Red & Green
Submitted by our intern Julia...
Red and green don’t have to clash. In fact, they can be the recipe for an environmentally responsible period!
With many feminine products utilizing dioxins, bleach, and creating post-consumer waste (wrappers & applicators), perhaps it is time to try something new? The Diva Cup, a concept the website claims is 75 years old, is a reusable silicon cup that comes in 2 sizes. Model 1 is for women under 30 who have never given birth, and Model 2 for women over 30, or those who have given birth. It is inserted vaginally and covers the cervix.
After an initial investment of about $30-$40, it may be last time you spend money on "feminine hygiene products". It can be purchased at www.drugstore.com or www.lunapads.com, and in many health food stores.
I'm a devoted user of the cup, but was initially hesitant. Inserting a cup into my vagina that simply collects the blood? Not feasible...until I tried. After a simple insertion, I only had to empty the cup once a day, and often forgot I had it! When emptying the cup at home, you can wash it in the sink, which begs the question of public restrooms. This problem is solved by emptying the cup in the toilet.
Why stop with reusable grocery bags? The Diva Cup is an affordable change that makes a big difference for the environment and your wellbeing.
Keep Reading...
Tags: dioxin, diva cup, feminine hygiene, menstruation
June 15th, 2009 at 11:41 am
You learn something new every day, great post! It also reminds me that if you aren’t ready for the cup you can purchase eco-friendly tampons. They are chlorine-free organic cotton tampons made by Seventh Generation http://www.seventhgeneration.com/Organic-Tampons
June 15th, 2009 at 2:01 pm
I love my diva cup! I’ve had it for about a year and it’s been fantastic. I’ve been sickened by tampons and pads, not only because of the environmental harm, but because of the way that their advertising inevitably portrays periods as something shameful and needing to be hidden. I feel so much more comfortable supporting the Diva Cup. It’s a great thing.