That was my first response when Modd asked me if I came across reusable pads. Since then, I've done research and readings on reusable pads, pantyliners, and even the diva cup. I was (note the past tense) an avid user of commercial pantyliners, often times panicked when my supply ran out. I even resorted to buying the pantyliners in convenience stores, consciously knowing that I would pay higher prices than in supermarkets.
It used to cost me NZD6.99 per 1 pack of 24 pantyliners and that'll just for use for 1 month (maybe less). In one year, I would have spent about NZD84.00, and a lifetime use would have cost me (given that the average lifespan of an Asian woman is 75) NZD 5,200. Is that the price of comfort?
Little did I know that the financial hazards of these commercial pantyliners also come with environmental harms. The wastes that women threw every month filled up landfills, and like us women, they take their own sweet time to break down. An average woman would have used and thrown away more than 10,000 disposable or commercial pads or about 115 kg of "periodic" waste. Not to mention the plastic packagings of the commercial pads and pantyliners.The bad news don't stop there. Have you ever wonder why commercial pads are so white and "pure"? This is because the materials (cotton & rayon) are treated with chemicals such as bleach. In short, we have been applying bleach to our vajayjay!
There are several alternatives towards greener periods. The manufacturers now even offer organic tampons. They are priced slightly higher (NZD11.99, compared to your usual NZD 6.99 or 7.99 Libra pads). I resort to reusable cloth pads and pantyliners (Yep, you guessed it, similar to those used by our grannies and their grannies!) I found this cloth reusable pantyliners trial pack on http://www.poppypads.co.nz/ for NZD35.00. The pantyliners come with buttons to secure the placing and you can choose various designs. The pantyliners are surprisingly comfortable. I have been using these cloth pantyliners since 3 months ago, and I feel financially and environmentally liberated! I haven't bought pantyliners since then. Most cloth pads come with washing instructions when you buy them. Just soak with cold water (don't use HOT water, because hot water tends to set stain) and squeeze the excess out (I add a bit of salt). Occassional machine wash (60 degrees wash) is also recommended to keep the pads refreshed.
I have also bought myself cloth pads, also on poppypads, but I haven't been religiously using them. These are cloth pads from organic cotton. 100% washable and reusable. I admit that I am still not ready to embark on complete eco overhaul of menses. I have experimented with the cloth pad only twice, but on my less heavy flow days. Still needs a bit more guts and encouragement. Nonetheless, I have taken the first step to switching to reusable cloth pantyliners (that's what I tell myself!).For the braver ladies, there is the diva or moon cup also for greener periods. Give it a try, ladies! Let's change our society, one PERIOD at a time :)
[Go to http://www.pleasurepuss.com/ to calculate how much you have spent on commercial pads, and realize the need for greener periods!]