Make Your Periods Eco-Friendly

Not only are reusable menstrual products greener, their also better for your health. Curious? Keep an open mind and read on for several interesting options.

The Menstrual Cup

Made of either latex (the Keeper) or silicone (the DivaCup and the Moon Cup), a menstrual cup is a little funnel-shaped container with a ”tail” on the end (kind of like a tampon’s string). The cup is inserted into the vagina to catch the flow from your period. You can use the same one for up to 10 years.

How to use:

• After washing your hands, fold the cup in half (it’s flexible) and insert it, positioning it comfortably using your thumb and forefinger. Be sure to relax your vaginal muscles as you do this– the principle is the same, more or less, as inserting a tampon.
• Once it’s well inserted, release the cup; it will then open up. Gently turn it (one full rotation) with your fingertips to make sure it’s in the open position. At this point, a suction will occur against the inner walls of the vagina, preventing the blood from flowing on the outside.
• You may find it more comfortable to sit on the toilet when you remove the cup. Pinch the base of the cup, allowing the passage of air into the vagina, so you can remove it easily and comfortably.
• Next, empty the cup into the toilet. If your cycle is not over, rinse out the cup or wipe it with toilet paper before reinserting it.
• When your period is over, leave the cup in a glass of water mixed with vinegar (1 part vinegar to 9 parts water) for about 24 hours, then rinse it out and wash it with a gentle soap before putting it back in its case.
• Once you understand how to insert and use it, you’ll appreciate the freedom of the cup. Unlike a tampon, which needs to be changed regularly, you can leave in the cup for longer periods of time– you may actually even forget you have your period!

Available Products:

1. The Keeper (latex), approximately $45
2. The Moon Cup (silicone), approximately $45 at www.keeper.com 3.
3. The DivaCup (silicone), approximately $45 at

Reusable Menstrual Pads

A reusable pad is very similar to disposable one: more or less the same shape, but made of either regular or brushed cotton. An environmentally-friendly choice, but with the same protection.

How to use:

• Instead of adhesive strips, reusable pads stay in place with snaps.
• They can be rinsed out in the sink then machine washed.

Available Products:

1. Lunapads, $19.99 for regular cotton; $24.99 for organic cotton (other models and colours available)
2. GladRags, about $15 (other models and colours also available)

The Sea Sponge

A sea sponge is another good alternative to traditional menstrual products. It’s a natural resource, renewable and biodegradable. Just insert into the vagina to absorb the flow. It lasts for about six months.

How to use:

• First, cut it to a comfortable size. Then, with clean hands, insert into the vagina. If your flow is heavy, you may prefer to use a panty liner, too.
• To remove the sponge, take it between the thumb and forefinger and gently tug it out. Next, rinse out the sponge in cold water for about three hours.
• Boiling the sponge for approximately ten minutes is recommended at the end of your cycle, in order to get rid of any bacteria.

Available Products:

1. Jade and Pearl sea sponges, about $15 at Glad Rags

Caroline Biron for divine.ca
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