this is just too much information
so the warning has been issued...... this is about feminine hygiene.
most specifically tampon alternatives.
so for my brother....skip this post.
in my attempts to live a greener lifestyle and make changes both small and large, i did a bit of research on tampon alternatives.
this is what i found: the diva cup.
it has been three full cycles now and i am just posting because i wanted to be able to give a full account of the product. i won't go back. BUT there is a learning curve. i just now feel as if i have the hang of it.....both gross factor and technique. it really does take getting used to and i am not sure how you would use it if you had to change it out while in a restroom without a sink nearby. again, too much information, but on my heaviest days i "empty" twice a day.....and at night still wear a pad. which was true prior to this experiment as well.
i did read all the questions posted on their website, read the instructions multiple times, and read other blogs about this. i was feeling pretty convicted about my "throw-away" mentality in my lifestyle. this was something i could change.....and was willing to. i really feel like it was worth trying.....tampons in landfills is just kind of gross.....and there had to be some alternative. i found it, tried it, and recommend it! there are a few different brands out there, but i tried this one because my natural health food store could order it for me. that was pretty awesome and only just a little embarrassing to go and ask if they had it. i am learning how to ask really "uncomfortable" questions....just like learning to bring my own coffee mug.....okay, this is a totally different.
deodorant update for anyone interested:
while i was having to mix my concoction every morning before applying.....now that the weather has shifted, i don't. coconut oil has a low melting point. AH HA! i have been using homemade for three months now and while i have to get used to the lack of antiperspirant factor....i don't think i stink. at least my husband and not told me that i do.
here is the original post on this subject. the recipe is there....and i am still looking for someone else to try it and give me feedback. i still can't believe it works!
confession:
i really did look in to switching to cloth diapers.
i couldn't do it.
we had a plumbing issue this summer and our "at hand" income is not available to invest in cloth diapers for what might be one more year. it pains me to admit. i was totally convinced that i needed to make the switch. we just cannot invest the money......but i have started flushing the poop....really simple and again....poopy diapers in landfill - gross! we have been looking into better diaper alternatives than the generally used brands.
most specifically tampon alternatives.
so for my brother....skip this post.
in my attempts to live a greener lifestyle and make changes both small and large, i did a bit of research on tampon alternatives.
this is what i found: the diva cup.
it has been three full cycles now and i am just posting because i wanted to be able to give a full account of the product. i won't go back. BUT there is a learning curve. i just now feel as if i have the hang of it.....both gross factor and technique. it really does take getting used to and i am not sure how you would use it if you had to change it out while in a restroom without a sink nearby. again, too much information, but on my heaviest days i "empty" twice a day.....and at night still wear a pad. which was true prior to this experiment as well.i did read all the questions posted on their website, read the instructions multiple times, and read other blogs about this. i was feeling pretty convicted about my "throw-away" mentality in my lifestyle. this was something i could change.....and was willing to. i really feel like it was worth trying.....tampons in landfills is just kind of gross.....and there had to be some alternative. i found it, tried it, and recommend it! there are a few different brands out there, but i tried this one because my natural health food store could order it for me. that was pretty awesome and only just a little embarrassing to go and ask if they had it. i am learning how to ask really "uncomfortable" questions....just like learning to bring my own coffee mug.....okay, this is a totally different.
deodorant update for anyone interested:
while i was having to mix my concoction every morning before applying.....now that the weather has shifted, i don't. coconut oil has a low melting point. AH HA! i have been using homemade for three months now and while i have to get used to the lack of antiperspirant factor....i don't think i stink. at least my husband and not told me that i do.
here is the original post on this subject. the recipe is there....and i am still looking for someone else to try it and give me feedback. i still can't believe it works!
confession:
i really did look in to switching to cloth diapers.
i couldn't do it.
we had a plumbing issue this summer and our "at hand" income is not available to invest in cloth diapers for what might be one more year. it pains me to admit. i was totally convinced that i needed to make the switch. we just cannot invest the money......but i have started flushing the poop....really simple and again....poopy diapers in landfill - gross! we have been looking into better diaper alternatives than the generally used brands.
Comments
but what's up with the lapel pin they include? Who wears that?
You rock for posting about this ;).
I'm still getting used to my Diva cup (I think they make a G-cup in Canada - hah!) as well. (Seriously, Kate O.: that pin is a hoot!) There are some cycles where my cervix feels too achy to even bother to use it, but I find it great for times when I'm at home for long periods of time. I've learned a lot about my body since using it (what menses actually looks like, which side I ovulated from, etc.). I love knowing that I'm not using sketchy-chemical-laden tampons inside my body (heck, humans are part of the environment too, right?) ;)
I think there are ways to use disposables more responsibly, and your efforts to flush poop down the toilet are important. We do the best we can with the situation we have, yes? You can also purchase more earth-friendly diapers, though those are also known to be a bit more expensive. For the younger set, there's always Elimination Communication (EC)! Heh. ;)
BTW, I keep my deo in the fridge during the warmer months. It takes a few minutes for it to soften or I rub and rub against my skin so that my body heat melts it a bit. I think the melting factor is probably why we don't see coconut oil used more widely in natural deo products. I'm not sure if I mentioned it either when I shared the recipe before, but there's also a difference between semi-refined (almost no odor) and extra virgin coconut oil (very coconut-y!). The EVCO is a bit more expensive but fun for the warmer months. I'm not sure I'll be digging the smell of the beach on my pits come January, though, so I'm excited to use it up and try the semi-refined for the months ahead. (Hmm... or maybe the scent will actually help get me through those rough, cold months! I'll have to think this over!)
(shhh!!! I use cloth pads.)
We use cloth diapers...and it was the only thing we registered for when I was pregnant with Andrew! They are that expensive! So, I hear ya.