What? Yes, that's what I said. Did you know there were other options than the usual department store slips of plastic for your menstrual cycle? Here's an environmentally and biologically safe alternative to tampons and commercially manufactured napkins.
Feminine napkins made from cotton. They are breathable and come in many designs depending on the retailer and required protection. Who knew you could dress up the inside of your underwear. As for comfort, well, they are bulkier and do take some getting use to. You probably didn't like a tampon the first time you used it either.
Lunapads is a Canadian owned company which has quadrupled in size since I first heard of them. They first started producing Lunapads in 1993 and now carry a line of menstrual products for those environmentally inclined individuals or for those who hate to have that plastic layer against their va-jay-jay. Like any pad they have a selection for light to very heavy flow. There's also a "lunapanties" which comes in sizes up to 4x. Check out their intro starter kit. Lunapad ships internationally.
Visit Lunapads.
Urban Armor is a funkier designer who works from a different pattern and on a much smaller scale. There's a lot more attitude behind this company. Also from Canada, but the other side of the country, they will ship to the US. Orders are taken via email or their 1-800 number.
Visit Urban Armor.
Pandora's Pads carries cotton pads, tampons and nursing pads. They are located in Louisiana and are low on stock but are working on replenishing. Again, a slightly different pattern than the above two. They will ship to Canada.
Visit Pandora's Pads.
We live in a disposable world. The biggest hindrance for some will be the fact that these are not disposable napkins. These napkins are meant to be worn, rinsed, washed and worn again. Like I said it takes some getting use to. I myself am not a complete convert. If I'm home they are a sure thing. The other, is they are a bit bulkier than some store brands. It takes some getting use to. I recommend trying a couple of different designs to see which fits you and your body type.
Check them out even if it's just to settle a slight curiosity. If after checking them out you're still grossed by the idea, wait a month and visit the sites again. Be open to the idea of reducing waste, becoming attuned to your cycle and saving a few bucks.
