Top 10 Toxic Chemicals to Eliminate Immediately From Your Daily Routine, on Your Journey Towards Going Green

Posted on July 7, 2013 by Shelby Miller, Doula

We are often not aware of what all of those difficult to pronounce “ingredients” are on the label of our favorite hygiene products. They make us “feel” clean, “smell” nice, and carry confidence in how we “look” to those around us.Years and years of use, and we may find ourselves being one of those people we here about, who was just diagnose with cancer, is no longer able to have children, who’s child was born with a very serious or life threatening birth defect, or the person who is in the beginning stages of Alzheimer’s, among numerous other decline health problems. Then comes the realization that we have actually spend years and years of our time and money on purchasing toxic chemicals to slowly deteriorate our bodies, in an attempt to feel, smell, and look our best.

Making it a point now, to become informed about the truths of the toxins we intentionally expose ourselves and our children to daily, and begin to slowly remove them from our daily routines and habits. Learn what they are, what their role and function is in our products, which of our products they can be found in, and what health related concerns they are associated with.

On the journey to becoming “green” we also can learn what “natural” alternatives we have in making better choices for ourselves and our families, and taking back control of our long term health and vitality.

Below is a list of the top 10 chemicals found in our every day hygiene products which we can begin to eliminate immediately! Alternatives are purchasing organic products from health and wellness stores, or simply making your own homemade products with the use of things like coconut oil and essential oils.

……………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………………

~ For a FULL list of the 30 most toxic chemicals found in our products ~

The Dirt 30 – A List of Toxic Chemicals Found in Everyday Hygiene and Household Products

Photo Courtesy of Green Peace

1) SODIUM LAURYL SULFATE (SLS)
SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE (SLES)
2) AMMONIUM LAURYL SULFATE (ALS)
AMMONIUM LAURETH SULFATE (ALES)

Function:
Surfactant
Penetration enhancer
Helps to create lather

Present in:
Cosmetics
Shampoo
Mouthwash
Toothpaste
Various other personal care products

Health concerns:
Alters skin structure
Allows other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin, inhibiting the skins ability protect
Makes it easier for other chemicals that reach the bloodstream
Irritant
Studies show strong negative effects on sensory organs

3) PARABENS (METHYL, ETHYL, PROPYL AND BUTYL)

Function:
Preservative
Anti-bacterial agent

Present in:
Cosmetics
Various other personal care products

Health concerns:
Alters hormone levels
Increases risk for certain types of cancer
Impairs fertility
Alteration of the development of a fetus or young child
Studies have found parabens in breast tumors
Probable skin toxicant
Studies show negative effects on the brain and nervous system

4) THE THREE T’s

TRICLOSAN (derivative of agent orange) (1% of 1 billion is highly toxic)

Function:
Anti-bacterial agent
Deodorant
Preservative
Biocide
Reduces and controls bacterial contamination on the hands and on treated products

Present in:
Antibacterial soaps
Hand sanitizer
Deodorants,
Toothpastes
Mouthwashes
Face wash
Various cleaning supplies
Restricted in Japan and Canada.

Health concerns:
Endocrine disrupter
Carcinogen; easily bio-accumulates to dangerous levels
Irritant
Studies show reproductive and other broad systematic effects
Potentially contaminated with impurities linked to cancer and other significant health problems
Studies have shown it can actually induce cell death when used in mouth washes
Scientists believe the run off down drains, into bodies of water and soil is one of the main causes for the proliferation of super bugs.

TOLUENE

Function:
Antioxidant
Solvent to improve adhesion and gloss

Present in:
Nail polish
Hair dye

Health concerns:
Highly toxic to liver and lungs
Developmental, nervous system and respiratory toxin
Cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, renal and sense organ toxin
Carcinogen and reproductive toxin
Irritant
Highly flammable

TALC

Function:
Absorbs moisture
Anti-caking agent
Bulking agent

Present in:
Blush
All forms of powder, including baby powder
Eye shadow
Deodorant

Health concerns:
Carcinogen
Linked to ovarian cancer
Talc particles are similar to asbestos particles
Respiratory Toxin
Data suggests that it can cause tumors in the lungs

5) PROPYLENE GLYCOL (main ingredient in anti-freeze!)

