The New Age of Reusable Menstrual Pads - How green is your period?

After switching to the Diva Cup (you can also check out another called The Keeper) to reduce the amount of bleached cotton that I was putting into my most absorbent "Lady Parts,"  I began wondering what other alternatives there were for woman looking to reduce their environmental impact and chemical exposure.

Aunt WhOO? Reusable Menstrual Pad

 After searching for the right pattern, I found a reusable menstrual pad that I tested and critiqued and have claimed it as my Aunt WhOO? Reusable Menstrual Pad. I have made two sizes, one for my neices  (Little Lady) and  a momma size (Lady).

I love the Gravenhurst Farmer's Market, most of the ladies who shop there are from the big city and are accustomed to plastic, bleached and easily disposable menstrual tools, who usually scoff and turned their noses up at the thought of having to be closer to their own menstrual blood (or moon juice) than they prefer. I love it when, after they make their rounds, they end up stopping back at my booth to pick up three or four of the pads before they leave!!! I guess actually taking the time to think about the idea and the practicality of a reusable menstrual pad, not only on your wallet, but  your body as well, they usually come around to the idea.

Back in the days before midwives and herbalist were deemed witches and burned at the stake by religious worshipers and patriarchal scientific followers, women had for themselves a cotton rage (where do you think the term "on my rag" came from?!) that they would fill with moss to absorb the blood. Thanks to Dr. Lister, "the great English proponent of antiseptic surgery," absorbent pads intended for wounds were re-designed and advertised for use for menstruating women. Probably seemed like a great idea at the time, however, thanks to their availability, 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons wind up in landfills EVERY YEAR!!

So sisters, finish up that pack of store-bought bleached cotton and either sew or buy your own reusable pads...and honestly, check out the diva and keeper......another alternative?.... Do what cleopatra did, use a sea-sponge....

Until next time Ladies....

The WOOly Owl

Clueless to the topic?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstruation

Here are a few good reads on the subject:

http://womenshealth.about.com/cs/feminineproducts/a/tampondebat.htm

page 54-8 in Ecoholoc Home (the whole book is actually an amazing read (especially the Canadian version)

I also found another great pattern for you to make your own if able:

http://pms.about.com/gi/o.htm?zi=1/XJ&zTi=1&sdn=pms&cdn=health&tm=26&f=00&su=p284.12.336.ip_p1051.2.336.ip_&tt=2&bt=1&bts=1&zu=http%3A//www.manymoonsalternatives.com/make_your_own_pads.php