Now that you know about reusables, why might you choose to use them? Let's take a look at some
very good reasons many women have opted to use reusable feminine protection for at least part of their
monthly cycles.
The average woman will menstruate monthly for approximately 35 years.
That's a lot of years to need menstrual products!
Environmental
If you use disposable feminine protection exclusively during your menstrual years, you will
use approximately 12,500. Where do they ultimately end up? Typically,
our sewage systems and landfills where they can take years to bio-degrade,
and potentially centuries for the plastics used on applicators and packaging
to bio-degrade.
Many women have decided that this landfill mountain should not be part of
their legacy to future generations, and hence choose reusables.
Economical
Let's say a box of disposables costs about $5.00 per month (if you use all organic
cotton, it's more expensive). That's $60.00 a year, or approximately $2,100.00 during
your menstrual years, not taking into account inflation.
A reusable menstrual pad can last several years, a menstrual cup up to 10 years,
and sea sponges from 3 months to a year. Particularly with pads and sponges, you will
likely want to have several - just as you do with kitchen or bath towels, so that you
can rotate and distribute usage.
Menstrual pads are approximately $8 to $12 each. Sponges can run $6 to $8 for a package
of two. And, menstrual cups are approximately $25 to $35. You can easily save many
hundreds of dollars by using reusables for part or all of your monthly cycle.
Health Related
Some women are concerned about using synthetic (rayon, or rayon/cotton blend) disposable
tampons and pads, due to the potential health hazards associated with them,
particularly Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS), and dioxin exposure
linked to the bleaching process.
We should note that this is controversial issue, and you should research this topic or
speak to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns. Further, the US FDA
refutes many of the claims about dioxin: you can find more information at
http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/consumer/tamponsabs.html.
ARE REUSALBE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS FOR YOU?
Clearly, if you don't know about a product, you wouldn't think to buy it! When our recent survey told us that many of you were unaware of reusables, we wanted to follow-up with this article to let you know there were alternative options.
So now that you know about reusable, are they for you? Will you switch? Perhaps the idea completely appeals to you, and you can't wait to buy and try! Or, maybe after using disposable feminine protection for so long, you think that reusables are less convenient, and not a viable option for your lifestyle.
Survey Results Revisited: Reusables are actually used by many women.
Let's take a look at our survey results from a different angle.
40% of those polled know about reusables. Of these, 8% either
use reusables all the time or for part of their cycle.
This means that 20% of those who know about reusables are
using them!
Keep in mind that this is not necessarily an all or nothing proposition.
Maybe reusables are right for you for part of your cycle. For example, perhaps
disposables for office hours, reusables for nights and weekends. Maybe a menstrual cup
for summer/beach/sports activities; Or, reusable washable pads for lighter days, such that
disposable pantiliners are a thing of your past! The possibilities, girls, are endless!
Which brings us to our concluding thought: reusables make possible the concept of a
menstrual wardrobe, enabling you to mix and match what you use and wear for
protection during your monthly cycle. The companies producing the reusable pads
provide many excellent colors and designs, and some even have thong-based pads.
WHERE TO BUY REUSABLE MENSTRUAL PRODUCTS
A very easy way to find out more about resuable menstrual products and to buy them is via the internet.
The companies manufacturing these products have web sites, as do several distributors who sell
products from multiple vendors. Below are some of the companies making reusable menstrual products.
