1. Why alternative menstrual products? Health – some (not so new) concerns Artificial fibers (like rayon) in mainstream products are abrasive - when a mainstream tampon lengthens, it pushes against the cervix, causing tiny cuts and imbedding pieces into the tissue. This has been traced as a probable cause of Toxic Shock Syndrome and has been shown to damage the vaginal walls by causing ulceration and peeling of the mucus membrane. Absorbent tampons also affect pH levels by absorbing mucus, which has been linked to yeast infections. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but fatal bacterial illness that occurs mostly in young menstruators. TSS has been linked to tampon use and the high absorbency in tampons. The number of reported cases has been nearly eliminated in recent years, partially due to increased regulation by the FDA of tampon absorbency and changes in tampon ingredients. A menstruator is likely to use over 12,000 sanitary pads and tampons in a lifetime, and mainstream disposable products often cost much more than reusable ones (often more than 2 to 15 times as much over time). This amounts to thousands of dollars that could be used for other needs. For an estimated cost comparison, see graph on other side. Environment – stream of consumption and waste Mainstream tampons and pads are made from cotton and rayon (produced from wood pulp and cotton) which are heavy pesticide industries. In the U.S., 25% of all insecticides are used on cotton. 12 billion pads and 7 million tampons are used once and disposed of annually in this country alone, clogging our overburdened landfill sites. The average menstruator throws away 250 to 300 pounds of tampons, pads, and applicators in their lifetime. The great majority of these end up in landfills or sewage treatment plants. Five of the top nine pesticides used on cotton in the U.S. are known cancer-causing chemicals. All nine are classified by the U.S. EPA as Category I and II – the most dangerous. Most tampon and pad factories are located in and ship their waste to communities of color and low-income communities which already bear the brunt of environmental injustice. Don’t be afraid to think and talk about these things…menstruation is important and should be something to celebrate and be proud of! For more information check out: Tampaction (tampaction.org) The New Our Bodies, Ourselves by the Boston Women’s Health Collective The Museum of Menstruation (MUM.org) The Body Project by Joan Brumberg

2. Healthy, Safe, Responsible Alternatives Organic, non-chlorine bleached tampons Advantages Disadvantages Reusable cloth pads Advantages Disadvantages The Keeper and the DivaCup Advantages Disadvantages You have to make time to pre-soak and then machine wash them Not so convenient; if you’re out for long periods of time, you may have to carry pads home in a plastic bag Can be bulky Can’t wear when swimming Chance of TSS, though no cases ever reported Can be messy to change Only come in 2 sizes Takes a few tries to learn proper insertion/removal Keeper not for latex-allergic Higher initial investment Chance of TSS, though no cases ever reported Disposable and wasteful Expensive (see graph) Absorbs vaginal mucus Alters pH levels, which can cause yeast infections Clogs up septic systems Pesticide-free No chlorine bleaching Rayon-free You can cut them to the size that is right for you Easy and often familiar Soft and comfortable Long-Term Affordability – Estimated costs over 10 years: 1)Organic pads and tampons $650 ($65/year) 2)Mainstream pads and tampons $500 ($50/year) 3)Reusable pads $200 ($20/year) 4)Keeper/Divacup $30 ($3/year) No absorption/abrasion Reusable = friendly to the environment No chlorine bleaching Lasts for a long time Affordable (see graph) Money-back guarantee Great for traveling They let blood flow naturally You can make them yourself out of old clothes and towels Affordable (see graph) Soft and comfortable Reusable = friendly to the environment No risk of TSS No chlorine bleaching