Function:
Solvent – wetting substance
Penetration enhancer
Conditions the skin
Controls viscosity
Keeps products from melting in high, or freezing in low, temps

Present in:
Cosmetics
Shampoo / conditioner
Toothpaste
Numerous personal care products
Some packaged foods
Ice cream – prevents ice crystals
Artificial sweeteners – humectant, preserving moisture, preventing mold and bacteria from developing
Icing / Frosting – alginate, causing your icing to foam

Health concerns:
Alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin
Increase in the amount of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream
Studies show:
negative reproductive effects
Positive mutation results
Brain and nervous system effects
Endocrine disruption

6) OXYBENZONE (BENZPENONE-3) (product name, followed by neg (-) / pound (#) sign = synthetic)

Function:
Sunscreen Agent
Ultraviolet Light Absorber
UV Absorber
UV Filter

Present in:
Sunscreens
Makeup

Health concerns:
Associated with photoallergic reactions
Immunotoxicity
Carcinogen
Endocrine disrupter
Enhanced skin absorption and bioaccumulates to dangerous levels
Biochemical cellular changes
Developmental and reproductive toxicity
Found in breastmilk

7) LEAD and LEAD COMPOUNDS

Function:
Colorant

Present in:
Hair products – dye
Found in 60% of lipsticks (but it won’t be on the label)
Restricted in Canada

Health concerns:
Carcinogen
Developmental, respiratory, gastrointestinal and reproductive toxicant
Reduced fertility
Studies show metabolic, brain and nervous system effects
Suspected nano-scale ingredients with potential to absorb into the skin

8) ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM and OTHER ALUMINUM COMPOUNDS

Function:
Used to control sweat and odor in the underarms by slowing down the production of sweat

Present in:
Antiperspirants
Banned by EU

Health concerns:
Linked to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease
May be linked to breast cancer
Neurotoxin
Nervous system, respiratory, and developmental toxin

9) PETROLEUM (PETROLATUM)

Function:
Forms barrier on skin
Makes lipsticks shine
Creams smoother
Inexpensive skin softener

Present in:
Cosmetics
Mineral oil
Baby oil
Lip care
Banned by EU

Health concerns:
May be contaminated with impurities
Linked to cancer or other significant health problems
Softens skin while damaging it in the process

10) PHTHALATES (DIBUTYL PHTHALATES)

Function:
Fragrance ingredient (labeled as “fragrance” or “parfum”)
Plasticizer (this chemical will actually soften plastics)
Solvent

Present in:
Numerous cosmetics
Various personal care products (including scented feminine hygiene products)
Banned in EU.

Health concerns:
Immune system toxicant
Developmental and reproductive toxin
Associated with kidney failure
Respiratory toxicant
Probable neurotoxin
Carcinogen
Endocrine disruptor
Bio-accumulative in wildlife

Reference Resources and additional Readers

Green Peace
Teens Turning Green
Environmental Working Group

The Dirty 30 ~ A List of Toxic Chemicals Found in Everyday Hygiene and Household Products

Posted on June 2, 2013 by Shelby Miller, Doula

1. CHEMICAL: ALUMINUM ZIRCONIUM and OTHER
ALUMINUM COMPOUNDSFunction: Used to control sweat and odor in the underarms by slowing down the production of sweat.Present in: Antiperspirants. Banned by EU.

Health concerns: Linked to the development of Alzheimer’s Disease; may be linked to breast cancer; probable neurotoxin; possible nervous system, respiratory, and developmental toxin.

2. CHEMICAL: BENZYL ACETATE

Function: Solvent; hidden within “fragrance.”

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Linked to pancreatic cancer; easily absorbs into skin causing quick systemic effects; animal studies show hyperemia of the lungs; possible gastrointestinal, liver, and respiratory toxicant; possible neurotoxin.

3. CHEMICAL: BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE and BENZETHONIUM CHLORIDEFunction: Antimicrobial agent, deodorant, preservative, biocide.

Present in: Moisturizer, sunscreen, facial cleanser, acne treatment, pain relief. Restricted in Japan and Canada.

Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; may trigger asthma; possible organ system toxicant; animal studies show endocrine disruption and brain, nervous system, respiratory and blood effects; possible carcinogen.

4. CHEMICAL: BRONOPOL

Function: Preservative.

Present in: Moisturizer, body wash, facial cleanser, makeup remover, anti-aging products. Restricted in Canada.

Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; lung and skin toxicant; animal studies show endocrine disruption and gastrointestinal, brain and nervous system effects; irritant.

5. CHEMICAL: BUTYL ACETATE

Function: Solvent in polishes and treatments, prevents chipping.

Present in: Nail polish and nail treatments.

Health concerns: Repeated exposure causes skin dryness and cracking; vapors may induce drowsiness or dizziness; flammable.

