Editor's Note: This is the first of a two-part series on feminine products. The second column focuses on tampons and menstrual cups.
Suffering the curse. Surfing the crimson wave. Being on the rag. Falling to the communists. Call it what you will, menstruation is a monthly reality for most women. And it's not exactly a party for the planet.
The average woman will menstruate for about four decades and use an estimated 16,800 sanitary pads or tampons in the process -- that's 250 to 300 pounds of waste. In the U.S. alone, some 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are disposed of annually. Add to that the questionable contents of said items -- synthetic fibers and chemical-soaked cotton -- and it's no wonder that time of the month isn't a pleasant one.
Grist's Pick
Lunapads Organic Cotton Maxi Pad and LinerSeventh Generation Chlorine-Free Ultra-thin
But what's the alternative? Well, that's where it gets complicated. If Mother Earth's the only consideration, the answer may be an easy one. But Aunt Flow's a difficult guest, and many different factors -- like convenience, comfort, and cost, not to mention squeamishness -- come into play.
With this in mind, the courageous women of Grist volunteered to share their experiences with a number of alternative feminine products. In this first of a two-column series, we examine, um, outerwear -- including washable cotton pads and biodegradable disposables. Although our staffers had differing opinions about the products they reviewed, everyone agreed it was a bloody good time.
GladRags Organic Cotton Maxi Pad and Liner
Eco-claims: Reusable for up to five years; available in organic, undyed cotton
Capacity/Length of use: Overnight
Leakage: Minimal
Odor: Not much
Comfort: Significantly more breathable than your average plasticky pad, but also much thicker -- and downright diaper-like if you're used to an ultra-thin pad.
GladRags feature an outer pad into which you put one or two (or more) inserts to increase absorbency. The plus side is that the system seems slightly more secure than holding the insert in place with elastic (see Lunapad, below), but the downside is the need to wash the outer pad once you've used it, as opposed to just washing the insert. Several ladies mentioned the "ick factor" of having to soak and rinse the soiled pad and liner after use -- and before putting them in the washer. One reviewer who has used GladRags for about a decade recommends rinsing the soiled pads by putting them on the tub floor while showering -- and says they've held up well, even after many washings.
Lunapads Organic Cotton Maxi Pad and Liner
Eco-claims: Reusable for at least three years; available in organic cotton
Capacity/Length of use: Overnight
Leakage: Minimal
Odor: Not much
Comfort: Similar to the GladRags in both breathability and unfortunate diaper-like effect, but the Lunapad is slightly softer cotton
Reviewers said that washing just the insert was convenient, and despite the seemingly flimsy rickrack elastic holding it in place, the insert didn't move. The Lunapad is also slightly longer than the GladRag. Overall, if you're used to a conventional, slightly plasticky thin pad, both of these reusable options could disappoint with their thickness -- especially for day use. One reviewer dubbed her Lunapad the "Pussy Cushion" and noted that she developed a "camel foot" while wearing leggings and needed to adjust her chair and car mirrors due to the pad's added height.
Natracare Ultra Pads
Eco-claims: Free of chlorine bleach, perfumes, rayon, plastics, and other synthetics; made with natural materials, including plant cellulose and organic cotton; 90 percent biodegradable
Capacity/Length of use: Up to six hours
Leakage: None to moderate
Odor: Moderate
Comfort: Breathable and discreet
This pad is comparable to conventional pads in terms of usage, but reviewers said it feels more breathable, softer, and, well, natural -- noticeably missing is that plasticky sound and feeling. It's also very slim and discreet, so you "don't really notice it in your underoos," as one reviewer put it. The product could use a better "wing deployment system," however, as it can get bunched up or stick to itself during use. And one reviewer said it was too short and didn't provide enough coverage for physical activities.
Natracare Curved Regular Pad
Eco-claims: Free of chlorine bleach, perfumes, rayon, plastics, and other synthetics; made with natural materials including plant cellulose and organic cotton; 90 percent biodegradable
Capacity/Length of use: Up to six hours
Leakage: Moderate
Odor: Moderate
Comfort: Thick, but extra-soft
This more traditional maxi-style version of the Natracare pads is extra soft, even pillow-like, but didn't seem to offer much more in terms of absorption. The pad is also a little too short, which could cause leakage worries on heavier-flow days. One point to note about Natracare products is that the pads don't come individually wrapped. One reviewer praised the company for this effort to reduce waste and criticized Seventh Generation for individually wrapping its products. But another had this to say: "I'm sure this is better for the planet, but when I'm on the go, I don't want to carry around a giant box or baggie full of pads!"
Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free Ultra-Thin Overnight with Wings
Eco-claims: Chlorine free with a wheat-based absorbent core; recyclable packaging
Capacity/Length of use: Up to eight hours (depending on flow)
Leakage: Very little, thanks to the wings
Odor: Same as most maxi pads
Comfort: Very thin, practically unnoticeable
These are as thin as many of the conventional pads, while being both wide and long enough for the "overnight" protection they promised. The wings kept the pad in place quite well with very little bunching or curling. And despite being so thin, the pads turned out to have "tremendous" absorption power.
Seventh Generation Chlorine-Free Maxi Pads
Eco-claims: Chlorine free with a wheat-based absorbent core; recyclable packaging
Capacity/Length of use: Up to six hours (depending on flow)
Leakage: A lot
Odor: Strong
Comfort: Feels like a pillow in your drawers
This pad is thick and diaper-like, reminiscent of the generic offerings of the middle-school nurse. It was also deemed too short, and tended to "bunch up if you move around at all," leading to lots of leakage. The wingless version only exacerbates this problem.
The bottom line: If you don't mind washing and reusing your pads, the best choice is the softer, easier-to-use Lunapad. If you really need to throw those suckers out, try Seventh Generation's Ultra-Thin Pads. And if you're not a pad person, tune in on Nov. 18 for our tampon review!
This Friday, don’t just Buy Nothing—use nothing!
Ask Umbra on trash, toxics, and tots
Toxic suds want to watch you shower
Comments
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Elisa Posted 11:33 pm
06 Nov 2008
However, most of the time I use a silicone cup. I've had mine for almost 3 years (I use a Diva Cup) and since then the market has exploded and there are many options. One maker even sells cups in every color of the rainbow. I assume that menstrual cups will be covered in the next installment.
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loraz Posted 12:32 am
07 Nov 2008
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Larra Posted 1:08 am
07 Nov 2008
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Laura K Posted 3:29 am
07 Nov 2008
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raevynn Posted 3:38 am
07 Nov 2008
Puget Sound has tested positive for an amazing array of hormones, all from people!
I'd prefer NOT to add more toxins to the planet, thanks.
For me, the Diva cup works excellently, and with a bit of home industry, I've sewn up a few "spotter" pads from some soft flannel, with wings that work.
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linzzay Posted 6:03 am
07 Nov 2008
Re: the "ick" factor. I'll admit, I found it pretty weird to start with. But not for long. A lot of the ick factor, I found, came from the societal associations I had with the plasticky pads. The smell, for instance, I've noticed was far worse with plastic pads... and because you had to throw them out, the association that's made in the mind is dirty pads = gross waste. The weird coagulating chemicals or whatever is in those pads didn't help.
Washing out GladRags is the same as washing a cut, or washing out sheets that you might have accidentally bled on. Women for generations before us did much the same, using rags that they would wash... it's where "being on the rag" comes from as a saying. It's my blood, and I found myself -literally- getting in touch with it. I learned a lot about my own flow, and was fascinated by the pretty bright red color in the water that you never see in the pads. The shower trick's a good one, as is a bucket under the sink (change the water daily though or it gets funky - hand washing them immediately really is better)
I'll admit I draw the line at washing out my housemates' GladRags though. There is something to be said for keeping one's bodily fluids to oneself.
So what I'd say is, if you're going to try them, give them a chance. Give them a few months, work through the ick factor, and you may find yourself not only significantly reducing your impact on the environment, but making peace with your period.
I can't even contemplate going back now - the disposable ones are so gross!
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Gerda Posted 6:35 am
07 Nov 2008
i use torn up old bath towels from jumble sales, because i'm stingy, but they do move a bit when i'm doing heavy work.
ick warning!!!!
the soak water is a marvelous plant food, and i use it especially as an iron tonic for ericaceous (acid loving) plants like azaleas, blueberries and citrus that are looking a bit yellow.
