As a woman, it’s the best decision you will make for yourself and the planet. 1) You will reduce your menstrual cramps, infections and skin rashes. If you suffer intense pain during your period and are using disposables, consider using alternatives like cloth pads, 100% organic cotton products or menstrual cups. Disposable pads also use plastics, which block airflow to your vagina, and not surprisingly, can encourage a painful rash. Disposables also use synthetic fibers like rayon, which are super-absorbent, but will also absorball the moisture in your vagina, increasing your chances of severe pain and infections -- especially if you are wearing one for hours, all day, all week. 2) Cloth pads are lovely and soft against your skin so you hardly feel like you’re wearing a pad. 3) They’re flexible so they mould to the curve of your body and move with you. 4) It’s easier to get them in exactly the right place because they fasten with a press stud (on the wings) so you can reposition them. 5) They smell much less – once used, you fold and fasten them with the press stud and pop them in a pouch in your bag – they do not smell at all. 6) You’ll save money. Even though they seem expensive to buy, they work out cheaper in the long run. 7) They’re easier to wash and get clean than you think – after use, soak them top side face down in cold water (add a drop of lavender oil or baking soda if you like). Rinse well until the water runs clear and hand-wash or pop them in the washing machine on a 30 degree wash with other laundry (don’t use fabric conditioner as it reduces their absorbency). 8) They have a lower environmental impact than disposable pads. It’s estimated that there are 1.976 billion women of menstruating age on the planet – that is too many tonnes of waste to even contemplate! Fewer resources are needed to manufacture and transport reusable products from the factory to your home than disposables. 9) You can help lift other women out of poverty.
