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A blog reader pointed out to me recently that I never mention alternative and more eco friendly menstrual products. I think I may have mentioned them briefly in the past but I agree I do not mention them nearly enough.
Since the time I developed a need for them until my mid twenties I was using what is considered mainstream for menstrual products…disposable pads and tampons. I never really liked either of these options but I wasn’t really aware of alternatives. No, I take that back. I had heard of cloth pads but I didn’t think that was something women in “developed” countries used…sounds kinda snobbish huh? But I went through quite a few transformations when I had my second child. I started using cloth diapers when she came into my life and I quickly found that many cloth diapering mamas were also quite fond of mama cloth. I ordered some from a friend of mine that made them and the rest is history.
After I tried reusable cloth menstrual pads one time I knew I would not use paper and plastic disposables ever again. I won’t go into details here but it was like finding silk after a life filled with sandpaper. I never knew I had sandpaper until I found the silk. 
But even better than finding the ultimate comfort is finding an eco friendly and less wasteful alternative.
Environmentally-friendly menstrual products provide clean and healthy choices for women seeking alternatives to the synthetic products that can harm the body and harm the environment.
Disposable pads and tampons are just like disposable diapers…they are loaded with chemicals and they end up in our landfills. They don’t allow our skin to breathe, they can harbor bacteria, and they are really NOT all that comfortable.
I am going to discuss some of the alternatives below.
Safer Disposables
In the safe disposable category are non-chlorine bleached all-cotton pads and tampons. These products are not as environmentally friendly as reusable products but they are chemical free. It is, however possible to find pesticides in 100% all natural cotton products. To reduce this exposure it is suggested that you choose a brand made with organic cotton. I used some of these that I got at Whole Foods and I didn’t care for them but if the options below aren’t your thing these are safer than conventional. Her are some organic tampons and here are some organic pads…both disposable.
Cloth Menstrual Pads
Reusable and pads are just like disposable pads except that instead of throwing them out after use they can be washed out and reused. Reusable pads usually consist of two parts: a liner and a liner holder. Although there are AIO or All-In-One options to. The liner fits into the holder which has wings that snap around the crotch portion of underwear to remain secure.
On those days where the flow is lighter, the liner holder can be used alone; on heavy days, two or more liners can be used with one holder. This product is more expensive than traditional disposal pads but will result in significant savings over the long run since they will last for many years. Here are my favorites:
Sckoon Organic Cotton Menstrual Pads- These are a favorite. They have quite a few great prints and they are made of 100% Organic Egyptian cotton; the rarest, softest, and the most luxurious cotton in the world. It has super absorbability, incredible breathability and silky softness. I love how comfortable and colorful they are.
GladRags- You can get these made from regular cotton or organic cotton and in several different earthy colors. They have a liner and holder as explained above and overall they make for a very sturdy cloth pad. I have had some of these on hand for several years now. They also have daytime and nighttime sizes.
LunaPads- These are very pretty pads a bit more on the luxurious side. They have some really fun colors and designs and even some panties with a pad built in. They have organic and non as well and some really nice panty liners too.
Sorella Luna Organic Pads - These are an All-in-One where the absorbent material is built into the pad with wings, so it is one piece. They are super soft and comfortable and one of my faves. You can get super and regular and a carrying bag too for your purse.
Caring for them is pretty easy. You can keep them in a container to soak until wash day or you can dry store and them give them a good soak in cold water and then wash. If stains bother you than soaking them right away might be best. I don’t particularly care about stains myself.
Natural Tampons
Sea sponges can be used as an alternative to tampons. These are the same sponges that are found on the ocean floor. The benefit of using sponges is that they are all natural. As far durability goes, one sponge will last for about 6 months.
Are you trying to imagine how to use a sponge? It is very straight forward. Upon being moistened with water and squeezed the sponge can then be fairly easily inserted just like a tampon. After about 3 hours the sponge will have to be removed and rinsed out before reuse. At the end of the cycle the sponge must be cleaned and air dried. These were never my thing but if you to give them a try I recommend Jade and Pearl Sea Sponges.
