You know it, I know it, we all know it’s time to stop consuming and throwing away single-use products. If you, like me, were brought up to believe that everything could be bought, used and thrown without any consequence.. now is the wake up call.
Have you ever wondered how many pads and tampons you have used in your lifetime? Where they ended up? or how much you spend every month, every year..? This is not a guilt trip but a tool to spark awareness. To make any changes in our lives we first need to be consciously aware of what needs changing.
Firstly, a little bit of background as to why such a multi billion business came about. If you didn’t know already.
If we look back as to when disposable sanitary items were available we can see that it was a time in American culture, which is where it all began, when consumerism evolved from the NEED for certain objects to DESIRE. From a time of scarcity after the Second World War prosperity and the aspiration for success, turned citizens into consumers. Sex and desirability became motives to buy and hyper individualism was sold to us.
“You don’t have to wash it- throw it away! The big PR companies were selling comfort, ease and freedom, freedom to do basically what ever we wanted. Something that ‘lasts a lifetime’ became something of the past and disposable objects became part of the American culture. Then it went global.
Enough is Enough
Multi national companies selling period products have been profiting off women for far too long now. Astonishingly, menstrual products are considered luxury items and taxed as such.
The environment can’t take it any more so we have to change our consumer habits …it’s down to us! Is it maybe time that we looked at making local quality products that last, don’t cost the earth, don’t cause ill health, and aren’t an environmental hazard?
Here’s a list of reasons Why we should be using the reusable pad:
- Handmade
- Locally and sustainably produced
- Environmentally friendly
- Practical and easy to use
- Economic and long lasting
- Made with waterproof and breathable material
- Allergy free
Did you know most conventional pads and tampons are made with synthetic materials and toxic substances? What makes exposure to toxic substances through period care so serious is that pads and tampons come into contact with some of the most sensitive and absorptive skin on women’s bodies.
Although some pads and tampons are made with cotton, it tends to be conventional cotton, which is grown with toxic pesticides, as opposed to organic cotton. These materials are often bleached with chlorine to give them that pristine white look.
So what materials are used to make the reusable sanitary towel?
- Natural organic biodegradable cotton and strong observant hemp fabric.
- The inside and outside layer consists of the cotton fabrics; velvet and flannel.
- The absorbent layer is made from hemp, a soft eco-fleece.
- The waterproof layer is made from eco-friendly PUL.
It’s always good to have a choice as some days you might not feel like using the moon cup, for example. Having an alternative form of protection is always a plus. Not are they only comfortable to use they are easy to carry around and simple to look after.
How to take care of the reusable sanitary towel?
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- After using they need to be soaked in cold water
- Washed in a washing machine at 40c or hand washed
- Hang out to dry
Extra special information
- Do not use bleach or conditioners
- Change them frequently
- If the blood drys, soak them in cold water for longer
- You can reuse the water (after soaking them) to water your plants!
- They can be a great present because not everyone can afford them. Although, they are a cheaper alternative in the long run, one needs to have the cash to buy them first.
If you would like to know more or purchase the sanitary towels as shown in the photos you can contact Geli directly through her instagram account. She sends to all of Spain.
As for me, I’d like to know more about you. What are your favourite period care products? Do you have a favourite brand? What are your thoughts on taxing menstrual products? Love to hear your comments. Emily xx
