Making the Switch
the benefits of cloth menstrual pads
|by Tracy Puhl
While your period may come with cramps
or bloating, it is part of the process that helps
create life.
How cool is that?
Unfortunately, we tend to focus on the less
pleasant parts of menstruating and forget to
take care of our bodies that are hard at work.
As women and moms, we’re often too busy
putting others’ needs above our own.
But your period can be a monthly reminder
to take extra care of yourself. And one of the
best ways to care for your body is to choose
safer menstrual products.
Cloth pads are good for your body
Conventional disposable products can contain
plastics, artificial fragrances, adhesives, and
chemical gels – things you don’t want next to
one of the most sensitive parts of your body!
Cloth pads are free from irritating materials,
so you can avoid unnecessary exposure to the
synthetic ingredients in disposable pads and
tampons.
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One of the lesser-known benefits of switching to reusable menstrual pads is the period
positivity that comes along with it. The men-
strual cycle is a healthy and natural process.
Many of us grow up believing that it’s a messy
inconvenience or, worse, a disgusting diseaselike condition. The embarrassment or shame
we feel about our periods is often a result of
negative cultural conditioning. Many women
have experienced profound positive transformations in our feelings toward our menstrual
cycles after ditching the disposables!
Cloth pads are good for the planet
The average woman will use 12,000 to 16,000
disposable pads, panty-liners, and tampons in
her lifetime. That’s a lot of waste! Plus, think
of the manufacturing, shipping, and packaging impact over the years. Cloth pads last for
years, helping you keep your environmental
footprint small and saving you from monthly
trips to the store. Make sure to choose a brand
that’s plastic and nylon free, and uses natural
fibers only.
Cloth pads are good for your budget
Once you purchase a full set of cloth pads,
you’ll have reliable menstrual protection for
years to come. Most are made to last for five
years, but many women report that their pads
have lasted much longer! It can seem like washable cloth pads cost more than disposables,