#sustainable menstruation

[ecobravouk]

Reusable Sanitary Pads for Teenagers: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Guardians

[iamthatwhich]

If you menstruate and are on a path of zero-waste, avoiding plastics, avoiding toxic chemicals, minimizing your footprint, or all of the above, then you’ve likely been faced with a frustrating conundrum: Menstruating is a natural part of your life, but there doesn’t seem to be too many ‘clean’, safe options to deal with it.

First off, let me say that I have been off and away from mainstream menstrual care for over 14 years, including birth control (wrecked my hormones), and storebought sanitary products (full of harmful chemicals like bleach, perfume and hormone-disrupting PFAs!). I have used silicone cups, discs, and cloth pads, and have a lengthy and thorough review of how they are used and what brands I prefer up on my Patreon.

However, for today I want to focus on one tried and true item: The pad.

Pads have been around for centuries- longer if you include their earlier predecessor, The Rag. However, in this time we’ve come pretty far to create a more secure, clean and manageable item— though the creation of the chemically-treated, plastic lined disposable pad has been a regrettable pit stop.

Cloth pads are great because they come in a wide range of colors and patterns (making them more appropriate for more kinds of menstruating people, including men and children) and can be reused for years if cared for properly. Over the past decade, they’ve gone from being available solely from independent sellers on sites like Etsy to  being sold alongside menstrual cups in the ‘alternative’ period care section of many stores. You can also specifically buy  pads made from organic or natural materials and avoid petrol-based textiles.

However, a downside here is that purchasing pads can still be expensive even if you aren’t buying direct from an indie seller. Now, it’s not that they aren’t worth every penny; having made 3 sets myself I fully understand the time, skill and materials that go into making them. But the fact of the matter is that under late-stage capitalism, paying the higher up-front cost for a set of reusable pads can be daunting, even if you know it’s cheaper in the long run (and it is). If you have access to fabric, a sewing machine, and sewing skills, you can half the price, and I’m going to show you  how. The cost of fabric can even be lowered by recycling old towels and clothing and I’ll talk about what you need in the tutorial! As a set of good cloth pads can last from 4-6 years or more, this is a great, frugal and eco-friendly option!

Additionally, I’m going to tell you how to wash and care for your pads since working with reusable pads is way different than just wrapping them up and throwing them in the trash.

For the step by step directions, photos and care tutorial, click here to read for free on my Patreon. All of my content is Patron-supported and Patrons also receive private and early-release posts! If you appreciate my work, feel free to visit my membership page and choose the tier that works for you.

Free tutorial here.

Tips + Thank yous Insta

[esotericmama]

Definitely recommend switching to reusable menstrual + nursing pads. 100% natural cotton is the way to go.

For the nursing pads: cotton is much softer and gentler on the nipple! The disposables were always irritating my breasts, made them itchy and sore. I *loathed* useing those disposable pads, I would only wear them when I had to leave the house and couldn't wait to rip them off once I got home. The sticky backs would also accidently get on my skin all the time and pinch me.

For the menstrual pads: again, the cotton is much softer on your body and breathes better than any disposables, and you don't ever have to worry about the sticky parts accidently pinching you.

In both cases the cotton pads are reusable so you can just keep washing them and use again, while disposables you have to keep on buying and they aren't cheap these days!

I'll also add that since the news broke that there's all kinds of nasty chemicals and toxins being found in the mainstream disposable menstrual products that reusables are safer and healthier alternative.

[qtpill]

Handmade Tamagotchi Period Pads https://qtpill.storenvy.com/products/36582923-tamagotchi-period-pads 100% cotton, sustainable, eco-friendly, cute ♥

[sickwithemotion]

flex cup straight up made me feel violated to the point of a panic attack, never doing that again

[worstloki]

Once you go intersex Thor you never go back. Thank you so much worstie *hugs*

intersex Thor is just SO beloved

[mascaraandmojitos]

Source: http://popularcultures.tumblr.com

[ecobravouk]

Reusable Sanitary Pads for Teenagers: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents and Guardians

In the journey of adolescence, teenagers face numerous challenges, and one of the most significant is managing menstruation. This natural biological process can often bewilder and even intimidate young girls. As parents and guardians, it's our responsibility to ensure that our teenagers have access to suitable and sustainable menstrual hygiene products. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the myriad benefits of reusable sanitary pads and why they make an excellent choice for teenagers.

