WARNING: The following post is for women. Actually, it’s only for some women. If you have get dry heaves at the thought of using anything but a scented plastic applicator near your hoo-hoo, this post is probably not for you.
In case you’ve been sleeping under a rock without wi-fi for the last few years, you should know there is a movement afoot to go green with our lady gear. Now, not only can our babies have soft tushie padding, we can too. Most of the information out there seems to be coming from the same group of women who, like me, are totally obsessed with cloth diapers, natural parenting, recycling…all that crunchy stuff. And there is some wacky wear for the derriere out there.
Um. Yeah.
Greenyour is a site dedicated to lessening your carbon and/or maxi-pad footprint. At least, this part of it is. Included on this page are some truly awesome shops that have been making these for years. They have great reputations and excellent products.
I should also mention the New Moon Cloth menstrual pads. This company has been around for almost twenty years, and their site is filled with great information and a simple, easy to use product that looks good, too! Not that you’ll go around showing it off, but every month you’ll get a little serotonin boost knowing you’re wearing something cute down there. And who doesn’t want cloissone elephants in their undies?
Etsy, of course, is chock full of choices as always. My personal favorite? Say it with me gals – SOCK MONKEYS! Yes, that’s right. The perineal favorite (ha! get it?) stuffed toy right there in your crotch. But if that doesn’t shock your monkey, there are over 1200 results for a tag and title search on Etsy. So add an extra tag like your favorite color, or “sugar skulls” (like it’s not scary enough, right?) and happy hunting.
“So,” you say, “what if I don’t like pads? What kinds of alternatives are out there for me?”
Ladies, have I got some good news for you. If your pelvic floor is still sturdy enough to use a tampon, there are several options available.
The first are a variety of cups like the Diva Cup and The Keeper that you simply insert (similarly to a diaphragm) and rinse out. Then reinsert. Easy peasy! They are made from natural gum rubber or silicone and are phthalate and Bisphenol A (BPA) free.
But surely you know I’ve saved the best for last. Or at least, the most humorous.
I’m not called Barely Knit Together for nothing. Check this out: Knitted tampons! (cue choir of angels singing) Aren’t they cute? I haven’t tried these yet, but you bet I’m going to. The pattern is super cheap at $0.50; it’s at least worth it just to laugh with your friends about your latest knitting project.
And if you just can’t do without your disposable feminine hygiene products, at least have the decency to hide them with these. Someone please buy those squid, pronto, or I will have to do it myself.
As always, here are some links for you DIYers out there. Free patterns to sew your own!
Cloth Menstrual Pads (free pattern)
Multi-layered with removable liner (dries faster!)
A fabulous site with tutorials, info on fabrics, sewing on-the-cheap, and different styles
These can all be laundered just like you would cloth diapers or towels or other such items. Cold first, though, so as not to set the blood, then hot if you want them sterilized. Of course, if you aren’t planning to eat off of them, you might want to save your hot water**. Your call.
And just so you know, even though I’ve handled this topic glibly, I do mean what I say about this being a great idea. I, for one, am glad to never again have to hear the crinkle sound of plastic and paper when I walk. And as a bonus (can I say it again?) - Sock monkeys!
Stop in for next week’s Fiber Friday giveaway, featuring a free jewelry item from the Bunny in Disguise Etsy shop!
*Ooh! I got to use a new word 
**Kidding! Sheesh.
