by switching to the diva cup, but I ordered it from Lunapads and got two reusable panyliners with it. I had had no idea how much more comfortable those pieces of cotton would be. I love them.

It took me awhile to get used to the diva cup, and I even gave up using it for awhile, so I got more lunapads in the meantime and I will never, ever go back. It just makes too much sense. Why use a disposable product when the alternative is more comfortable, more cost effective, and better for the environment all round?

And once I got used to the cup I never needed to dump it out and clean it during the day. It just goes in in the morning and comes out (and goes back in) at night. I have a reasonably heavy flow, and I’ve only come close to filling it once, and that was after it was in all night and most of the next day due to extenuating circumstances (not recommended use of the cup, for sure)

Also they have this nifty product for discreetly wiping out the cup: http://lunapads.com/extras/wysi-wipes.html

Not helpful for those of us avoiding plastic, since they are packaged in a plastic bag. But potentially nifty.

Also, for me, it’s a local company. And I like that.

I like the custom-made idea too though. That’s sweet.

]]> By: Serena http://myplasticfreelife.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to/comment-page-1/#comment-11608 Serena Mon, 29 Mar 2010 14:18:52 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to-happen-enventually/#comment-11608 I LOVE my Femmecup! Whether silicon is like plastic or better for the environment, most cups are said to last 7-10 years. Considering that is an average of 84-120 cycles, that is still a lot of plastic saved for those who prefer to not go the cloth pad route. I highly recommend http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups for those considering a cup. There are so many different kinds and many questions to ask. I LOVE my Femmecup! Whether silicon is like plastic or better for the environment, most cups are said to last 7-10 years. Considering that is an average of 84-120 cycles, that is still a lot of plastic saved for those who prefer to not go the cloth pad route. I highly recommend http://community.livejournal.com/menstrual_cups for those considering a cup. There are so many different kinds and many questions to ask.

]]> By: Julie Casper http://myplasticfreelife.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to/comment-page-1/#comment-6893 Julie Casper Fri, 07 Aug 2009 14:14:54 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to-happen-enventually/#comment-6893 Another good feminine hygiene product is Party in my Pants pads (www.partypantspads.com). I use them and love them! They never leak, I just quickly hand wash them out in the sink and hang to dry. Then throw them through the wash when cycle is done. 6 pads in a few different sizes meets all my needs. Please add them to your list. <br />Julie Another good feminine hygiene product is Party in my Pants pads (www.partypantspads.com). I use them and love them! They never leak, I just quickly hand wash them out in the sink and hang to dry. Then throw them through the wash when cycle is done. 6 pads in a few different sizes meets all my needs. Please add them to your list.
Julie

]]> By: sally http://myplasticfreelife.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to/comment-page-1/#comment-6715 sally Mon, 20 Jul 2009 15:53:28 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to-happen-enventually/#comment-6715 While i was in India, i became very conscious about my trash, mostly because the trash there isn't shipped off to some unseen far off location, and never heard about again... No, in India they just burn it all right there in the front yard. So... mentral waste. That's a hazardous material right there, and we're buring it? (I'm refering, of course, to the burning of the plastic in pads, not the blood) <br /><br />I've never been one for tampons, so i just stuck with my pads, until i realized that i had access to a sewing machine and the internet. :p I found a website that gave steps on how to make your own cloth menstral pad, and advised that you take a commerically produced pad your like, and trace it. Then you have the shape and size you want, and it's home made. No shipping at all. :) While i was in India, i became very conscious about my trash, mostly because the trash there isn't shipped off to some unseen far off location, and never heard about again… No, in India they just burn it all right there in the front yard. So… mentral waste. That's a hazardous material right there, and we're buring it? (I'm refering, of course, to the burning of the plastic in pads, not the blood)

I've never been one for tampons, so i just stuck with my pads, until i realized that i had access to a sewing machine and the internet. :p I found a website that gave steps on how to make your own cloth menstral pad, and advised that you take a commerically produced pad your like, and trace it. Then you have the shape and size you want, and it's home made. No shipping at all. :)

]]> By: trucker http://myplasticfreelife.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to/comment-page-1/#comment-5173 trucker Wed, 04 Mar 2009 02:43:00 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to-happen-enventually/#comment-5173 Hi Beth, <br/><br/>I love you website! To address the question of silicone, in actual fact, it is NOT a plastic. It is a polymer, yes, but this only means it is a molecule that is made up of repeating subunits (this means that natural substances such as shellac and amber are also considered polymers). It contains the elements silicon, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. Sometimes silicone is mixed with plastic to make silicone plastics, but it does not have to. In fact, the silicone used to make the Diva cups contains no plastics...it says so right on the box (no latex, rubber, plastic, or BPA, to be specific). <br/><br/>I do not know whether or not this material is more environmentally friendly than plastic; it is considered to be safer but this may just be because it has not been tested as extensively. Although, since silicon and the other elements it contains are found everywhere in nature, it seems to make sense that it would be safer, as long as it is high grade stuff that is not mixed with other chemicals. That is just my own thoughts on it, though.<br/><br/>-Alana Hi Beth,

I love you website! To address the question of silicone, in actual fact, it is NOT a plastic. It is a polymer, yes, but this only means it is a molecule that is made up of repeating subunits (this means that natural substances such as shellac and amber are also considered polymers). It contains the elements silicon, oxygen, hydrogen, and carbon. Sometimes silicone is mixed with plastic to make silicone plastics, but it does not have to. In fact, the silicone used to make the Diva cups contains no plastics…it says so right on the box (no latex, rubber, plastic, or BPA, to be specific).

I do not know whether or not this material is more environmentally friendly than plastic; it is considered to be safer but this may just be because it has not been tested as extensively. Although, since silicon and the other elements it contains are found everywhere in nature, it seems to make sense that it would be safer, as long as it is high grade stuff that is not mixed with other chemicals. That is just my own thoughts on it, though.

-Alana

]]> By: Sarah http://myplasticfreelife.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to/comment-page-1/#comment-2618 Sarah Thu, 12 Jun 2008 20:49:00 +0000 http://fakeplasticfish.com/2007/12/plastic-free-feminine-hygiene-it-had-to-happen-enventually/#comment-2618 I was so excited to get my period when I bought 3 Glad Rags pantyliners to use with the rest of my tampons (switching to Diva cup when my current supply runs out). Today is my first day with the Glad Rags liner and I'm having trouble. It keeps moving back and fourth (mostly back). Anyone have any tips......besides buy custom liners (wish I'd seen that before, how smart!) I was so excited to get my period when I bought 3 Glad Rags pantyliners to use with the rest of my tampons (switching to Diva cup when my current supply runs out). Today is my first day with the Glad Rags liner and I’m having trouble. It keeps moving back and fourth (mostly back). Anyone have any tips……besides buy custom liners (wish I’d seen that before, how smart!)

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