Understanding the Fundamentals of Menstrual Hygiene

Before we delve into the specifics of reusable sanitary pads, it's crucial to grasp the significance of maintaining proper menstrual hygiene. Menstruation is an intrinsic part of a young woman's life, and managing it hygienically is essential to prevent discomfort and health issues.

Emphasizing the Importance of Menstrual Hygiene

Maintaining adequate menstrual hygiene is vital in preventing infections and ensuring overall comfort throughout the menstrual cycle. Adolescents often require guidance on how to manage their periods effectively.

Why Opt for Reusable Sanitary Pads?

There are several compelling reasons why parents and guardians should consider reusable sanitary pads as the preferred choice for menstrual hygiene among teenagers.

An Eco-Friendly Alternative

Reusable sanitary pads offer an eco-friendly alternative as they significantly reduce the volume of disposable waste generated. Introducing teenagers to this sustainable option can nurture a sense of environmental responsibility from a young age.

Cost-Effective Solution

While the initial investment in reusable pads may seem higher than disposable ones, it's worth noting that they are more cost-effective in the long run. Their durability ensures substantial savings over time, making them a financially prudent choice.

Comfort and Absorbency

Many reusable pads are crafted from soft, breathable materials that guarantee comfort during wear. In addition, they offer excellent absorbency, affording teenagers a sense of security and peace of mind during their menstrual cycles.

Easy Maintenance

Cleaning and maintaining reusable pads is a straightforward process. By providing teenagers with simple steps for cleaning and storing these pads, parents and guardians can assist in ensuring their longevity and effectiveness.

Choosing the Right Reusable Sanitary Pads

Considering Size and Thickness

When selecting reusable pads for teenagers, it's essential to consider their size and thickness. Reusable pads come in various sizes to cater to different flow levels, with thicker options available for heavier days.

Material and Comfort

The material used in the construction of the pad plays a pivotal role in determining comfort. Cotton and bamboo are popular choices due to their softness and breathability. Ensuring that the pad is comfortable for prolonged wear is crucial.

Evaluating Absorbency Level

Teenagers may experience varying flow levels throughout their menstrual cycle. Choosing pads with different absorbency levels can help them feel secure and comfortable.

Prioritizing Durability and Longevity

Investing in high-quality reusable pads designed for longevity is essential. This ensures that teenagers won't have to replace them frequently, leading to significant cost savings in the long term.

Educating Teenagers About Reusable Sanitary Pads

Facilitating Open and Honest Communication

It's paramount to foster open and honest conversations with teenagers about menstruation and reusable sanitary pads. Addressing their questions and concerns in a supportive manner can make a substantial difference in their comfort and confidence.

Demonstrating Proper Use and Care

Teaching teenagers how to use and care for reusable pads effectively is crucial. Providing them with a step-by-step guide on cleaning and storing these pads can empower them to manage their menstrual hygiene independently.

Encouraging Responsibility

Empowering teenagers to take responsibility for their menstrual hygiene is essential. This includes ensuring they change their pads regularly and adhere to good hygiene practices, contributing to their overall well-being.

Additional Considerations for Parents and Guardians

Sustainability and Environmental Impact

Aside from being eco-friendly, reusable sanitary pads offer an excellent opportunity to educate teenagers about sustainability and the impact of their choices on the environment. Discuss the reduction of waste and the importance of using products that are kinder to the planet.

Exploring Various Brands and Options

The market for reusable sanitary pads has expanded, offering a variety of brands and designs. Encourage teenagers to explore different options to find the best pads that suit them in terms of comfort and style.

Dealing with Menstrual Pain

Some teenagers may experience menstrual pain and discomfort. Addressing this issue and providing guidance on managing pain through heat packs, over-the-counter pain relievers, or natural remedies is crucial.

Nurturing Teenagers Through the Phases of Menstruation

As parents and guardians, our role extends beyond mere provision; it encompasses guidance and unwavering support as teenagers navigate the complexities of growing up. Introducing reusable sanitary pads as a preferred option for menstrual hygiene is considerate and environmentally responsible. By making informed choices regarding the right reusable pads, offering comprehensive education on their use and care, and fostering open lines of communication, we can empower teenagers to confidently manage their periods while instilling eco-conscious habits that will benefit them and the planet for years. It's a small yet significant step towards ensuring their well-being, promoting sustainability, and fostering responsible choices.

