Nearly 13 billion sanitary pads and 7 billion tampons are dumped into landfills each year. Besides creating lots of waste, these products are also harming our bodies because of the chemicals they are made from. They contain bleaching agents, additives, synthetic materials, and a whole host of other nasty chemicals, which are absorbed by our bodies each month. Luckily, there are some body-friendly alternatives.

The menstrual cup is a reusable, cup-shaped device worn inside of the vagina during menstruation. Unlike tampons and pads, the cup collects menstrual fluid rather than absorbing it, leaving you free of harmful chemicals.  When full, you simply empty the cup and then re-insert.  Because it can be used time and time again—up to 10 years with some models!—you will reduce your monthly waste by a significant amount.  

Organic pads are designed to look just like the disposable ones but without the harsh chemicals and plastic.  Seventh Generation sells pantiliners and pads that are made of a combination of absorbent materials, polyolefins, adhesives, and a silicone coated paper. The top layer is a non-woven polyolefin cover sheet. The absorbent material consists of chlorine free wood pulp.

Instead of using regular tampons and applicators, try using certified organic cotton tampons and applicators.  Seventh Generation produces tampons and applicators that are made of organic cotton, and certified by Quality Assurance International, Inc.  Organic tampons are the way to go because they are free of chlorine—a chemical used in the whitening process of regular pads and tampons. Seventh Generation’s products also contain no rayon, and the packaging is made of 80% post-consumer recycled content.

I hope this information really helps all you woman realize what types of products you are buying and using on your own body!  Switching to organic feminine hygiene products is a healthy switch as well as an environmentally friendly switch!