Have a greener period
Each year, billions of pads and tampons are sent to landfills, and hundreds of thousands of applicators are found on beaches. Not only is the waste unnecessary, the chlorine bleach used to whiten tampons breaks down into a carcinogen called dioxin, which can leach into drinking water. And then there are all the pesticides used to grow the cotton. Next month, consider these options for a greener period:
Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free Organic Cotton Tampons
20-count box: $6
These tampons contain only organic cotton, certified by Quality Assurance International, Inc. No rayon (found in most tampons, its fibers can cause ulcerations linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome), no fragrance, and no bleach.
Moonpads:
Medium flow starter kit: $33.50
This Etsy seller makes reusable panty liners and maxi pads from with organic cotton in super cute patterns. They’re as absorbent as disposable pads and washer- and dryer-friendly.
DivaCup
1 cup and storage pouch: $35
The FDA-approved Diva cup collects menstrual flow internally. It’s made from medical-grade silicone, is easy to wash, and only needs to be emptied once every twelve hours. Plus, since you’ll never have to buy another tampon or maxi pad (or ruin another pair of undies), it pays for itself fast.
—Kat, KIWI intern
1 comment
Thank you for posting this important information and for including Seventh Generation! Considering that the average girl/woman will buy more than 11,000 tampons in her lifetime, the alternatives you present are simple but important choicesto make a difference.
If every woman of menstruating age replaced one 16-count package of regular applicator conventional cotton tampons with organic cotton tampons, we could prevent 17,000 lbs of pesticides from polluting our rivers, lakes and streams.
Those who wish to learn more about organic feminine care can check out http://www.letstalkperiod.com. The site includes information about conventional versus organic, and includes a coupon for Seventh Generation organic tampons.
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