WOMEN
AND SUSTAINABILITY
It has become culturally acceptable to talk about disposable diapers and their
implications for the environment, but the topic of women's sanitary products is
embarrassing for many. Why? This is just another aspect of our consumer culture
that peddles disposable products with no thought for human health or ecological
implications.
Woman,
YOUR BODY IS SACRED. YOUR
PERSONAL DECISIONS DO MAKE A DIFFERENCE:
|
Jen
Landry,
Dipl. ABT (NCCAOM)
Clinical Herbalist,
Asian Bodywork Therapist |
- Commercial
tampons are typically made of cotton blended with tree pulp (rayon) and then treated
with various acids. Harmful additives can include chlorine compounds, absorbency
enhancers, synthetic fibers, deodorants, and fragrances.
- Conventionally
grown cotton is one of the most pesticide laden crops grown in the United States.
Approximately 10% of the world's pesticides and 22.5% of all insecticides are
used on cotton.
- It
is estimated that EACH YEAR women throw away more than 12 BILLION sanitary pads
and 7 BILLION tampons into landfills and sewer systems.
- The
average woman throws away 250-300 POUNDS of tampons, pads, and applicators in
HER LIFETIME.
| - The
Center for Marine Conservation estimated that OVER 170,000 tampon applicators
were collected along United States coastal areas in one year's time.
- Feminine
products come in contact with some of the most sensitive and absorbent tissues
of a woman's body. It is time to take the next step of awareness in the health of
your body and the affects of your personal decisions on the planet.
- Robin's
Song sells Organic Cotton pads. They are absorbent and comfortable. It does require
extra labor as you must wash your pads after each use. To some this sounds distasteful,
but what an empowering way to reconnect with the sacred cycles of our bodies,
and do your part to limit pollution and resource consumption.
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