Menstrual Cups
And we come to my all time favorites! Menstrual cups are popular with many all natural 
alternative users. Menstrual cups are small, rubber or silicone cups that are inserted into the vagina where they are positioned to catch menstrual flow.
The Keeper is a menstrual cup that is made of natural gum rubber (from trees). This cup is placed inside like a tampon and can be worn for 6 to 12 hours depending on the flow after which time it can then be simply emptied, rinsed with soap and water and reinserted. It can also be worn overnight. There are two sizes. Size A is for those who have had a vaginal birth and size B is for those that have not. I LOVE my Keeper. I find that I forget that it is even THAT time of month when I use one and unlike when I used tampons I need no back-up pad protection. The Keeper has a 90 day money back guarantee and it lasts up to ten years, potentially saving over $800.
For women with latex allergies there is the DivaCup. This product is made of silicone. The DivaCup can be worn and managed just like The Keeper and has two sizes as well.
In comparison I like the sturdy nature and darker color of The Keeper better than the clear DivaCup which gets dingy after many uses. But The Keeper has a longer stem which some women find uncomfortable but you can cut the stem on either cup to a comfortable level. Both products cost between $25 to $35 dollars each. But again, they will save money over time as they can last for years. I have had both of mine for over 3 years now. Most women need about 2-3 months to get used to menstrual cups.
Reusable menstrual products are healthier to use and infinitely more comfortable. They may take some adjustment as some women/girls may be uncomfortable dealing with menstrual blood because of years of using disposable, traditional products. I will admit that I am not squeamish in that regard. Caring for them is pretty easy too.
So what do you think? Do you already use one or more of these products or were you thinking about it?
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Beckie said,
April 17, 2008 at 10:10 pm:
I LOVE my Diva Cup
Beckie’s last blog post..I LOVE this list
Kansas Mom said,
April 17, 2008 at 10:58 pm:
I’ve recently become interested in a menstrual cup but haven’t tried it yet as I’m currently pregnant. I’m wondering, though, how soon they can be used after a birth. Can you use one right after the birth or do you have to wait until the first real cycle?
Kansas Mom’s last blog post..Christmas in April
rachel said,
April 18, 2008 at 12:34 am:
I’ve had a Diva Cup for a couple of years now, and I can’t imagine using anything else. So convenient and cost-efficient, though the real reason I switched was because I was tired of the monthly waste from wrappers, boxes, etc. My Diva Cup hasn’t gotten grimy, and I actually think that lighter-colored products are more likely to be kept very clean…
rachel’s last blog post..36/37 weeks
Stretch Mark Mama said,
April 18, 2008 at 1:48 am:
Thanks for this post! I’ve wanted to make the switch for a while, but can’t seem to push myself towards the initial expense.
Brooke said,
April 18, 2008 at 2:01 am:
http://blog.pennlive.com/positiveparenting/2008/04/green_up_the_red.html
I just wrote a blog about this myself. I have been using my diva cup since my first cycle after I had my daughter and so far it’s awesome. I guess I am one of the rare women who had success with my diva cup from the very start. I did have some issues with the stem, but I cut it and it solved the problem. Then last month I had some issues with leaking, but realized that my cervix was hiding below the cup. I’ve also used cloth pads for my postpartum period and like them also, but the diva is just more convenient. I’m considering also trying out sea sponges, because they are cheap and I could use them as a backup at work where it seems like my period always starts.
lovelilacs said,
April 18, 2008 at 2:08 am:
I just started using the brand you recommended in disposables. I had always used mainstream and didn’t even know there was an alternative until recently. I’m a little hesitant to try the cloth or diva cup, I think my husband would freak out. Anyhow, thanks for the informative post
Tiffany said,
April 18, 2008 at 8:02 am:
Kansas Mom,
I am unsure about using them for postpartum. As things are kinds bent outta shape so to speak they might not fit that well and end up leaking. I would ask your Doctor too.
