Warning***Anatomical talk below – those easily offended, stop reading now.

Feminine hygiene products. FHPs. Gentlemen, are you gone yet?

Okay Ladies.  We all go through it. Every month we devote attention and  time to our periods. There is a lot to be said about  sustainability of our feminine hygiene products. We use and throw out loads of applicators, pads, and packaging.  And just think, we do this on a monthly basis for years and that every women does it monthly and for years…well, that is a lot of waste. On average, women will use 11,000 FHPs in her lifetime!  And they are made from wood pulp (trees) and crude oil plastic (80% of a sanitary napkin.)

And it is not just the impact of the waste that should be of concern. Let’s talk about the health aspect.  Your health.  Dioxin and pesticides can be found on FHPs from the chlorine bleaching process. Dioxin is a known carcinogen.  I don’t know about you, but I don’t want that near me…or in me for that matter.

So, what do we do?  What do we look for?

For those willing to go completely ‘green,’  there are choices such as reusable pads and reusable cups.  EcoReno now carries the Diva Cup, a  reusable menstrual cup that is made from top grade silicone. (Wait, keep reading!!) I was completely turned off by the idea of  (1) having to reuse and CLEAN this product and (2) relying on it.  BUT I tried it and I am hooked. It is a great product. No wrappers, nothing to remember when I leave the house, convenient, not THAT gross to clean and I do not have to pay for FHPs anymore. It can be used over and over again.  And not just me, I know of some very happy ladies using this product.

Other healthier options would be products that are made from organic cottons and materials.  Also look for chlorine-free bleach.  EcoReno carries Natracare FHPs – chlorine-free and organic.  Not only do we carry them, we are competitive in pricing.

So, next month, think about what you are using and decide what you can do. What is healthier for you? What is better for the environment?