Why Reusables?

 

health benefits

Disposable products such as tampons and pads often contain harmful chemicals. Even when products are listed as “all natural” they can produce irritation to the skin. Tampons have also been linked to Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) in rare cases. TSS, which can be life threatening,  is caused when Staphylococcus aureus (Staph) bacteria is able to enter the bloodstream. For more information on these risks and TSS click here. Tampons can also produce internal irritation by drying out the vagina and creating small tears.

Reusable products do not contain harmful chemicals or unknown ingredients. Menstrual cups, which are internal like tampons, do not absorb like tampons do, and therefore cannot dry out the vagina.

 

Environmental Benefits

Disposable products often include chemicals which harm the environment during production. Their packaging is also extremely wasteful. We also know that these products are not easily biodegradable because they often clog septic systems. On average, a woman uses 12,000 to 16,000 disposable pads and/or tampons in her menstruating lifetime. This produces an estimated 150 lbs of trash in a woman’s menstruating lifetime. Switching to reusables decreases waste from production, shipping, and monthly use.

 

Cost Benefits

It is estimated that over her menstruating lifetime, a woman will spend about $2,000 on disposable pads and tampons. Depending on the manufacturer, a menstrual cup costs between $30 and $40, and a 5-pack of reusable pads can be purchased for about $80. These products can last between 5 and 10 years. At these prices, the same women may only need to spend $500 throughout her lifetime on reusable products.

 

women’s empowerment

Women who use menstrual cups and reusable pads are much more aware of the amount that they bleed, and therefore they are more in touch with their bodies’ natural rhythm. This feeling is empowering and even works to break the “ick” factor surrounding menstruation. There is also tremendous power that comes with bringing a taboo subject out into the open with the power of education.

 

What are Reusables?

 

Menstrual  Cups

Menstrual cups are typically made out of medical grade silicone, though they can also be made from latex.  Cups only need to be emptied as needed. The cup gets emptied directly into the toilet. Cups are very easy to clean with mild soap and water, or simply wiped out with toilet paper. Most importantly, make sure to wash hands before and after emptying. 

 

Reusable  Pads

Cloth pads are mostly made from cotton and come in the same choices of shape, size, and absorbency as disposables. Some have a bottom layer made from Polyurethane Laminate (PUL), a breathable and waterproof fabric. Cloth pads can be hand washed or tossed in the washing machine with the rest of your laundry. 

   

Interested in Purchasing Reusables for Yourself?

Use the link below to buy from our partners at GladRags, and UnTabooed will received 5% .

*icons created by Egidio Filippetti, Ilsur Aptukov, and Irfan Mir from the Noun Project

---