Lucia said,
April 18, 2008 at 9:04 am:
I’ve used a mooncup (I’m in the UK) for 3 years now and once I got the hang on it I never looked back. They are FAB, and really money-saving too. I know they do two different sizes - one for before you’ve ever given birth, and one for after. (Though maybe not immediately after!)
Lucia’s last blog post..Friday Foughts
Angi said,
April 18, 2008 at 9:22 am:
You know, I oddly really enjoyed this post! I say “oddly” because the whole concept in general is not something that typically brings a smile to my face
but…yeah, this could be a good and easy change for me. I’m currently 6.5 months post-partum with baby #4 (uh, do those cups come in a size made for Mama’s whose girly-bits have been around the block a time or four??) and since am still exclusively nursing, no cycle yet. But I think I may give these a chance…I love the idea of the cup and the sponge. Thanks for giving this issue some blog-worthy attention!
Angi’s last blog post..Must It Be This Difficult? I Mean, Really.
Michelle said,
April 18, 2008 at 10:18 am:
I just used my Diva Cup for the first time and after a few poor insertions I got the hang of it. It is WONDERFUL. I just love it.
texmex said,
April 18, 2008 at 10:28 am:
I love the diva’s cup and use it every month for about 2 years now. I just came back from the swimming pool and I didn’t even think about it once. I wear mine 24h, wash it and wear it again. So convenient and so much cleaner. The blood doesn’t degrade and never smells bad as on napkins. I love it and no more napkins in this house. I love it.
texmex’s last blog post..Graines germes: le broccoli
Michelle Rotter said,
April 18, 2008 at 10:48 am:
I have used a cup for about a year now. It does take time to get used to, but it is worth it in the end. Tampons wern’t an option for me due to having a septic system, and I didn’t want them in the trash can stinking the whole place up.
I have just started (two weeks ago) making my own pantiliners to go with the cup. I haven’t tried them yet, but am excited. Who would have thought I would be excited for that! The fun part isusing the fun flannel material I had left over from making PJ pants this past Christmas. I can honestly say I will never look at Strawberry Shortcake the same way again
mary said,
April 18, 2008 at 11:42 am:
I’m looking at that cup and wondering how it fits in you. I’m having a problem with tampons (environmental damage being the first priority) and the feeling that’s it’s falling out of me. I also don’t like paying $$$ for cotton on a string. It can’t hurt to try the cup. thanks.
Tiffany said,
April 18, 2008 at 11:59 am:
Mary,
The cup folds inward for insertion. The size you see in the picture is what it looks like when opened inside…it is smaller going in though.
Stacy S said,
April 18, 2008 at 12:57 pm:
I use Lunapads (great Canadian company started by a few women - I’m in Canada myself). I am not a big fan of tampons so I went the pads route instead of the cup route (unlike everyone else here it seems). I would never go back, they’re so comfy (I used to get so itchy from disposable pads) and best of all there’s no waste. Love them!
mama k said,
April 18, 2008 at 1:14 pm:
Love “mama cloth” I started using them before I got preggo when I was researching cloth diapers. I have found that WHAM made ones are my favorite with bamboo or cotton velour tops. So comfy!
I also recently started using a Diva cup which is a wonderful alternative to tampons. Again, more comfortable and not irratating like tampons are.
mama k’s last blog post..Frugal Friday: Buying Produce
Kelly said,
April 18, 2008 at 2:56 pm:
Tiffany- I loved this post. Am I always gushing or what? But you are so educational to me! I cloth diaper, but admit I have never thought about my own needs. The Diva sounds cool, and I think I will be ordering one.
Kelly’s last blog post..My experience with cloth diapering!
tessa said,
April 19, 2008 at 7:59 am:
hi, I am one of your readers and love your blog. You are helping me help my family. We are on the right path for eating and cleaning, and now I want to start to recycle, but I don’t know what to recycle or what to do with it? I feel guilty every time I throw something away that might could be recycled. And then there is that thought will it just pile up in my garage, does someone pick it up with the trash? please help.
Autumn Beck said,
April 19, 2008 at 10:37 pm:
This is something I have struggled with investing in. I am interested in the Keeper of Diva Cup but since my history has shown that I have one pp cycle then am pregnant again I hesitate buying them. If you use them once or twice then don’t need them again for 2 years would they still be good?