6. CHEMICAL: BUTYLATED HYDROXYTOLUENE (BHT)/ BUTYLATED HYDROXYANISOLE (BHA)

Function: Anti-Oxidant; slows down the rate at which product ingredients change in color.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Banned by EU.

Health Concerns: Immune system toxicant; endocrine disruptor; probable human carcinogen; animal studies show brain, liver, neurotoxin, reproductive and respiratory toxicant.

7. CHEMICAL: ETHOXYLATED INGREDIENTS:CETEARETH/PEG COMPOUNDS

Function: Surfactant, emulsifying or cleansing agent, penetration enhancer.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Animal studies show brain, nervous system and sense organ effects; irritant; reproductive and skin toxin, alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin and increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream; may contain harmful impurities.

8. CHEMICAL: COAL TAR

Function: Controls itching and eczema, softens and promotes the dissolution of hard, scaly, rough skin, also used in hair dyes.

Present in: Shampoo and Hair Dye. Banned by Canada and EU.

Health concerns: Known human carcinogen; skin and respiratory toxicant.

9. CHEMICAL: COCAMIDE DEA/ LAURAMIDE DEA

Function: used as foaming agents in shampoos and bath products, and as emulsifying agents in cosmetics; foaming and cleansing agents for “mouth feel.”

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Human immune system toxicant; forms carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds if mixed with nitrosating agents; animal studies show sense organ effects and skin irritation; may contain harmful impurities.

10. CHEMICAL: DIETHANOLAMINE (DEA)

Function: pH adjuster.

Present in: Sunscreen, moisturizer, foundation, hair color.

Health concerns: Skin and immune system toxicant; possible carcinogen; irritant; animal studies show endocrine disruption and neuro developmental, brain and nervous system effects; may trigger asthma.

11. CHEMICAL: ETHYL ACETATE

Function: Solvent.

Present in: Nail polish products, mascara, tooth whitening, perfume.

Health concerns: Probable neurotoxin; possible nervous system toxin; possible carcinogen; irritant; highly flammable

12. CHEMICAL: FORMALDEHYDE

Function: Disinfectant, germicide, fungicide, preservative.

Present in: Deodorant, nail polish, soap, shampoo, shaving cream. Restricted in Canada. Banned by EU.

Health concerns: Immune system, repertory, hematological, and skin toxicant; probable carcinogen and cardiovascular toxicant; can damage DNA; may trigger asthma; animal studies show sense organ, brain, and nervous system effects; possible human development toxicant.

13. CHEMICAL: FORMALDEHYDE-RELEASING PRESERVATIVES ( QUATERNIUM-15, DMDM HYDANTOIN, DIAZOLIDINYL UREA AND IMIDAZOLIDINYL UREA, DEA, MEA, TEA)

Function: Anti-microbial preservative.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Forms nitrosamines when in the presence of amines such as MEA, DEA and TEA; probable immune system, blood, cardiovascular and skin toxicant; possible carcinogen; animal studies show endocrine disruption, nervous system and organ system effects; may contain harmful impurities.

14. CHEMICAL: FRAGRANCE (PARFUM)

Function: Deodorant, masking, perfuming

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; possible neurotoxin; can contain between 10 and 300 different chemicals, many of which have never been tested for safety; see phthalates. Labeling can be confusing. If uncertain, check with manufacture.

15. CHEMICAL: HYDROQUINONE

Function: Antioxidant, fragrance ingredient, skin bleaching agent, hair colorant.

Present in: Skin fading/lightener, facial moisturizer, anti-aging, sunscreen, hair color, facial cleanser and moisturizer. Restricted in Canada.

Health concerns: Immune system and respiratory toxicant; probable neurotoxin; possible carcinogen; irritant; animal studies show endocrine disruption.

16. CHEMICAL: IODOPROPYNYL BUTYLCARBAMATE

Function: Preservative.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Restricted in Japan.

Health concerns: Human toxicant; possible liver immune system toxin; allergenic.

17. CHEMICAL: LEAD and LEAD COMPOUNDS

Function: Colorant.

Present in: Hair dye, hair products. Traces found in some red lipstick. Restricted in Canada.

Health concerns: Probable carcinogen; developmental, respiratory, gastrointestinal and reproductive toxicant; reduced fertility; animal studies show metabolic, brain and nervous system effects; suspected nano-scale ingredients with potential to absorb into the skin

18. CHEMICAL: METHYLISOTHIAZOLINONE (MI/MCI) and METHYLCHLOROISOTHAIZOLINONE

Function: Preservative.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Restricted in Canada and Japan.

Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; animal studies show restricted growth of the axons and dendrites of immature nerves, neurotoxicity and positive mutation results; can lead to a malfunction in the way neurons communicate with each other; especially detrimental to a developing nervous system.

19. CHEMICAL: Oxybenzone (BENZPENONE-3)

Function: Sunscreen Agent; Ultraviolet Light Absorber, UV Absorber; UV Filter.

Present in: Sunscreens and makeup

Health concerns: Associated with photoallergic reactions and immunotoxicity. Probable carcinogen and endocrine disrupter; Enhanced skin absorption and bioaccumulates to dangerous levels; biochemical cellular changes. Developmental and reproductive toxicity.

20. CHEMICAL: PARABENS (METHYL, ETHYL, PROPYL AND BUTYL)

Function: Preservative and anti-bacterial agent.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: May alter hormone levels, possibly increasing risk for certain types of cancer, impaired fertility, or alteration of the development of a fetus or young child; studies have found parabens in breast tumors; probable skin toxicant; animal studies show brain and nervous system effects.

21. CHEMICAL: PETROLATUM (PETROLEUM)

Function: Forms barrier on skin; makes lipsticks shine and creams smoother; inexpensive skin softener.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Banned by EU.

Health concerns: May be contaminated with impurities, linked to cancer or other significant health problems.

22. CHEMICAL: PHTHALATES (DIBUTYL PHTHALATES)

Function: Fragrance ingredient, plasticizer, solvent.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels. Banned in EU.

Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; developmental and reproductive toxin; respiratory toxicant; probable neurotoxin; possible carcinogen and endocrine disruptor; bio-accumulative in wildlife.

23. CHEMICAL: P-PHENYLENEDIAMINE (PPD)

Function: Hair colorant.

Present in: Hair dye, shampoo, hair spray. Restricted in Canada.

Health concerns: Immune system and respiratory toxicant; probable neurotoxin; eczema; possible nervous system, skin, kidney and liver toxicant; irritant; may trigger asthma and gastritis; shown to cause cancer in animal studies.

24. CHEMICAL: PROPYLENE GLYCOL

Function: Solvent, penetration enhancer, conditions skin, controls viscosity and keeps products from melting in high or freezing when it is cold.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin and increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream; animal studies show reproductive effects, positive mutation results, brain and nervous system effects and endocrine disruption.

25. CHEMICAL: SODIUM LAURETH SULFATE

Function: Surfactant, penetration enhancer.

Present in: Many cosmetics and personal care products, read labels.

Health concerns: Alters skin structure, allowing other chemicals to penetrate deep into the skin, increasing the amounts of other chemicals that reach the bloodstream; Irritant; animal studies show sense organ effects.

26. CHEMICAL: TALC

Function: Absorbs moisture, anti-caking agent, bulking agent.

Present in: Blush, powder, eye shadow, baby powder, deodorant.

Health concerns: Carcinogen; link between talcum powder and ovarian cancer; talc particles are similar to asbestos particles and data suggests that it can cause tumors in the lungs; probable respiratory toxin;

27. CHEMICAL: TOLUENE

Function: Antioxidant, solvent to improve adhesion and gloss.

Present in: Nail polish and hair dye.

Health concerns: Liver toxin; probable developmental, nervous system and respiratory toxin; possible cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, renal and sense organ toxin; possible carcinogen and reproductive toxin; irritant; highly flammable;

28. CHEMICAL: TRICLOSAN

Function: Anti-bacterial agent, deodorant, preservative, biocide. Reduces and controls bacterial contamination on the hands and on treated products.

Present in: Antibacterial soaps, deodorants, toothpastes, mouthwashes, face wash and cleaning supplies. Restricted in Japan and Canada.

Health concerns: Probable endocrine disrupter and carcinogen; easily bio-accumulates to dangerous levels; irritant; animal studies show reproductive and other broad systematic effects; potentially contaminated with impurities linked to cancer and other significant health problems; studies have shown it can actually induce cell death when used in mouth washes.

29. CHEMICAL: TREITHANOLAMINE (TEA)

Function: Fragrance ingredient, pH adjuster, surfactant.

Present in: Hand & body lotion, shaving creams, soap, shampoo, bath powders and moisturizer.

Health concerns: Immune system toxicant; possible carcinogen; animal studies show endocrine disruption; may trigger asthma; forms carcinogenic nitrosamine compounds if mixed with nitrosating agents.

