Save Money with Reusable Menstrual Cycle Pads
Cloth Sanitary Napkins are Eco-Friendly Alternative to Disposables
Oct 17, 2009
Women have managed their moon cycles with using variety of techniques for centuries but only in the last several generations have disposable sanitary napkins, or menstrual pads, been commonly used. Though maxi pads, panty liners and other feminine hygiene products are only a small part of a big solid waste problem, E-magazine reports that more than 13 billion disposable menstrual pads were thrown away in 1998. That's a lot of trash.
While the decision between cloth and disposable diapers, something a baby will wear for about 3 years, gets a lot of press, the decision between cloth and disposable menstrual pads, something a woman will wear nearly three months a year for most of their lives, is not even one many women consciously made.
Saving Money with Reusable Menstrual Cycle Pads
Most women probably spend $4-10 USD month on menstrual pads. Over a lifetime of menstrual periods, that adds up to a couple thousand dollars, at least. Reusable cloth pads require a larger initial investment to either purchase or sew, but last for years and years.
Reusable Menstrual Pads are a Green Alternative to Disposable Maxis
The most difficult thing about switching to cloth menstrual pads will probably choosing a brand and style. The choices in patterns and fabrics are nearly endless. There is organic cotton, linen, fleece, wool, plain un-dyed, bright colors, cute fabric patterns, snaps, elastic, velcro, stuff-ables, all-in-one, and more. But at it's simplest, a cloth pad is absorbent and comfortable. Many women prefer the experience of cloth to wearing disposables, and women with sensitive skin or feminine discomfort may enjoy them more than most.
It is not possible to list every manufacturer of cloth menstrual pads. There are dozens, if not hundreds, of small businesses, many run by work at home moms (WAHMs), sewing and selling pads from a variety of materials. A few of the better known companies selling cloth pads, panty-liners, and even complete menstrual underwear including the following:
- Glad Rags are made by a U.S. company out of Oregon. The company makes all-in-one panty-liners and stuff-able menstrual pads in organic or conventional cotton fleece, as well as overnight pads and waterproof carry bags. The company offers several starter kits as well as kits designed to provide for all your needs during a menstrual period. Glad Rags are available to purchase online or through a variety of retailers including Whole Foods and MOM's Organic Markets in the United States.
- Many Moons, out of Victoria in Canada, offers a similarly designed pad to Glad Rags but with an optional nylon liner. They offer four sizes - overnight, mini, regular/maxi, and youth - in either "pastel" or "wild" fabric design sets.
- Luna Pads are designed differently than Glad Rags or Many Moons in that they come with a liner that snaps around a woman's underwear and pads that sit on the liners secured by small elastic straps. The company claims the design is more convenient because the pads can often be changed without needing to change out the liner. The company, based in Vancouver, Canada, offers a variety of sizes and fabric options and a hand flow chart to help customers decide which styles and quantities to purchase.
Sewing Homemade Menstrual Pads
Depending on sewing skills, making homemade fabric menstrual pads may be the most economical option of them all. Many small businesses selling cloth pads got started in this way. Fabric options for homemade pads are limitless and many women report success re-using old t-shirts and other absorbent scrap fabrics with softer, sometimes prettier, choices for a top layer.
There are numerous patterns available on the Internet appropriate for even novice sewers, many of whom may note that it doesn't matter very much if the hems are sewn straight because no one will see them. Another option is to purchase a few pads and copy the design you like best.
Caring for Cloth Menstrual Pads
Pad manufacturers will likely include washing instructions but most will recommend a simple cold rinse followed by a machine wash. Drying instructions may also vary, but both line drying and machine drying are options.
Because the pads will be worn near sensitive skin, fabric softeners, perfumes, and dyes are usually not recommended.
More Environmentally-Friendly Menstrual Product Options
In addition to cloth menstrual pads as an alternative to disposable pads, many women find satisfaction with a reusable menstrual cup as an alternative to tampons.
For women who do not find reusable pads appropriate or convenient in every circumstance but still wanted lighten the environmental load of their menstrual period, there are organic and unbleached, paper, cotton and bamboo pads from many manufacturers worldwide. Several options should be available wherever natural products are sold.
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