Friendly Feminine Hygiene Products
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!
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Tags: chlorine, diva cup, Green Feminine Hygiene Products, Menstrual Cup, organic cotton, organic pads, organic pantiliners, organic tampons, Planned Parenthood of Northern New England, sanitary pads, Seventh Generation
May 25th, 2010 at 6:47 pm
Thank you for posting this important information regarding alternatives to conventional feminine care. Those wishing to learn more about organic alternatives, or receive a coupon for $1 off Seventh Generation organic fem care products, can visit http://www.letstalkperiod.com.
June 1st, 2010 at 9:05 am
Thanks for bringing attention to the healthly alternatives available to women today!
Best wishes,
The DivaCup Team
November 17th, 2010 at 8:08 am
Thanks for the information, it’s definintly something worth thinking about!
I’m not very happy about the Seventh Generation pads containing polyolefins and adhesives. Aren’t these plastics and harsh chemicals? The packaging is plastic too, even if it is recycled plastic! Sorry but I’m not convinced!
Personally I buy Natracare pads normally as they really are natural products!
November 18th, 2010 at 4:18 pm
I see that Jess has some concerns about our pads and this is understandable with alot of mixed information out there about certain ingredients. I think most pads have adhesives on them so they can stick to your underwear, so Natracare and Seventh Generation have adhesives. We do use plastic packaging, but we are looking into some alternatives, so stay tuned!
Seventh Generation does use plastics in the pads but we do not use harsh chemicals. We conduct extensive safety assessments of all of our products, including fem hygiene, and there are no health related concerns.
I also wanted to add that we use the wheat based SNAP and not the petroleum derived SNAP, so whatever goes onto the pad stays on the top and is not absorbed into the pad and away from the skin.
I hope this helps with your concerns and please let us know if you have any questions. Our email address is info@seventgeneration.com.
Thanks!!
February 2nd, 2011 at 8:16 pm
picture chemistry tampon
May 20th, 2011 at 8:26 am
Hi I have just stumbled across your website and find it very interesting
I am now thinking changeing to organic tampons and towels
From my normal brand are they realy. Better for you hope you can reassure me before I try them kind regards gerald