On our quest to live more sustainably and to be more eco-friendly we’ve made several changes to our daily lives. As some of you already know, I’ve made the switch from disposable feminine hygiene products to reusable ones this year. Being a seasoned cloth diapering mom has proved that bodily functions aren’t world ending in the laundry department.

If I can get poop, pee and vomit out of clothing without stains or a gross washer why not a little blood? I know that sentence made you cringe. I was cringing and gagging when I first heard about washing sanitary napkins too.

When I began looking in to all the positive opinions about them I became intrigued. Then I opened my eyes to the environmental impacts of the plastic and all the resources needed to make them and was more swayed. Plus, reusing cloth pads saves money over your lifetime and it is better for you.

When someone linked the chemicals in bleaching the pulp with fertility issues and increased menstrual pain I was pretty much sold on the idea of making the switch to cloth menstrual pads.

One of the main concerns over disposables (diapers, tampons and pads) is that the chemicals used to process, bleach and make them absorbent are super bad for you.

• According to Greenpeace, there are traces of dioxin and TBT (tributyl-tin), two highly toxic chemicals in disposable diapers. The EPA lists Dioxin as the most toxic of all cancer-linked contagions.
• Sodium polyacrylate (the clear gel-like substance you often find on your baby’s genitals after a diaper change) was banned in 1985 because of its link to Toxic Shock Syndrome but is still found in diapers and menstrual pads.
• Some disposable pads contain latex (to make the plastic soft) and dioxins (a carcinogen left from the bleaching process). These have been linked to many period related issues and are also allergens for some.

There is some debate about the dangers of these chemicals and the impact on us. Do I think the government and product manufacturers are intentionally poisoning us? No!

Is there a chance that there are unrealized or minor dangers resulting from the use of these chemicals? I think there most certainly could be. Personally if there is a more natural, potentially safer alternative I prefer it.

Chemical ingredients aside I’ve sure felt different since making the switch. I’ve had way fewer instances of cramps, lighter flow and a few other personal things that I wont list here (email me if you are curious).

Generally I’ve felt much better and had more pleasant periods. Additionally, my cycles have also become much more regulated and clear cut since making the switch.

Although, N will vouch for the fact that my mood (aka bitchiness) leading up to the time of the month hasn’t changed much. I am sure that is one area he would be glad to see improvement in… Ha, ha.

Why am I telling you all this again? Because I am reminded of the torture that is a disposable pad tonight… Sadly, being sick means I’ve gotten behind in my laundry washing and I am wearing a dreaded disposable tonight, none of my cloth ones are clean and dry. The plastic feeling is so gross and the material part is like sticking to me… SICK!!!

Tonight is a major reminder of what I AM NOT missing with disposable pads.

Wanna learn more about cloth menstrual pads? Here is one mom’s video review on her pads.

Sources:

1. New Tests Confirm TBT Poison in Proctor & Gamble’s Pampers®: Greenpeace Demands World-wide Ban of Organotins in All Products
2. Your Baby’s Safe…Are You?
3. American Women’s Club of Hamburg: Hidden Dangers of Disposable Diapers
4. Why use a Reusable Product