For more eco-friendly tips, visit Eco Bravo!

[ana-bananya]

€31,677/€200,000

Donate to help provide pads to women and menstruating people in Sudan.

[serpentface]

SEVEN FACES OF GOD: AN OVERVIEW

In the dogma of the Wardi faith, God is regarded as one being whose spirit occupies and flows through the world in seven aspects, referred to as its Faces. This is reckoned to be much in the same capacity that blood carries the living spirit throughout parts of the body, sustaining it and allowing for its continued function.

These Faces are not always wholly distinct, nor are their spheres entirely separated, nor wholly representative of God's totality. From a theological perspective, they are means of translating aspects of the totality of God in ways most vital to right practice, imperfectly categorizing how God's spirit interacts with the world. In common practice, the Faces are often effectively treated as seven gods (or more, given that each has dozens of additional epithets describing more specific roles).

Orthopraxy is FAR more important than orthodoxy to this religion, so it matters little if the everyday person sees God as one, or one-as-seven, or seven, or a hundred, or among many gods. What matters most (and VERY critically), is that people perform right practices and necessary rites to sustain the connection of Its spirit throughout the world and the spiritual health of the individual.

Each Face is almost always represented in animal form (in large part an echo of indigenous Wardi religious practices prior to the first Burri colonization, many of which involved animal worship within a broader animistic worldview). These animals all have representation in major constellations along the ecliptic and form the most auspicious signs in the Wardi zodiac.

The Seven Faces of God, as commonly depicted in iconography:

Mitlamache, the Lunar Face of God

Almost always depicted as a bull aurochs (occasionally as a buffalo or other wild bovid), with three pairs of crescent shaped horns cupping a moon motif, usually having a prominent erection (not shown here due to tumblr not letting me post it). It is sometimes depicted with dual-sexed traits and the addition of an udder (or sometimes humanoid breasts upon the chest).

Though several faces have integral fertility connections, Mitlamache is chief in this respect, a holistic representation of fertility of the land, plants, animals, and people. This is the face that looks upon fertility, the moons, cosmic cycles, blood, the act of sacrifice, and divine cycle of death/sacrifice and rebirth. The temples of Mitlamache are the only ones in which people can enter while menstruating (seen as a spiritually impure state), as It encourages the cycle to continue onward and Its blessings can remove the associated impurities.

This is most akin to the form God took in the act of creation, where it lifted the foundations of the world from the sea and inseminated the waters to create the first humans. After Its sacrifice at the hands of Its children, this is the body that was divided to give shape to the world. Its horns were thrown up into the sky to become the three moons.

Inyamache, the Solar Face of God

Usually depicted as a bull khait in mid-stride. Varies between hornless or horned, but almost always has the motif of the solar halo around its head.

This is the Face that looks upon the sun, lightning and wildfires, the dry seasons, the desert and other wild places, khait, mounted warriors, sporting and war games, male fertility, sexuality and libido. It has connections to agriculture as the solar Face and as the balancing opposite of Anaemache (the Face of the rains).

Ganmache, the Ox Face of God

Depicted as a native domestic cattle (with a fatty hump and dewlap, lyrate horns), usually as a castrated oxen bearing a yoke, though sometimes as a cow with udders. Sometimes depicted as a plow khait instead.

This is the face that looks upon year-round agriculture, laborers, herdsmen and their livestock, grain, the home, the hearth, the family and the domestic sphere.

Kusomache, the Serpent Face of God.

Depicted as a two headed serpent, usually a cobra (regarded as sacred) or a viper (when representing Kusomache as the royal emblem).

This is the Face that looks upon the outer cosmos, stars, magic, the deep mysteries, protection from evil spirits, death, and the passage into the afterlife. It has additional associations as the emblem of royalty, evoked for the protection of the Usoma (a king, or emperor in the contemporary) and the royal family.

Anaemache, the River Face of God.

