Another period-related tiny step I´ve taken is using a cup. And I don’t think I can say enough kind things about it. I´m using it as I write and it is simply so easy.
I saw an article the other day that a normal pad contains the same amount of plastic as 3 or 4 plastic bags. I didn’t look into it so I don´t know the sources, but there is for sure a fair bit of plastic in them. Along with other materials, and blood of course, making it hard to recycle. Thats pure waste when we have good alternatives: cloth pads.
I think the largest objections I’ve meet when speaking about cloth pads is that is outside your body and gets a bit gross. This then is the same people that wouldn’t wear a regular pad either since it’s outside the body. I´ve always found tampons scary – it’s a bit of treated cotton you put inside you. I hate the feeling – when it’s full it swells and becomes really uncomfortable. When its not full enough it’s hard to get it out because it’s all dry. And when you put it in its all dry aswell, making it less than comfortable.
This is where cups win. They are neither dry or super heavy. They are easy to get in a variation perfect for your vagina – small or large, hard or soft, tall or short. I find them super easy to put in, and they are more comfortable to keep in there – I don’t feel them at all. Plus, I can take it out anytime without any harm.
Plus, the optimal worth of course: they can be reused for several years. No more buying tampons and throwing used one out – creating even more waste. It feels more sustainable since it’s something I know creates less waste. Also, having something that is reused and last a long time feels awesome in it self. And that feeling is great. Not only can I be comfortable during my period, but I can feel that I’m actively minimising my environmental footprint every day.
lillaerika
vegannnikki
SustainableBelieving 
July 30, 2017 at 12:58 pm
I have one but I am still not comfortable using it, I’m scared it’ll get stuck! I also have reusable pads which are fine. I’m not grossed out by blood and they are pretty comfortable to wear.
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July 31, 2017 at 9:07 am
Oh, I love mine to pieces. I think its much less scary to use than a tampon because you can always reach in a squeeze it, so it can´t get stuck. I think the most important part is to find one that fits your cervix otherwise it doesn´t feel right.
Maybe start trying it when your flow is medium heavy, along with a pad. I feel that its easier to get in and out when your flow is medium heavy because there is enough blood to make it smoother to use.
I love pads too however, they are great! 😀 Do you have a favorite maker? 🙂
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July 31, 2017 at 9:43 am
Maybe I just don’t have the right size
I am not heavy at all, so I really only have one day a month I could use it and it’s ok when I am at home but if I am traveling and don’t have access to a doctor I worry about it getting stuck and TSS.
I don’t have a favorite brand for reusable pads, I just got mine from a local woman who makes a bunch of zero waste products in Berlin 🙂
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July 31, 2017 at 12:09 pm
the first one I had was no good at all, so I didn´t use it, then I tried another one and I was sold. It does make a major difference, so if you want to make it work maybe thats the first step 🙂
Aaaa, I´m sort of the same. Its one day with proper period and then its like four days of “almost” period which is the most annoying thing ever. Now that I´m comfortabe with my cup I use it for that too but before that I depended on my cloth pads.
As I´v understood it, TSS it MUCH less likely with a cup because it not homey for the bacteria. So it should be safe for that.
Oh, that awesome! What more do you get there? Have you tried wipe cloths and dish towels? I havn´t transitioned to that yet but its in the works 😀
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July 31, 2017 at 9:16 am
If you want a new one to feel brave enough to try again with, the nixie girl cup is a new one designed as a starter-cup. I don´t know when it will be available to buy, but it could be worth looking into 🙂
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