One of our UK ambassadors, Hattie, shares her making the switch story. Thanks Hattie!

My journey into making the switch from disposable to reusable sanitary products began with a desire to cut down on the amount of waste I produced as an individual. I didn’t realise when I started to change my habits just how much of an impact this would have on me and how I feel about my body.Hattie

I had heard of Mooncup and seen it in shops, but I had never previously thought to question using tampons and sanitary pads, which were the only products I felt familiar with and comfortable using. Also, as the initial cost can be more than triple the amount of a pack of tampons, it seemed too expensive to invest in. However, as I tried to make more eco friendly choices in other aspects of my life (buying organic food, using earth friendly cleaning products, etc) I thought I should think more about the choices I was making when it came down to my body.

I checked out the Mooncup website and realised that the cost was actually a small price to pay when you put it into perspective. I started using the Mooncup, which I love and still use to this day, but found myself still using disposable pads at night. I thought that there must be an alternative to these if products such as Mooncup exist, so I was very pleased to find Eco Femme cloth pads in my local health food shop. Since that day I have never looked back and can’t believe how much less of a burden it is getting my period each month.

“Originally, having mostly been interested in cutting down on my waste, I hadn’t thought of all the other benefits of using cloth, but now it seems like cutting down on waste is the bonus!”

I had never even thought about the materials disposables were made from, but after doing some research, I’m not surprised how uncomfortable I had felt wearing them. Cloth pads are soft, breathable and a lot prettier than any disposable I’ve ever seen or used, with the added bonus of being cheaper in the long run too.
Like most other women, I remember the lesson at school where we were taught about menstruation and the products that we would have to purchase once a month for the foreseeable future. It’s a shame that this discussion is so one sided (that is, in favour of the big brands) and that other options are not even given a look in.

“If I had been taught about the alternatives when I was in school, I have no doubt I would have made the switch earlier.”

 

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