Mommy Goes Green

When I quit working outside our home three years ago, I had to cut expenses. My personal care products was one of those areas and I’ve been using conventional tampons ever since.

I had forgotten that conventional tampons are bleached with chlorine dioxide. The process is technically “chlorine-free” but it releases dioxin into the environment. Dioxin has been shown to cause cancer. I’m doing whatever I can to stand up to cancer.

Conventional tampons are made with a blend of cotton and rayon. 94% of the cotton grown in the United States is genetically modified (GM). I do my best to keep GM food out of our family’s bodies, somehow I forgot that tampons go in my body, too.

Additionally, more than 10% of the world’s pesticides are used on conventional cotton. It’s hard to believe none of the pesticide residue goes into a tampon.

Tampons typically contain odor neutralizers and fragrances. We know that synthetic fragrance is made with chemicals such as phthalates, linked to hormone disruption and neurotoxins, chemicals that are toxic to the brain.

Sanitary Pads aren’t any Better

The FDA considers sanitary pads to be “medical devices” and therefore, doesn’t require them to have their ingredients listed. They are primarily made from plastic, cotton and wood pulp. Some contain latex, a problem for those with a latex allergy. One sanitary pad is the equivalent of using four plastic bags.

Check out this video from Naturally Savvy to see her light two pads on fire: a conventional pad and an 100% organic pad. The difference is incredible!

Alternatives to Conventional Pads and Tampons

I’m going back to organic cotton tampons. They are made with 100% organic cotton and toxic pesticides are not allowed in organic agriculture. They are bleached with hydrogen peroxide so there is no dioxin released into the environment.

In the past, I’ve used the Natracare, Seventh Generation and Trader Joe’s organic cotton tampons and have been really happy with them.

Reusable cotton pads such as Glad Rags are an option or you can get out your sewing machine and make them yourself. This is one of the most environmentally friendly and affordable options.

The Diva Cup gets amazing reviews and I’ve been considering getting one for awhile. It’s about $25 and tampons are $4. Doing the math, it takes just 6 boxes of tampons to pay for the Diva Cup. It’s a no-brainer for saving money.