We’ve been conditioned to use single-use, throwaway period products.
I’ve always had a passion for environmental sustainability, and in my teens I was always so frustrated that I had to throw away so many tampons or pads each month.
Not to mention— those dinky little products of plastic and cotton are DANG EXPENSIVE, no? (Think over $6,000 over your reproductive life expensive.)
School taught me about two tools for periods: disposable pads and disposable tampons. Then, at 21, I (finally) discovered the menstrual cup and fell in love with its eco-friendliness and frugality.
But cups are fairly popular already, so that’s not what I’m talking about today.
Instead, let’s chat about… Cloth pads!
Why You Need to Consider Cloth Pads
First of all, they’re way better than they sound.
When I first heard of cloth pads, I admit I thought, “Sounds too hippie to be true.” Whenever there’s something natural and eco-friendly, people jump to the conclusion that they must not work well.
I was thrilled to discover that they work far better than disposable pads ever did for me! No plastic smell, no chafing, no awkward sticking on undies and easy to get in the wash.
I’m a big cup fan myself, but the first couple nights of my period I don’t want to worry about emptying my cup before I wake up. So, I’ll sleep with a cloth pad for peace of mind (and more comfort, too).
They save you money.
Remember that whole $6k you might spend on disposable period products? That goes to 12,000-16,000 pieces of trash? Ouch.
Cloth pads quickly pay off. Of course, buying cloth pads is initially more expensive than a pack of disposables. But if you purchase just a few pads (I think I got a pack of 5 for $20ish) and make the switch away from disposables, it’ll only take 2 or 3 periods to pay off! And you’ll never have to buy disposables again.
Cloth pads can last at least 5 years— imagine all the extra cash…
They’re healthier for you than disposable pads.
Typical disposable pads have plastic, fragrance (AKA endocrine disruptors!), chemical gels and adhesives. And these are all sitting right next to a very sensitive part of your body.
Most cloth pads are made of natural ingredients like cotton and bamboo. WAY better for you both internally and externally. (Better for the environment, too.)
They don’t go into the landfill.
You might use 12,000-16,000 disposable tampons and pads in your lifetime.
12,000-16,000 pieces of synthetic material, that you purchase to later throw in the trash. (Not that it’s your fault! I had never heard of cloth pads, either.)
Before they’re trash, they’re made with fossil fuels in a factory, then are shipped and packaged in plastic. Someday, they turn to trash and make it to a landfill. And imagine all the other people doing the same thing…
That’s BAZILLIONS of disposable sanitary products clogging up the planet! Cloth pads will last a long time to help you avoid the monthly trash increase. I value sustainability, so cloth pads are such a relief for me.
And don’t worry, they’re still…
Easy to pack in a purse or backpack, just in case.
Easy to disguise; they fold up small and sometimes come with a cute little bag.
Easy to take care of. On heavy days, I’ll give a quick rinse first; on light days, they go straight into the hamper and eventually the washer! I’ve both machine dried and air dried with no issues.
I know that it might be a weird idea for some to come around to, but switching to cloth pads was a great experience for myself and many others.
And they’re getting more popular. Try them out and let me know whatcha think!
If you don’t want to try cloth pads, what’s holding you back?