It's not a taboo subject, but it's one we need to spend more time talking about. Conventional tampons have some secrets that need to come to light -- http://www.seventhgeneration.com/learn/blog/talking-about-tampons
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Talking About Tampons
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Re: Reply to Consumer Insights Team
@jse1184 - Thank you for your post. Unfortunately the best method (while not environmentally the best) is to discard the tampon in the trash. From a health perspective it's not advisable to compost tampons or feminine care pads given the bodily fluids they contain. I am not sure where you read "no" landfills but that would be the appropriate method at this time until a different product system and or waste management system is established for "disposable" feminine care products. I believe any reference we've made about landfills is that the tampons will not readily biodegrade. Products like the “diva cup” (while not a match for all) help side step this issue. I hope this helps.
Thanks, Jason
Consumer Insights
Reply to Consumer Insights Team
What should we do with tampons? You said no flushing, no landfill, and no composting...what's left?
Thanks!
Cloth Pads
I made my own stash of cloth pads almost two years ago. I wouldn't trade them for anything. Their healthier and cheap to make. I was able to customize them to my flow--heaviness and direction. I made my pads slightly bulky for that reason, so mine are more suitable for at home use which is fine since I'm a SAHM. I do, however, keep a box seventh gen tampons on hand for long outings and travel.
Menstrual cups
I used The Keeper for a couple of years, and - while I would recommend it highly - I have to admit that it isn't for everyone. Even I couldn't quite get it to fit just right, and often had to use back-up. With regard to an earlier comment about having trouble removing it, menstrual cups create a seal against the vaginal wall when you insert it, so it's important to pinch the bottom of the cup to break the seal so that you can pull it out easily.
Diva Cup
I have used the Diva Cup for about 3 years now and have never been disappointed. It is a little more difficult than a tampon or a pad to use but it is definitely worth it. I have gotten one new one because of discoloration not because of anything the diva cup did wrong. I feel that the Diva cup is good for the environment, not creating a bunch of waste every period, it is cheap considering you buy a box of tampons every 2 months, and it is effective. I definitely recommend and I am not going back to any other method unless absolutely necessary.
Diva Cup No Thanks
I purchased a Diva Cup and had the most awful experience. I couldn't get it out, no matter what I tried. I ended up having to go to the doctor and getting it removed, where she advised that I never use it again, and she ended up throwing it away. Not only was I disappointed with the product, but I also wasted $40.
I only purchased it because I had learned about the dangers of non organic bleached tampons and wanted a better alternative, and also wanted to create less waste. I'm going to purchase seventh generation non-applicator tampons from now on, because they seem like the best product for me. I'd rather go with an organic tampon than any sort of sponge or fancy cup!
Tampons, Pads and Liners
Each month I use a combination of the three. Do Seventh Generation feminine hygiene products absorb as well? I'm ok if they don't absorb as much "blue liquid" like other commercial brands do in the commercials...I'm just trying to cut down on having so many chemicals so close to my body! When you think of it...all those crystals, perfumes and plastics have to have an impact on our gynecological health. I'm not interested in the cups...I like the concept, but..uh...well...just not for me...Thanks!
They aren't really that
They aren't really that big. Different brands have different shapes, but only slightly.
I use the Diva Cup and find that it works well for me.
Menstrual Cups
I was wondering how big menstrual cups are. I was looking at some pictures and they look huge.
Reply to grizzx
Tampons should not be flushed, no matter what the packaging might say. They clog septic and municiapl systems. Our tampons are organic cotton, so will biodegrade; IF they are in an environment to allow this to happen. If they are put into a landfill, they won't biodegrade, since this action needs sun, water and microorganisms for biodegrading. Due to their intended use for mensutrual flow, it is not recommended to compost tampons.
Tampons, where they end up?
I was thinking about it yesterday and Im really wanting to know what do I do with the tampon itself after Im done using it? throw away, flush, keep in seperate in another area?? our the tampons biodegradable?? I think I may choose the Lady cup later on and see how that works.
a litle more info
I forgot to add, I actually did a post about both menstrual cups and cloth pads, in case it would be helpful to anyone.
Another vote for a cup.
I use one as well and find that it agrees so much more with my body.
I recommend them highly. I have a Diva Cup. A little tip is to cut off the stem if it's a bother to you.
Thank you!
Okay! Thank you so much for the reply. I'm also thinking about maybe getting a menstrual cup.
Reply to nquansah
I totally know what you are asking, been there myself. You are so right, the applicator is extra that sits in a landfill, whether it is plastic or cardboard/paper; such as ours. To insert without an applicator, you do it manually with your finger. These used to be called digital tampons, meaning to insert with a finger digit. At first, it might seem weird, but I wouldn't go back to applicators ever again. Would use pads/liners first. If you would like some more information, and would like to talk in a different forum, why don't you email the consumer team at: http://bit.ly/SKgKD. We can help with any product questions.
Applicator or No-Applicator
Hi,
So I'm really new to environmentally friendly shopping, and I've noticed that Seventh Generation sells products with and without applicators. How do you put a tampon in without an applicator? I feel like this is a silly question, but I've never done it before. Also, does not using an applicator make a very big difference? I know that it creates a lot less plastic waste. I'm just curious about these things.
Menstrual Cup
I purchased a menstrual cup from the Lady Cup website some time again and have yet to be disappointed. It is a one time purchase cost of $40 plus shipping and that includes the cup, sanitizing solution and storage bag. The cups last for about 10 years and you can leave them in for 24 hours straight (as long as your flow is light enough) without any risk of TSS because they are latex based. I would recommend them to anyone!
Ack chlorine!
Momomaster, I like your thinking with the terry cloth thing but the bleach part sounds dangerous. Try swagging the cloth through vinegar instead. Or better, use a series of cloths and wash, rinse with vinegar then dry in the bright sunlight. The sun plus the vinegar should give you excellent cleansing and sanitizing.
I've gone to using a soft
I've gone to using a soft terry cloth. Take it out, swag it through some bleach, then back in the hole you go!
GladRags
I just ordered a sample of a cloth, organic pad that is washable/reusable for up to 5 years. I'm going to try it on my new period. I don't normally use pads so it will be a switch, but will result in no waste going into the landfill, which makes me happy.
Shape
Simply put, rectangular tampons do not work well. Tampons that are bell shaped and expand are much more effective. When it comes to personal hygiene products, ineffective doesnt sell. Organic or not.