Are organic tampons really necessary?
Chances are if you are reading this site, you are already buying some form of organic food and cleaners. Those are the first two areas most people test when they opt for a greener lifestyle. Strange as it may seem, what we put ON our bodies, like organic lotions is a distant third. Eventually, we start to look at eco-friendly and organic personal products, including feminine care.
A quick lesson in pesticides
According to the USDA, in 2003 almost 55 million pounds of pesticides were sprayed on cotton fields each year. The World Health Organization has classified many pesticides as “extremely hazardous,” and some have been identified as possible human carcinogens. Not only are pesticides dangerous to your health, they pollute groundwater and soil.
Organic tampons
Conventional tampons are made with materials that have been treated with bleach, chlorine, or have traditional cotton which may have been exposed to pesticides. Natural, organic tampons are made from cotton grown without pesticides, area not bleached with chlorine, yet work just as well as conventional tampons. There are several choices to explore when looking for organic tampons:
- Seventh Generation has a variety of organic tampons and pads that are chlorine-free
- NatraCare has a full line of tampons, pads, pantyliners, even nursing pads that are certified organic and chlorine-free
- Maxim organic tampons cut back on waste by eliminating the applicator
- Organyc makes tampons that are 100% biodegradable and compostable
- Diva Cup is an alternative to tampons and pads, this soft, reusable menstrual cup is made from silicone
Buying organic feminine products is most definitely a personal choice, but this list can get you started testing out different brands and products to see if there's a greener way for you.
Janine Nickel (@Twincident on Twitter) documents her neuroses, the drama of raising twin girls and offers product reviews and giveaways at TwoferMom.com.
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