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redambrosia99 Posted 1:22 am
08 Nov 2008
When referring to cost, I am of course, referring to the disposable options here. Gladrags, etc don't work for me.
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aleta Posted 2:02 am
08 Nov 2008
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deldol Posted 2:23 am
08 Nov 2008
Nothing more annoying than a clean pad and stained panties.
And I've tried GladRags. This was a dismal failure.
As a result, I stick to tampons with the extra long pads as back up. Plus I keep an extra set of clothes in the trunk and an extra pair of panties in my office desk.
Oh, and I use an absorbent pad on the bed at night. Not very comfortable.
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SarahO Posted 3:10 am
08 Nov 2008
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nettenette Posted 1:18 pm
08 Nov 2008
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Delly Posted 9:34 pm
08 Nov 2008
I use the Mooncup and couldn't recommend it more highly. It lasts for years, it's very easy to clean (no ick factor really), it doesn't leak and there's no discomfort. I'm not sure if it's sold at shops in the US but you can check it out and order one from the UK at http://www.mooncup.co.uk/
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granolagirl Posted 11:12 am
09 Nov 2008
I bought myself a "keeper" after my friend swore by it. It took a couple months to get use to, but now I swear by it as well. The keeper is the same as the Moon Cup but is better for woman that have an allergy to latex. It is also a bit more mailable, so it is easier to put in and take out.
It is very comfortable and safe and it feels great not to be using disposables or sitting in a mess. I would recommend it to most woman, but you have to be comfortable with yourself, and give yourself some adjustment time to practice.
http://www.keeper.com/
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loohszeeh Posted 4:38 pm
09 Nov 2008
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HelloKitty Posted 8:08 pm
09 Nov 2008
and then I noticed the copious 7th Gen advertsing all over the website and my questions were answered. Independent eco journalism you say....? not sure about that!
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Fawn Pattison Posted 2:45 am
10 Nov 2008
Here's a great tutorial on making your own rags (possibly the simplest sewing project you'll ever try):
http://sewgreen.blogspot.com/2007/05/cloth-pads.html
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Katharine Wroth Posted 4:03 am
10 Nov 2008
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texasjenny Posted 5:39 am
10 Nov 2008
I personally use a combination of Natracare pads/tampons/panty liners, with Glad Rags at the end of my period. You don't even have to do the pre-rinse at that point, since the volume is really low.
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mamabigdog Posted 5:58 am
10 Nov 2008
My periods are very heavy, and I was really concerned about leakage. I've never had a problem with one of my New Moon pads leaking through. They're even great at night. New Moon comes in more sizes than the others, too. They even make pantiliners.
I like knowing that I'm wearing a product that is not filled with chemicals, plastics and adhesives which irritate my sensitive areas. The cleaning issue isn't nearly as difficult as people make it out to be. It's your own blood, and it's not toxic. It won't hurt you, and it's not nearly as bad as cleaning out cloth baby diapers! If you use OxiClean detergent, you can really get your pads looking brand new every time.
I'd recommend anyone interested in really reducing what they're sending to landfills to give cloth pads from New Moon a try. It's been a great experience for me, and one of my daughters is now getting started on them too.
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embron Posted 6:31 am
10 Nov 2008
Also, I know we haven't gotten to tampons yet, but i have always flushed mine -- for the same reason. If you aren't going to flush them, what do you do with them? They would bleed through any toilet paper that you wrap around it.
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rivergal Posted 9:22 am
10 Nov 2008
P.S. the mirror adjustment comment in the Lunapad review had me laughing hysterically . . .
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witmol Posted 9:11 pm
10 Nov 2008
Required:
1 x small bottle of antibacterial hand gel
1 x paper towel
Rip paper towel in half.
Damp one half and keep the other dry.
Enter stall.
Open bottle of hand gel, sit it on the floor.
Remove cup, empty in toilet, do your business, flush.
Wipe cup with damp half of paper towel.
Reinsert.
Dry hands with dry half, wrap around damp (bloody) half and dispose in sanitary waste bin.
Use hand gel to clean hands to get out of stall.
Exit. (Washing hands recommended).
The best thing about the Diva Cup is that you get to know your cycle really well. For example, I know if it is day 2 of my period, I may need to empty the cup twice on an ordinary day of work but on day 3 it is only once. On day 1, 4 & 5 it can wait until I get home and I don't have to use hand gel or the paper towel.
