February 2, 2010
Lunapads: Cloth Menstruation Pads
If the title makes you feel awkward, you can just go ahead and browse around at another blog post, because this one is going to be about what it says: cloth menstruation pads! 
About a year ago my sister-in-law talked to me about how she uses cloth menstruation pads and how much more economical they are, etc., etc. She sold me instantly! As soon as I used up my store-bought stuff I moved on to cloth pads.
TMI? Too bad.
The average woman uses almost 17,000 tampons or pads in her life. Isn’t that insane?!?! I’m just imagining what that looks like…it’s crazy! The National Women’s Health Network estimates that in the USA over 12 billion pads and 7 million tampons are used once and disposed of every year. EVERY YEAR!!! That takes a VERY long time to break down. And while it’s doing that, it’s releasing toxic chemicals into our precious earth…
Not only is it bad for the environment, but it’s also bad for your wallet! Click here to calculate how much you spend on disposable pads/tampons.
Now, to purchase (or make) cloth pads is an investment at first. I would suggest you keep record of one of your cycles and see what types of pads/tampons you require (light, medium, heavy, wings, no wings, etc.) and how many of each. Once you know this it will make it easier to purchase the right amount.
I purchased mine from Lunapads which is an awesome Canadian-based company. They come in a variety of colours, patterns, styles, and they meet all your needs. They also sell the diva cup (which I have not used) which is more of a replacement for tampons if you wish to go that route. You can read their testimonials on the diva cup here.
To wash the cloth pads, simply soak them after you use them in warm water and soap. I use regular dish soap. It’s best to wash them in the washer on gentle/handwash in a mesh laundry bag. Try not to leave them soaking too long because of bacteria. But a couple of days hasn’t hurt in my experience. Put them in a bucket under your sink.
If you’re in a different stage right now and you’re pregnant, then you can also check out lunapad’s nursing pads, baby bath gift set, and their post-partum liner inserts.
If you want to try making your own, Cara @ Health, Home, and Happiness has a tutorial on how to make your own cloth pads. Take a look!
Any questions? And no, I don’t get anything out of promoting these people.
Posted in Household Tips, Earth-Friendly, Crafts/Homemade Gifts
Shelby says; February 3, 2010 @ 1:10 am
I love my cloth pads!!! I purchased mine from a couple of different sellers on Etsy, and I gotta tell you, the only thing that loves my cloth pads more than me are my lady bits
. I used to think that was the grossest thing I’d ever heard, and then I had a baby and learned a whole new definition of “the grossest thing I’ve ever heard.”
When out and about, I’ve found a brilliant way to carry my pads–it’s a mini wet/dry bag from PlanetWise (disclaimer: I get nothing for promoting them!) http://nickisdiapers.com/catalog.php?category=1673. You can store your unused pads in the dry section and zip up the used ones in the waterproof section and nobody will ever be the wiser. No smell, no grossness to accidentally stick your hand into. It looks just like you’re carrying a cute cosmetics bag to the bathroom!
Jessica says; February 3, 2010 @ 6:08 am
I’ve been thinking about getting some, but haven’t gotten there quite yet. It definite makes sense though and we already use cloth diapers for my son, so it shouldn’t be that big of a leap.
Cara @ Health Home and Happiness says; February 3, 2010 @ 6:57 am
They are great, aren’t they? I hate talking about them, but then I don’t want people to use the chemical laden ones either… dilemmas
)
Shonda says; February 3, 2010 @ 8:58 am
I’ll have to check more into this. We use cloth diapers for our son because we are totally into protecting the environment. I have always thought of an alternative for the time of the month, but never knew there was something out there. I hate filling up the landfill!
Rachel says; February 3, 2010 @ 10:21 am
I’ve been using cloth for years and love it! I just but a few packs of white wash cloths at the local dollar store (5 packs of 3=$5US). I fold them in thirds and pin them in my undies. Actually, I have a separate set of undies I use for that time of month, since the safety pin does wear holes in them (oh well). But I love it, and it’s easy and cheap.
Administrator - Alison says; February 3, 2010 @ 11:03 am
Shelby: I totally hear you on how it makes you feel!! MUCH better than wearing a “diaper”! haha. Thanks for the tip on the carrying case. I have a bag too, but it doesn’t have two pockets. Thanks for sharing all your experience!!
Jessica and Shonda: I think if you’re already using cloth diapers for your son then it will definitely be an easy switch for you. It feels better, and you’re more comfortable, and saving the environment! You can do it!
Administrator - Alison says; February 3, 2010 @ 11:07 am
Cara: I know, it is slightly awkward to discuss!! For example, I’d MUCH rather write a blog about it than tell someone in person! haha. But it’s an important thing to make people aware of.
Rachel: That’s very ingenious of you! There are multiple ways for people to take control of it and protect the environment, whether you do your method, purchase them, or make some yourself! Thanks for sharing your tip.
Anjanette says; February 3, 2010 @ 7:24 pm
I use cloth, too! Ive purchased all of mine save 1 from Perfect Pads and really like them!! Is this weird to point out - I feel like I smell less aherm… down there… when I wear cloth!! FWIW when we had our first baby (and now in anticipation of our second), cloth diapers were a no-brainer. In both cases money is as big or bigger a motivator as health!!
Administrator - Alison says; February 3, 2010 @ 10:02 pm
Anjanette: I hear ya on the smell situation! Overall they’re just so much better for your health! I wouldn’t go back. For traveling I have used biodegradable ones, but only because it was necessary. Thanks for your comment!
Karilee says; February 8, 2010 @ 4:58 pm
I have been using cloth for years now and they are fantastic! I like saving money, I like the fact that there are no chemicals and a bonus is the environment. They are very easy to care for too. I bought some for my girls and they will start out that way. =)
By the way, Shelby, what are “lady bits”??? =)
Administrator - Alison says; February 8, 2010 @ 6:01 pm
Karilee, Thanks for your comment! I’m glad you also enjoy cloth pads. I also like that you have taken the opportunity to share with your daughters about it!
\'Becca says; February 12, 2010 @ 3:40 pm
I love cloth pads and the Diva Cup! I started using them for environmental reasons, but they are SO much more comfortable and (the cup, anyway) more convenient that I’ve never looked back.
Administrator - Alison says; February 12, 2010 @ 3:57 pm
Thanks for your comment, ‘Becca! I’m glad you’ve had such good experience with this! Thanks for sharing it.