Autumn Beck
http://allaboutclothdiapers.com
Autumn Beck’s last blog post..Contest For an Ultimate Guide to Cloth Diapers
Tiffany said,
April 19, 2008 at 10:58 pm:
Autumn, The Keeper will last up to ten years of actual use. So I think you’d be in the clear.
two girls and a cup said,
April 21, 2008 at 3:17 am:
[...] in the past but I agree I do not mention them nearly enough. Since the time I developed a needhttp://www.naturemoms.com/blog/2008/04/17/alternative-menstrual-products-ditch-the-disposables/Tremendous strides Asbury Park PressAnyone walking around the athletic fields at Wall High School on [...]
Jodi said,
April 21, 2008 at 2:42 pm:
A few years ago my hubby and I went through an extremely rough financial spell, and in desperation I made my own cloth pads out of old towels and a pattern I found on Hillbilly Housewife (www.hillbillyhousewife.com). I have never looked back. I LOVE them! They are easy to make out of whatever suitable material I have floating around the house if one is lost or damaged (by pets or laundry machine mishaps). My daughters, who have not yet started menstruating, are actually planning out their own sets, with pretty fabric and all, and the oldest has begun sewing hers in anticipation of the big day - read my blog post “Adultery:” http://www.homeschoolblogger.com/mommajo94/332894/.
Now I have temporary custody of my toddler niece and she has been cloth diapered the entire time she’s been with us.
I have discovered that I am annoyed with the thought of buying garbage - that I am purchasing something with the intent of throwing it away immediately. Yuck! What’s a little extra work and a whole lot of extra comfort?
However, it did get a little awkward when my NOT like-minded mother-in-law moved in downstairs and discovered my “secret” when she did the laundry … “Are these what I think they are??? EWWW!” Now she won’t touch my laundry - It’s a good way to keep her chemical-laden laundry products out of my family’s clothing!
Autumn Beck said,
April 23, 2008 at 11:16 am:
Jodi, reading your comment in my email made me laugh so I had to come back and let you know! I get nervous when I wash cloth diapers at my mother in laws that she’ll go to put them in the dryer for me and see the bits of raisins and beans that are left behind *blush*
Our dirty little secrets LOL
Autumn Becks last blog post..3 Reasons Why I Chose To Cloth Diaper
Rachel said,
April 24, 2008 at 10:26 am:
I considered all the options and ended up purchasing one GladRag at my local health food store. Although I have NEVER used pads, and hated them, I loved my GladRag. It’s just like wearing underwear. A friend who sews made up some copies for me out of old flannerl shirts, so my whole collection was practically free. Love it! Haven’t tried the diva yet, but when my tampons run out (like in 2 years!) I will!
Rachel said,
April 24, 2008 at 10:28 am:
let’s see if this works…
Rachels last blog post..Five Favorite “Green” Tips
Helena said,
June 22, 2008 at 11:32 pm:
I had a boxful of pads and tampons that I had been holding onto just in case. They were useful to me for awhile until I got a lot better with the Keeper. I find I get excited at my period now, because it’s the time where I get to play with my special toy (is that silly?). The extra pads and tampons I gave away to my roommates, one of whom asked me why I was doing this, saying “Do you not want to be a woman anymore?” I show her the Keeper, it grosses her out, and she continues telling that I don’t want to be a woman anymore. This bothered me, my other roommate at least had the decency to say, “it doesn’t suit me” without adding any opinion on what she thought I was. But the “you’re not a woman” roommate really frustrated me. I’ve never felt so happy to be a woman before! And I never said anything on how absolutely skeevy I thought her pads were (they disgust me nowadays). Does anyone have tips on how to not be so frustrated with my disposable-pad-wearing, plastic-bag-using roommate?
Maria said,
June 30, 2008 at 8:35 am:
Now that my flow has returned, I’ve ordered a Diva Cup! Thanks for this post all over again! It’s stuck in my mind over the past months!