Usually depicted as the reed duck in flight, returning in its seasonal migration alongside the rains. It often is depicted carrying a water lily in its beak, or a tail resembling the lily motif.

This is the Face that looks upon rain, the wet seaon, freshwater, rivers, seasonal flooding, seasonal agriculture, fertility of plants and earth, and female fertility.

Pelennaumache, the Ocean Face of God.

It is usually depicted as a composite animal, combining traits of a skimmer gull and an albatross, as seen passing overhead in flight. It is a rare example of a Face that is given human attributes on a more than occasional basis, sometimes depicted with the head of a woman (or represented with the skimmer-woman motif).

This is the face that looks upon the ocean, the sea trade, mercantilism, storms, winds, luck and fortune, the infliction and deflection of curses, natural disasters. It is often associated with foreigners.

Odomache, the lion face of God.

Always depicted as a lion, most often a maned lioness. The inclusion of teats has a dual function of practically identifying the lion as female, and evoking an impression of maternal nurturing (both as a divine mother to the people, and in its more niche role as a protective spirit of children).

This is the face that looks upon war and military might, rightful bloodshed and destruction of enemies, humankind, and in the contemporary is identified as uniquely representative of and sustaining to the Wardi Empire. It is the only Face known to incarnate into a human, a vital part of the greater flow of God's spirit that ensures the wellbeing of Its lands and people. Odomache is also regarded as a protector of children.

[qtpill]

Handmade Tamagotchi Period Pads ♥ https://qtpill.storenvy.com/products/36582923-tamagotchi-period-pads

My whole period experience has changed for the better ever since I switched to making my own cotton pads. You can wear them comfortably for a longer amount of time compared to store bought ones because they're very breathable! I wish I switched sooner and would've saved lots of money too.

[peggy-sue-reads-a-book]

How To Be a Safe Person to Menstruate With

You can be private without expressing disgust. Just step away politely or be honest that you are embarrassed. Neither of these choices shames women.

The reverse is also true. Like I said, just because someone doesn’t want to talk doesn’t mean they’re lame and ashamed.

Compliment girls wearing on their self-expression like red jewelry or watering a Venus flytrap with their menstrual cups.

There are lots of sustainable products now but accessibility is not equal. Not everyone has the water resources to wash reusable products so don’t get preachy.

If you shit on someone else’s choice of birth control, by God I will come for you.

Vote to protect birth control

Do not tell someone they’re gross for using pads and cups that require washing.

If you have found a trustworthy gynecologist, spread the word

If a woman tells you she feels ill, in pain, or like something is wrong believe her

Do not tell her to lose weight or consider therapy. If you do, I will hit you with a fish.

Take hormonal diseases seriously

When someone tells you she has endometriosis, interstitial cystitis, cancer, or PCOS, do not come at her with medical expertise you suddenly think you have.

Offer to buy pads and tampons but make sure to ask what kind — some have allergens.

You can always get someone a glass of water.

If it’s a trans guy you’re talking with, validate his body without treating him like one of the girls. If you don’t know how, just ask.

Do not try to guess if someone is on their period. That’s rude.

I have an alpha period. If we hang out, you will sync to my period and we can all be unhappy together.

If you bleed monthly and are talking to a woman who doesn’t, you aren’t better than her. You define your period. She can define hers.

If someone is confused because she started her period and got a positive pregnancy test, take her to the hospital and defend her with your life. She is miscarrying and needs an ultrasound. If a doctor dismisses her as just having a difficult period, make ape noises and then threaten him with arson.

If after all this you are still angry, DM me his name and I will personally come for revenge. I am pregnant and very powerful.

For that matter, my husband will sort him out for you.

Take black women seriously. Respect that WOC face medical discrimination and gaslighting on the daily.

Advil is valid. Homeopathics are valid. Do not assail your friend with essential oils when she’s asked for a Midol.

If your friend shares some concerning symptoms with you, do not freak her out with an armchair diagnosis.

But you should definitely validate her pain and encourage her to get help. Or even help her get help. Throw her in the car and personally drive her to the doctor.

If your friend confides in you that she has an STI or you are able to guess that she has an STI, be nice to her because if you don’t I will find you and I will yeet you away into the night like Batman.

Educate yourself about periods. Learn the correct anatomical words.

And for God’s sake, you still have to wear a condom.