I also sleep much, much better with a cup than ever have with any other form of sanitary solution because I don't have to worry about spillage when turning.
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loraz Posted 12:43 am
11 Nov 2008
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Squiji Posted 12:50 am
11 Nov 2008
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waxghost Posted 1:02 am
11 Nov 2008
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shelleyshell Posted 2:05 am
11 Nov 2008
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Plucky Jo Posted 3:39 am
11 Nov 2008
Construction of one pad takes about 15-20 minutes if using a sewing machine.
Here are two different versions:
http://www.hillbillyhousewife.com/sanitarypads.htm
http://sewgreen.blogspot.com/2007/05/cloth-pads.html
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willa Posted 2:53 pm
11 Nov 2008
Also, Natracare pads suck. They're horrible. They never, ever stay put or keep me from getting bloodstains on my underwear. More often than not, when using them, I've had bloodstains all the way through to my outer clothes. So the water, energy, and cleaning products I waste mopping up after inadequate pads goes towards making them not such a green option, really.
And at that, I bet the Natracare pads contain more material than the ultra-thin 7th Gen ones (and definitely need to be changed more often), so even if it's organic material, it was still produced using fossil fuels and other chemicals, and it's still going in the garbage. It's still taking petroleum products and producing waste and greenhouse gases. If it produces less toxic stuff per unit of mass, but there are more units of mass...?
The reusable flannel pads can be great, they can be awful and anywhere in between. It all depends on fit. One company, i don't remember which, makes a pair of panties designed with an integrated pad with the little insert things for absorbence. That might work for those of us who have a hard time keeping things properly positioned.
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Truth be known Posted 10:59 pm
11 Nov 2008
I care even less for companies that swing on the LOHAs consciousness and deliberately fool consumers into believing that they are making a real difference when in fact it is GREENWASH. I have kept quiet long enough and I am angry about this manipulation of information and how it fools women. Natracare does not use crude oil or chlorine or smokescreens, infact we hold an EPD lifecycle analysis that is scientifically validated, demonstrating that Natracare has the lowest carbon footprint of any brand - that's another conversation, lets get to the point here.
In the first instance, it is worth saying that the only structural difference between Always pads and packaging and 7th Gen pads (with wings) and packaging is that Always pads use polyacrylate super absorbent in it's pulp core and 7G uses polysaccharides- Lysorb to be exact.
The basic components of crude oil plastic and pulp airlaids is used in both Always and 7G pad construction.
The Crude oil plastic materials used in the 7G pads are ( and do correct me if I am wrong 7G blogger):
Polypropylene nonwoven cover (PP) - next to the skin
Polyethylene barrier film backing (PE) - back of pad next to underwear
Polyethylene individual pad wrapper (PE) - folded around each pad
Polyethylene packaging (PE) - on shelf consumer packaging
1 pack of 18 pads 7G Ultra Regular contains 19.3 sq feet of plastic (18 pads per bag plus the bag)1 pack of 14 pads Always Ultra Regular contain 17.1 sq feet of plastic (14 pads per bag plus the bag)
Using the term Chlorine free is a way of detracting from the major issue of the use of crude oil plastic in 7G products. One pack of 7th Generation Ultra regular pads uses crude oil plastic materials that stretches out to measure 27 feet long by8 ⅞ " wide! if you are lucky to use just one pack a month for your period, then for just one year's supply of pads, for one women then the crude oil plastics used and disposed of would be 8 ⅞ wide by 324 feet long - the Statue of Liberty is only 300 feet from ground to torch. One woman, one year that is a massive amount of crude oil.
If you have trouble visualising just how much plastic is in those 7Generation pads GRIST chose as their best pick:- lets compare it to some visual stuff:
One woman, a lifetime use or pads (11,000 pieces) using 7 Generation Ultra regular pads with wings, you will be stretching a line load of crude oil plastic out 16,500 feet - that is over a mile long! By the way, it was the same amount of crude oil plastic used, give or take a tiny snip, as that used in ALWAYS pads. How many barrels of oil is that 7G?