30. CHEMICAL: 1,4 DIOXANE

Function: Penetration enhancer

Present in: Body lotion, moisturizers, sunless tanning products, baby soap, anti-aging products..

Health concerns: EPA classifies it as a probable carcinogen found in 46 of 100 personal care products marketed as organic or natural, and the National Toxicology Program considers it a known animal carcinogen. Acute (short-term) inhalation exposure to high levels of 1,4 dioxane has caused vertigo, drowsiness, headache, anorexia and irritation of the eyes, nose, throat and lungs of humans. It may also irritate the skin.

Teens Turning Green
Environmental Working Group

The Use of Feminine Care Products And How It Can Possibly Be Affecting Your Fertility

Posted on February 6, 2013 by Shelby Miller, Doula

Have you ever considered what is in disposable maxi pads or tampons?

The majority of us have probably never even given thought to what effects these kinds of products have on the normal working balance of our bodies and our womanly cycles. It would seem common sense that anything inserted into the body is going to have some kind of effect on the bodies homeostasis balance. Tampon companies frequently do not list the ingredients in their tampon products, or in the least they give vague descriptions such as “fiber finishes” or “fragrance,” without listing specifically what those finishes are or what actually makes up that fragrance so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not you want to insert that into your body to be absorbed by your vaginal wall, your cervix, your uterus and into your blood stream. Tampons have warning labels for the possible bacterial infection that can be caused by the absorbency fibers of the tampon, known as TSS (Toxic Shock Syndrome). However, there are no warnings about the many chemicals and carcinogens within the products as well. Women who have used tampons have often complained of rashes, painful dryness and of course yeast and bladder infections. Perhaps there is also a direct correlation between their use and problems such as endometriosis, vulvodynia, and infertility, to name a few.

What Sanitary products (pads and tampons) are made from:

“The materials used to manufacture most pads are derived from the petroleum industry and forestry. The absorbent core, made from chlorine bleached wood pulp, could be reduced to make slimmer products with the addition of polyacrylate gels which sucks up the liquid quickly and holds it in a suspension under pressure. The remaining materials are mostly derived from the petroleum industry, the cover stock used is polypropylene non woven, with the leak-proof barrier made from polyethylene film. The extraction, production and manufacture of these plastics contributes Nitrogen oxide, sulphur dioxide and Carbon dioxide – ozone depleting gases; human toxins that lead to cancer and birth defects as well as chemicals that cause the acidification of trees.” ~ Wikipedia

Some of the known ingredients in tampons include: cotton, rayon, polyester, polyacrylate, propylene, polyethylene, fiber finishes, and dioxin, which is created during the chlorine bleaching process of the cotton and rayon.

Cotton – If you are choosing a product that contains non-organic cotton then the cotton used in these products has been sprayed by pesticides and herbicides which are known carcinogens. These pesticides and herbicides are being absorbed into your body via your most intimate organs. Each year around 84 million pounds of pesticides are used on the cotton fields of the United States. Of the top 15 pesticides in the United States, 7 of them have been declared as known human carcinogens by The Environmental Protection Agency.

Dioxin – The process by which the cotton is cleaned and sanitized for manufacturing use is known as chlorine bleaching, and it creates Dioxin. According to the National Institute of Environmental Health Services, Dioxins are chemical contaminants that are formed during a combustion processes such as waste incineration, forest fires, and backyard trash burning, as well as during some industrial processes such as paper pulp bleaching and herbicide manufacturing. Dioxin works as an anti-estrogen, by binding with Ah receptors which inhibits estrogen receptor binding, which in turn inhibits estrogen action.

Rayon – This is a man made fiber of polymers (wood pulp). Many chemicals are used in its manufacturing process as well as the chlorine bleaching process of the wood pulp which also creates dioxin. Rayon also increases the tampons absorbency, whereby increasing the risk of TSS.

Polyester – This is a synthetic fiber which is made from petroleum, coal, water and air. When these substances are combined with alcohol and acid a chemical reaction takes place, and you have polyester. It only absorbs oils, rather than moisture and it is used in the lining of maxi pads, their wrappers, coatings, and the tampon applicators.

Polyacrylate – Made form acrylic acid and sodium hydroxide, or lye, this polymer is used in feminine pads and diapers for its super absorbency. Each ingredient causes skin irritations; acrylic acid is corrosive and also negatively affects the respiratory system. Sodium hydroxide or the lye which is commonly used in the making of soaps will actually burn the skin on contact.