[mascaraandmojitos]

Source: http://overclassy.tumblr.com

[biblicalhorror]

i absolutely love the idea that menstruation connects you to the earth - can you explain a bit? i’d love to incorporate that belief in my view of it

Sure! Basically, I was raised on a celtic pagan commune by a bunch of hippies who held monthly new moon ceremonies for people in the families that bled. During the ceremonies, we would read ancient stories and poems, eat chocolate, do face masks, exchange gifts, run naked in the snow, all sorts of activities were involved. You were only allowed to participate in the ceremonies if you menstruated, so when I got my first period, I had what was known as a "first blood ceremony" which involved having to hike a mile in the woods with the men followed by going inside to drink hot cocoa and hear speeches from the women about the magic that had awoken within me, and then we all danced in a big circle and sang songs. I grew up seeing menstruating as a great honor to participate in because a) it meant being a "grown-up" and b) it had been venerated all my life as a sacred bond that forms between a person and the earth.

From what I understand, it's all based on stories my parents read in the 90s and 00s about women in ancient human civilizations who would gather together in tents (before electricity was invented, so their cycle was more likely to be synced up with moon cycles/the cycles of other women) and bleed directly into the ground. Supposedly, the nutrients in our menstrual blood (which are created by our bodies to build and sustain life) flowing into the earth would revitalize the soil and bring good harvests or whatever, and then when you ate well, you would bleed more because of the divine life force flowing through you. I have no idea if any of this is true or not historically or scientifically, but I know my mom used to pour her blood into her gardens, and she swears it worked.

As an adult, I don't identify as purely a "woman" and I don't think menstruation has anything at all to do with womanhood. However, I do still like to see my menstrual period as a time to engage in self-care, reset, and connect with the earth, because recalling these stories helps me feel a connection to both human history and to nature, I guess in the same way traditional religious practices can help people feel connected with the world around them.

[airlocksandaviaries]

MORE ETHAN HUNT HEADCANONS HAPPY 4TH OF JULY AND MI7 MONTH

- He can’t take ibuprofen anymore. With all his injuries he’s sustained over the years, he’s had to pop Advils like candy almost 4x a day sometimes in order to keep the pain at bay. Now he can barely take two without a stomachache and has had to switch to Acetaminophen. Sometimes most of the time he steals the Tylenol from the people on the team who menstruate.

- He is a very vocal person. He did all the voices for his disguises before they had technology to disguise his voice for him, he loves phone conversations, and he sometimes talks to himself when he needs to concentrate better. He refers to himself in the 3rd person when he does this. It motivates him.

- Game Nights with his friends and found family can get interesting. See, he never had siblings. So he is a laughably poor sport. He’s energetic and braggy when he’s winning, and appalled and discouraged when he’s losing. Once he cried when he lost Connect 4 because he was having fun and then Luther annihilated him in two moves that he didn’t expect. It was so jarring that Luther actually apologized and promised not to tell anyone. Ethan wouldn’t have minded either way.

- He loves having his hair touched. Nobody expects this because he’s always meticulous about how it’s cut when it’s long, and he doesn’t like when people mess it up when it’s styled. But as I said in my last post, he’s a very cuddly person. Having his hair lovingly touched is his kryptonite. There is even a spot on the back of his neck where if you drag your fingers through his hair in a hard line from there to the top of his head, and fluff his hair around a bit he will most likely collapse and/or tear up.

- He laughs at his own stupid jokes and puns. All of his team pretends to hate it. They all find it painfully adorable.

- He’s a movie crier. He hates dramas and horror movies and any films with sad endings because he will end up sobbing by the end. He can’t even watch ASPCA commercials or PSAs about hunger and homelessness because it makes him sad. It’s because it genuinely hurts him to see other people in pain, especially when there’s no way for him to help.

- On how he helps: Ethan is as good a listener as he is a talker. And when he knows there’s no way to physically take care of his friends and fix their problems, he listens to them. He checks in with them whenever he can, asking them how they are and how they feel and what they need. He’s a shoulder to cry on, with no judgement and no pressure at all. He’s heart wrenchingly tender and filled with empathy from head to toe. Because he knows what it’s like to need someone in that way. And he wants more than anything to be the someone that his friends need.