I apologise to anyone for having to read so much,if you cared to hear my point of view, but never apologise for spending the last 20 years looking out for women and our environment with a passion. truth and honesty and love
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willa Posted 1:02 am
12 Nov 2008
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shastaBlue Posted 4:47 am
12 Nov 2008
Also, has anyone used gladrags (or similar product) and only washed with no-scent enviro soap? My skin can't handle anything like bleach or oxiclean but I'd be really hesitant to use pads that just used dirty all the time.
Thanks!
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Truth be known Posted 4:49 am
12 Nov 2008
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greenpreacher Posted 5:18 am
12 Nov 2008
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hhammer224 Posted 1:38 pm
12 Nov 2008
so what i do is just empty it out and put it back without washing it. (maybe that's gross?) and then get a couple of squares of TP, wipe off my finger tips, wipe the nether regions...then go wash the hands.
works fine for me....i just try to get out while no one else is at the sink.
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katrae13 Posted 3:23 am
13 Nov 2008
Wash your hands with regular old soap and water (no antibacterial anything necessary), as you will be putting them in sensitive places.
Step 2:
Use a paper towel to dry your hands, and take that wet paper towel into the bathroom stall with you.
Step 3:
Remove cup, and carefully dump contents into the toilet.
Step 4:
Use damp paper towel from drying hands to wipe the cup.
Step 5:
Re-inset cup and put paper towel into the the little garbage receptacle put there especially for feminine "hygiene" (what's that supposed to mean, anyway?) waste.
Viola!
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Not2L8 Posted 4:15 am
13 Nov 2008
So while we are all glowing at 7G for being chlorine free, how about applauding Natracare for being plastic free and Totally Chlorine Free for being biodegradable AND compostable and only using sustainable plant based materials! Stop whining about having blood on your undies - be more in tune with your flow and PLEASE for the sake of the planet STOP using plastic laden products!
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IsabelParkerOrganics Posted 12:43 am
14 Nov 2008
TruthBeKnown, I appreciate that as a women in your position you take the time to respond with such passion and genuinity.
Not2L8, you make some great points.
Willa, opinion appreciated, but easy on the dissing...
The bottom line is whether you're using Natracare, 7G, GladRags, a sponge, the DivaCup, or whatever other alternative feminine hygiene products out there, you're helping the planet and women in one way or another much more so than the conventional products out there like Always and Tampax.
One other new brand worth mentioning is Maxim. They seem to be unique in that they don't use wood pulp in their pads. Who knew there is wood in our pads??...seems kind of odd. I love trees so the idea of cutting down trees to make pads doesn't make me feel like the treehugger that i am, but that's just me.
The beauty of our free market is that everyone has the choice to choose what brand or product best suits their needs and values and express it so freely as everyone has done in this blog. If your sole concern is chlorine free then 7G is for you. If you're anti-plastic and concerned about chlorine then Natracare may be your pick. If you love trees, want chlorine and synthetic free products then Maxim may be for you. If you have the courage to insert a cup in you than hooray for the Diva Cup.
The point is all these brands are taking care of the environment and women in one form or another so I take my hat off to all these creators and in lieu of the times, am thankful for this country for allowing us the freedom to make a choice and change.
Much Love,
Isabel
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Storm Dragon Posted 6:19 am
17 Nov 2008
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kromeheart Posted 5:36 am
20 Nov 2008
http://www.lunapads.com
http://www.gladrags.com
http://www.partypantspads.com
as well as Etsy.com (search cloth menstrual pads)
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BeeGirl07 Posted 12:53 am
23 Nov 2008
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blackcat8 Posted 11:24 am
26 Nov 2008
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witmol Posted 5:24 pm
28 Nov 2008
"I really appreciate the suggestion from witmol above on how to do it but my down below is pretty sensitive and I try to keep any and all anti-bac products away from it so I don't kill any happy microorganisms that should be living there. Does anyone have any other ways of doing it?"
The gel never touches your 'down there', it is for hygiene purposes to clean your hands before you exit the stall so the lock and handle don't carry any secretions of yours for the next person who uses it.
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Storm Dragon Posted 3:07 pm
29 Nov 2008
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Not2L8 Posted 8:27 am
02 Dec 2008
Has anyone tried their organic Intimate Wipes? I find them very refreshing and use them whether I have my period or not and are one of my essentials when travelling. Great to use as just regular hands and face wipes too!
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