Polyethylene – Found in the making of pad liners, wrappers and the packaging of feminine care products. This is a thermoplastic polymer which offs-gas and is potentially a skin irritant. Plastics do not allow for good airflow to the vaginal opening which can cause a nasty and uncomfortable rash and become a breeding ground for yeast and bacterial infections.

Organic Tampons

Organic tampons contain 100% organic cotton that has not been showered in carcinogenic pesticides or herbicides. While this seems to be a much better option, the problem that still exists with this is the simple fact that something is still being inserted into the body that is not meant to be there.

Have you ever tried to remove a tampon right after inserting it?

Let’s really pause and think on this for a moment…

When you insert a dry piece of fiber into your vagina and then try and remove it immediately it feels stuck, and it is immensely discomforting, almost painful even, to pull on it for removal. As you pull, it begins to tear away at the cotton fiber of the tampon itself, often leaving a certain amount of the cotton fiber behind, still clinging to the inner wall of your vagina. But it also tears away at the lining wall of your vagina. The vaginal wall consists of fatty tissue, which easily absorbs and stores chemicals which should not be there, and very important glands that support the health and well being of the reproductive system. Both tampons and maxi pads disrupt the internal flora that is needed for healthy working womanly parts and the right balance of hormones necessary for conception. Our vagina’s are meant to be a very sacred part of our body and she needs to be treated delicately and with the utmost respect. It is important to be very cautious about what we are exposing her to (just as we are cautious about the partner we choose to share her with) whether it be a chemically laced feminine hygiene product, a personal lubricant, or a latex condom.

An Option That is Safe

For Your Body, Your Fertility, and Your Environment

Benefits of Washable / Reusable Cloth Pads
Let’s take a look at the obvious environmental costs, as well as your personal financial cost.There is an extreme amount of waste product from the use of tampons/pads. Everything from the usable product to the packaging, the applicators, the bag the applicator/pad is individually wrapped in, to the ink and waste product during the manufacturing process in the factory to create a finished product full of pretty designs to entice you into buying a specific product over another. All of this ends up in waste landfills, or in our non-organic compost! While many packages boast about how the applicators are recyclable, have you EVER placed your discarded tampon applicator into your recycle bin!? Would you really want to??? Ummm… NO, Eeeewwww!On average, a woman uses between 300-420 tampons/pads per year, at a financial cost that could be upwards of $225.00 depending on the specific brand that you prefer. If you multiply that by the average 40 years that a woman will cycle, we are talking about a cost of roughly between $8,000 – $9,000 over the course of your life. Let’s not forget the additional financial cost you have when your daughters begin their cycles, along side of yours. Some girls begin their cycles at the age of 11 and 12 years old. That is a minimum of 6 – 7 years with double or triple the cost of feminine care products per month. Many women are taken aback when they first look at the cost of buying cloth pads. While they are certainly not inexpensive when it comes to the upfront cost, they are well worth the investment. That investment is also a one time upfront cost that will more than pay for itself before the year is done and you get to keep using them for years to come, saving you hundreds and possibly thousands of dollars. They are very durable, non-staining (depending on the fabric chosen), and easy to wash and care for.Washable/Reusable cloth pads have a multitude of benefits.

No pesticides or herbicides
No chlorine bleaching process which means no dioxin
No rash, drying, itching, burning
No absorbency chemicals, which draw the blood out, rather than it flowing on its own
No hormone disruption
No more lines or feelings of wearing a diaper
AMAZING absorption without sacrificing comfort
Breathability as cloth allows air to circulate (no sticky, sweaty)
Cycles become more regulated
Period bleeds become less heavy
Discomfort of headaches, cramping and bloating are drastically lessened
Normal vaginal flora is maintained
PMS is reduced within a few months of use due to the re-balance of essential hormones
Decreased risk of cancer, endometriosis, vulvodynia, and infertility
Decrease in the onset of yeast and bladder infections
Healthier Environment for yourself, your family, your future children, and their children
CUTE and FUN colors and designs as well as custom made sets just for you!
Less monthly / yearly feminine hygiene expenses

There are many different companies to choose from to begin building your stash of cloth pads. My personal recommendations for a good quality cloth pad would be through Pink Lemonade Shop or Tree Hugger Mama Cloth. You can choose from amazing matching sets or build your own custom set created to your specific style! Choose your fabric, sizes and colors! Both offer great options and styles of pads sure to meet your hygienic needs. Check them out and find the one that best fits your personal needs and style.

If you have serious concerns or issues with washing your pads, then another GREAT option is the Diva Cup or the Lunette Cup!