[kimchee67]

Does anyone use "green" sanitary products? I'm a little concerned about the chemical exposure from mainstream tampons and pads and the environmental impacts of the production and disposal of disposable products. I think that I would consider natural disposable products just to save myself from the chemical aspect, but they are so expensive. I've been looking into reusable products and have found a couple of things including cloth pads and a resuable tampon called The Keeper. I'm just curious if anyone else uses any products like this and could give me some insight, ideas or tips. TIA!

[JeanLynn81]

I actually haven't put much thought into this before. Now you got me thinking. But I just don't know if I could bring myself to reuse a tampon. I'm all for saving the environment, but I have my boundaries!

[kimchee67]

I usually use this one thing called Instead. I was like a walking infomercial for it because you can keep it in for 12 hours, you can't even feel it, and you can even BD with it in. It's like this little plastic cup that you insert about as high as a tampon. They are pretty expensive though, but I thought worth the convenience. The Keeper is kind of like it, but I understand what you mean. I liked the convenience of throwing it away without having to wash and reuse!

[wanttobemommy]

my sister uses the keeper and says she likes it better than the Instead cup. She loved the instead cup until she found the keeper. She says it is easier to use. She likes the convience of it. I personally can not stand the idea of reusing something like that. BUT I am sure that if i tried it I would probably think differently. I can totally understand the need to find something affordable and good for the environment but havent even heard of anything but the instead and the keeper

[MissyChrissy]

I've been using the instead cup myself...and sprung a leak in the grocery store just this Friday! I think I'm giving it up now. It was horrible. There's the Diva Cup out there...I was thinking about trying that one out.

They are expensive-but NOT when you count up how much a box of tampons (or whatever) can cost every month throughout your menstrual life-time.

I'm not bothered with reusing that stuff. They've had the diaphragm out for years and it's a similar principal. Soap and water-that's all.

My only issue was at the grocery store. Not only did I ruin my jeans and barely miss mortification (it didn't leak THAT bad)...but then I had to go to the girls room and clean stuff up in the sink there. THAT bothered me a great deal.

[kimchee67]

Originally Posted by MissyChrissy

I've been using the instead cup myself...and sprung a leak in the grocery store just this Friday! I think I'm giving it up now. It was horrible. There's the Diva Cup out there...I was thinking about trying that one out.

They are expensive-but NOT when you count up how much a box of tampons (or whatever) can cost every month throughout your menstrual life-time.

I'm not bothered with reusing that stuff. They've had the diaphragm out for years and it's a similar principal. Soap and water-that's all.

My only issue was at the grocery store. Not only did I ruin my jeans and barely miss mortification (it didn't leak THAT bad)...but then I had to go to the girls room and clean stuff up in the sink there. THAT bothered me a great deal.

Oh good. I was secretly hoping that you would visit this topic. I know that you always have such advice when it comes to getting the best for your buck. I know that The Keeper is about $35 and can be used for 10 years. After hearing your recent grocery store mishap, I figure I can buy a pack of Organic tampons that will last me forever if I only use them when I go out.

[MissyChrissy]

The Diva Cup is less than $20 here: http://www.betterlife.com/brand.asp?brand_id=660 I'm really thinking about trying it. I've never had a mishap like the one I described above before, but it's not anything I'm looking forward to repeating. Dummie me never thought of using a tampon for going out I still don't know what happened-it was "in place" and not full. *sigh. Oh well...such is life.

If you get to try the diva cup before me (if you were even going to) you'll have to report in on whether you like it or not. I'm gun-shy now.

[kimchee67]

That looks better. They have a silicone version of The Keeper, I think it's called something moon or something. Anyway, it doesn't look as comfortable. The stem on it looks really long. Also, they only have a 3 month trial period, but the Diva Cup has a one year. I want it now!

[maryavan]

To find more opinions on natural feminine hygiene products, you might want to ask or look around on active cloth diaper boards/forums elsewhere on the internet. WHen I use to frequent those kinds of places, the topic often came up. Which makes sense that people using cloth diapers for the environment and health would also think of alternatives for themselves. Plus boards that also have auctions tied to the site can be a good place to get some of the products, esp handmade reusable cloth pads. Ebay also has cloth pads.

I never used cloth during periods, but I used to use cloth for every day pantiliner use. I usually just folded washcloths (ones dedicated only for this use) in thirds. Very easy. I always add a few drops of tea tree oil in my wash so that helped get rid of germs.

[QueenAngie]

Well, ladies, I am a firm believer when CVS has those ebc's on feminine hygiene items,
it is time to stock-up.

I appreciate the useful advise and appreciate new items that come on the market
that have ecology in mind...............

But, I'm sticking to what works for me at this point.

Can't imagine going to the supermarket bathroom (germy any way!) and having
to wash out the item and quickly replace it. Ewwwwuuuuu! Poor Missy Chrissy!
I hope you washed your hands really well before & after, dear.

Back to the discussion at hand....