The Tilsons

For our zero waste themed “Resilient Manitoulin” meeting this Sunday, I have undertaken the task of researching hygiene and food.  I thought I would share my findings with regards to these topics over the next little while.  Here is some resources for those looking to reconnect to their monthly cycle by using reusable menstrual equipment.

I myself have been using pads and a Keeper (or Diva Cup) from the Vancouver based company Luna Pads for over five years.  There are several other companies out there who make similar products including Canada based Hankettes and Many Moons Alternatives as well as Portland based GladRags.

My main reason for using reusable pads is ecological.  Once I figured out how many pads I would be using over my life time I felt that the convenience of throw away pads was just not worth the damage I was personally doing to the earth.  Lets see my calculations:

I am one of those lucky women who gets her period for 7 days.  For the first three days it is heavy.  I would say I use an average of 4 pads per day.  Then for the following 4 days I’m spotting, using an average of 3 pantyliners per day.
3 x 4 pads = 12
3 x 4 pantyliners = 12

I get my period approximately 13 times per year.
13 x 12 = 156 pads +156 liners per year
If I have my period for 46 years meaning that I start at age 13 d am finished menopause at 60, leaving space for not having my period during two pregnancies and missing some during my transition to crone
44 X 156 = 6 864 pads + 6 864 liners

Bringing the grand total up to 13 728 pads in a lifetime.  HOLY CRAP.

So the waste I was producing was my initial reason for switching to reusable.  Another reason for switching was health.  I found that as I got older, I started to react to the chemicals in the conventional store bought dsposable pads, and that even if I used the eco friendly ones (99% biodegradable but from the UK!) I still reacted.

Although it is less convenient to pack them around and wash them, it is worth it for the added benefits of environmental awareness and health.  It was even more worth the switch was the unexpected experience of how much more in tune with my body I felt.  I realized that being able to throw everything away kept me disconnected from my body and my cycle.  When I started using the Keeper and Lunapads I started to understand how my cycle worked, how often it came and what it looked like when my body was distressed.

If you still aren’t convinced, check out the Lunapads website for their information on health, economy and environmental impacts of using disposable vs. reusable.  What’s your experience?

The move toward zero waste is progressing. The goal for our household from March 15 to April 15 was one small bag. Lisa and I made it to April 30th before needing to empty. Six weeks!

We are raising the bar and aiming for one bag in two months. Our carbon neutral wedding is coming up in a month which may add up as we can’t control what people bring for gifts. We have asked that there be no wrapping or creative recycled wrapping at most. Packaging is still the primary contributor to our waste and is extremely difficult to get away from. We have been buying more items bulk and bringing our own bags which has taken a little retraining but has been effective in reducing packaging waste. I also learned how to make phad thai seasoning from scratch this month so I don’t have to buy it in packages anymore. If anyone wants the recipie leave a comment and I’ll post it.

To keep everything foul out of the garbage, all vegetable waste, paper scraps, receipts and dust get composted. To deal with a chicken carcas after it was boiled to make chicken broth, I tossed it in the blender with some water and turned it into a liquid paste that would rapidly compost in the outside bin while not attracting vermin.

In an effort to refine our relationship to our precious planet and create an achievable goal that will allow us to stretch our creativity, resourcefulness and mindfulness, we have decided to limit ourselves to one small bag of garbage per month.

If this proves to be too easy, we will raise the bar but we felt this would be a good starting point for a month or two. If anyone reading this has attempted such a challenge and can offer advice or random wisdom, please leave a comment.