More Evidence that Tampons are a Greener Choice
by Jenna Watson, Barcelona on 05. 4.07
This won’t be a favorite post amongst our male readers, but the Royal Institute of Technology in Stockholm carried out a life cycle assessment of tampons versus sanitary pads. The results aren’t conclusive, but we think that taking a look at their findings still helps support the use of organic cotton tampons, if you’re not yet into the Mooncup or reusable cloth pads like Lunapads. While the study recognizes that lack of quantitative data for tampon production was a problem they carried out a "cradle to grave" assessment from raw material extraction through to transport, production process, use stage and waste management. They of course highlight the dangers associated with dioxin hazard from bleaching of cotton for tampons, which reiterates the importance of using organic cotton tampons. Additionally, the analysis of the sanitary pad life cycle showed that,
the crucial process in the whole life cycle is the LDPE processing. Even though cellulose constitutes more weight percent of a pad, it doesn’t have so profound environmental impacts. It is due to high energy consumption of LDPE production and using oil as a raw material which is very valuable as an energy source. That is why the main impact from pads life cycle is fossil fuel use. Foresting and cellulose processing is much more environmentally friendly than plastic production. Most of the impacts come from raw materials processing and pads production; transportation also makes its inputs but not so large."They say that although the analysis is a good prompt for making environmentally friendly choices it should be considered as only background. Women should consider also the health risks associated with bleached cotton, even though regular unbleached tampons ranked better by two to one over pads. What’s the bottom line here? Pads create more environmental impacts due to their plastic components. This study really helps us understand why organic cotton tampons are one of the better environmental choices for women. ::The Full Report :: Dioxins and Plastics Info from Natracare :: How to Green Womens Personal Care ::Image Credit: Arcata Pet Supplies
The Diva Cup has had amazing testimonials.
Why the old "not to horrify the BOYS by talking about menses, but.." line?
Grownups understand that women have periods. The marketing of increasingly wasteful hygene products for women is an important environmental issue. Why can't we talk about it without the requisite, "eww, girls bleed!' comment?
On the subject, for any unconvinced women out there, using a natural rubber cup and cloth pads rocks, btw. So much more convenient, clean, and comfortable. Once you try it, the plastic diaper versions are just gross in comparison.
Author's Comments: Just being cheeky about not being the favorite post for the boys.
hear hear for the Diva Cup. my girlfriend loves it. by far the best choice for the environment.
http://www.divacup.com
Thanks for the article. I started using applicator-free tampons (OB) as a teenager thanks to a mom that didn't like plastic waste. I graduated to organic cotton when I got older. Now, I've found the Keeper (my sister has the Diva Cup). Um, we LOVE THEM!!!!! You'll never find them in a CVS or ThriftDrug or other mainstream store because the "sanitary napkin" industry would go out of business if women stopped using their products. Funny how we can easily discuss cloth or disposable with babies who will only use diapers for a few years but we don't critically look at our own decades of menstrual landfill waste.
What are you waiting for ladies????
ehhh, no thanks. I'll stick with my DivaCup and avoid shoving dry wads of cotton up my vagina. Call me crazy.
Once again, I can't recommend a Diva Cup enough. Not having to go to the store and buy yet another product because I am a captive consumer is amazing. Plus it makes the whole process easier for me, and more comfortable. I am going on 4 years now, and will NEVER go back to disposable products again. Tampons are just not comfortable now that I use a cup.
Aren't tampons worse for women though? There's been research that found tampons contained harmful chemicals and also harbor bacteria.
Wouldn't the real environmentally friendly choice be taking birth control pills that reduce or temporarily halt your periods all together--thus reducing or eliminating the need to buy pads, tampons, Keepers, etc?
hey...what about the photo used in this article?? "sanitary pads for female dogs in season"?? am I missing something? and....wtf, someone actually makes maxi pads for dogs?! someone clue me in
I can't praise the Keeper highly enough. I've had it for about 5 years and I can't see myself going back. Though I do sometimes wear a pad at the beginning and end of my period (i.e. 2 per month).
I'm *really* surprised that someone has suggested artificially stopping/reducing menstrual periods as a "green" option. Not only would it produce a lot of plastic waste from the pill dispensers, but it's just not the best idea for a woman's biological environment in the long run.
Cloth sanitary napkins will eventually wear out, can be used for rags to scrub the floor and bathroom, and can be composted when they're too threadbare for anything. Supposedly the organic cotton tampons will biodegrade, but I don't know anyone who puts them in the compost bin.
A Diva Cup or a Keeper won't biodegrade, but one can theoretically last from the onset of menses to menopause.
Great information. Just to give some good news to all those Pad and Panty liner users, Natracare does not use any plastics, AND because of this, our pads and liners are over 90% biodegradable. Natracare has been awarded the LOHAS ecological award, and also the Nordic Ecolabel award. Of course, Natracare organic cotton tampons are certified by the Soil Association. All of our products are Totally Chlorine free.
I've been using a Keeper for about 6 years now - and I love it. I will never ever go back to tampons - the thought just disgusts me. And I do feel a bit holier than thou about it to - knowing I'm doing a good thing.
Just to take it one step further - when emptying your cup, use it outside on your plants. That's what most fertislier is made up of anyway!
I'm so glad to hear so much positive feedback for menstrual cups like the DivaCup and the Keeper (and great to see the men are here too!)
I appreciate access to this report, as there are some older (flawed) studies that suggest cloth vs disposables are an environmental wash (for diapers and, by inference, menstrual pads). Umbra Fisk from Grist.org thinks it is a wash and that we shouldn't worry about it. So, thank you for presenting this view.