Reusable Cloth Pads and Sustainablility
October 25, 2011 by Vesna
Filed under Sustainable Living
Sustainability is not limited to only big topics related to pollution, energy, carbon etc. but can be applied to any issue, big or small, to every aspect of our lives. When it comes to more delicate themes, well, that’s something we don’t connect with sustainability and don’t mention in sustainability discussions. Moreover, we’d rather not talk about them at all. Well, for a change, let’s talk about one of those, a topic of interest to women: menstrual pads.
Reusable Cloth Pads and Sustainability
Menstruation is a subject rarely discussed outside a close female circle of friends or family. What does sustainability have to do with periods and all that stuff I can hear some ask? A lot. Think about disposable sanitary pads: what are they made of, what chemicals and bleaches are they laced with, how much do they cost and where do all of them end up once disposed off? On average, how many are used during one cycle, times 13, times one large city not to go further. It’s a hell of a lot of rubbish! 
I used to buy disposable pads and wouldn’t like to count how much money they had cost me and they cost the Earth, too. Some were worse than other, often uncomfortable and unbreathable. However, some 5-6 years ago I came across reusable washable cloth Rad-Pads, decided to give it a go and never looked back! I haven’t visited the isle with the sanitary pads in a shop for years. It feels good environmentally and money wise. The pads are so soft, comfortable and breathable. My favourite Rad-Pads are hemp fleece/organic cotton (pictured on the right) but cotton jersey pads are great and comfy too.
Some of the many Rad-Pads benefits
Here are some of the benefits of using Rad-Pads:
- Extremely economical – save HEAPS of money by not throwing away your ‘women’s waste’. One purchase of 8 – 10 pads may cost you about $100 but that may well be all you need for many years. Pads are often still going strong for many years (mine are) thanks to special machinery and quality control.
- Health benefits– are numerous! Many women report that their period pain and discomfort is much improved when they use Rad-pads. In addition Rad-pads do not use plastics or nasty toxic dioxins.
- Go Organic (if choosing our hemp fleece products) – There are a lot of advantages of supporting chemical free farming. Less exposure of farm workers to potentially toxic chemicals is one, less exposure to your private parts to same is another. Less harmful toxins being spread into the environment overall.
- Convenience – Rad-pads are always there ready and waiting for you to use.
- Conscience – support local businesses which employ people in fair and just circumstances instead of ‘feeding’ the huge multi-nationals who produce many of the disposable pads.
- Choice – Rad-Pads stock a range of colours as well as the organic options.
- Care– this is easy and Rad-Pads provides brochure with the products to let you know how to care for your pads.
- Natural – women comment on how much more in tune with their natural cycles they are when using Rad-pads.
- Versatile – Rad-Pads are also used for mild to moderate urinary incontinence and as panty liners
How to use and how to care for Rad-Pads
Rad-Pads are simple to use and care for. If you’re worried about washing and think it’s a hassle, I can tell you it’s simple – your washing machine is doing all the work. The instructions are enclosed with every Rad-Pads and there are detailed instructions on Rad-Pads website under Product Information link. In addition to reusable cloth pads, Rad-Pads have Menstrual Cup too.
Rad-Pads make a great gift and you can send it anywhere as international shipping is available for a flat rate. If you can’t decide which pack to buy, gift certificates are great solution. You can also give a present to yourself (I did) and the Earth will benefit, too!
Don’t get me wrong, I’ve got some rad pads (they’re far more comfortable than disposable pads, BTW), but I must admit I’ve barely used them since I got my Keeper (a rubber cup that is inserted like a tampon that catches the blood). I’ve had it for 8 or so years now and have saved myself a stack of washing, embarassment, money and waste. I bought mine years ago before they were sold in Australia (at least to my knowledge) and paid a bit for it. Now they’re sold in Australia and are much cheaper.
Thank you very much for your feedback Kathy. Rad-Pads has cup too, but I haven’t tried it yet. It’s great to hear your positive experience about using it.
Great posting Vesna. Each month I smile to myself as I peg my little fleet of radpads on the washing line, fluttering in the sunshine. Mine have been with me for at least 10 years, and they are still going strong. Instead of adding to landfill, my body’s iron has gone to my favourite garden plants, after soaking quietly in a dainty bucket of water. Easy. And a very real way to join in the circle of life. Thanks for raising the subject.
Hi Monica,
Thank you for writing your experience. Well done, 10 years of saving the money and the rubbish from the landfill! Also, thank you for pointing out that soaking water can be poured into the garden as fertilizer.
Warm regards