In a today's world where sustainability and self-care are gaining importance, more people are turning to reusable menstrual products. Handmade sanitary pads, sewn at home, offer an eco-friendly and cost-effective alternative to disposable options. If you love sewing or simply want to make a change for a healthier and more sustainable lifestyle, homemade cloth pads could be the perfect solution. Let's explore the many benefits of using handmade sanitary pads.
1. Eco-Friendly and Sustainable
Disposable pads contribute to millions of tons of waste every year, with plastic products taking hundreds of years to decompose. When you switch to handmade reusable pads, you reduce landfill waste and lower your carbon footprint. Reusable pads can last for years, significantly cutting down on single-use plastics and leaving the world a better place than you found it.
2. Cost-Effective
Commercial sanitary products can be expensive, especially over a lifetime (more on that later). You can invest in a one-time cost for reusable pads and they will last you for years. With proper care, cloth pads can last up to five years or more, saving you hundreds of dollars in the long run. If you have more than one person in your home using pads, then reusable pads could be saving you literally thousands.
3. Healthier for Your Body
Many disposable pads contain synthetic materials, fragrances, and chemicals that can cause irritation or allergic reactions. Reusable handmade pads allow you to choose natural, breathable fabrics like organic cotton, bamboo, or flannel, which are gentler on the skin and reduce the risk of rashes, infections, and discomfort. If you decide to buy your reusable pads instead of making them yourself, be sure and find out what materials the maker is using. Some makers will use a waterproof layer while others do not, so it best to read the description or ask.
4. Customizable for Comfort and Absorbency
if you decide to you sew your own sanitary pads, you can customize them to fit your needs. You control the fabric type, the length, thickness, shape, and absorbency levels. Whether you need light, medium, or heavy-flow protection, you can tailor your pads to provide the best comfort. You can also buy pads to use for postpartum protection or urinary incontinence.
5. Easy to Maintain
Reusable cloth pads are easy to clean and maintain. After use, they can be rinsed in cold water to prevent staining, then washed with regular laundry. Using natural detergents and air-drying in the sun can help maintain freshness and extend their lifespan.
PRO TIPS: Hydrogen Peroxide can easily get out blood stains. Do not put reusable pads in the dryer, this will set in the stains with heat. Rinse with cold water and then laundry in cold water and hang to dry. Use Peroxide for stubborn spots before washing.
6. Reduced Risk of Infections
Since cloth pads are made from breathable fabrics, they allow better air circulation compared to plastic-based disposable pads. This reduces moisture buildup, which is a common cause of yeast infections and bacterial growth.
7. Great for Emergency Preparedness
Having a stash of reusable cloth pads ensures that you are prepared for any situation, whether it’s a natural disaster, travel, or supply shortages.
(Haven’t we all been through a couple of supply shortage issues in the last couple of years?)
Unlike disposables, which require continuous purchasing, reusable pads provide long-term security. I keep several in an emergency evacuation kit at home. If you live in a natural storm area, this is critical. When it’s time to evacuate, who thinks of grabbing disposable pads from the bathroom closet?
8. Perfect for Sensitive Skin
For those with sensitive skin or allergies, handmade sanitary pads provide relief by eliminating synthetic fibers and harsh chemicals. Using soft, hypoallergenic fabrics reduces irritation and enhances comfort.
9. A Step Toward Sustainable Living
Choosing to make and use cloth pads aligns with a sustainable lifestyle. It's a small but meaningful change that reduces waste, saves money, and supports better health. Making the switch encourages mindfulness about consumption and promotes a more eco-conscious way of living.
NEXT....
Let's go over some of the cons of store bought plastic pads and tampons.
For decades, disposable pads and tampons have been the go-to menstrual products for millions of people. While they offer convenience, their widespread use comes with significant drawbacks. From environmental harm to health risks, store-bought plastic pads and tampons pose several concerns that are worth considering. Here is why you might want to rethink using conventional menstrual products.
1. Environmental Pollution
One of the biggest downsides of store-bought pads and tampons is their environmental impact. A single menstruator can use over 11,000 disposable menstrual products in their lifetime. Most of these products contain plastic components that take hundreds of years to decompose, leading to excessive landfill waste and ocean pollution. Many pads contain up to 90% plastic, which contributes to microplastic pollution and harms wildlife.
2. Health Risks from Chemicals
Many disposable pads and tampons contain harmful chemicals, including:
Dioxins & Furans byproducts of the bleaching process, linked to hormone disruption and potential reproductive health issues.
Fragrances & Dyes Often added to pads to mask odor, but they can irritate sensitive skin and cause allergic reactions.
The cotton in tampons and pads is often sprayed with pesticides that may leave behind residues harmful to human health.
Since tampons are inserted directly into the body, they can introduce toxins into the bloodstream. Some studies have raised concerns about long-term exposure to these chemicals and their potential link to hormonal imbalances, infertility, and even cancer.
3. Risk of Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS)
Tampons, especially high-absorbency ones, create an ideal environment for bacterial growth. Toxic Shock Syndrome (TSS) is a rare but life-threatening condition caused by bacterial toxins, and using tampons for extended periods increases the risk. While TSS is rare, its consequences can be severe, including organ failure and death.
4. Skin Irritation and Discomfort
Disposable pads are often made with synthetic materials that trap moisture and heat, leading to discomfort, rashes, and yeast infections. The plastic backing prevents airflow, creating a damp environment that can cause skin irritation and increase bacterial growth.
5. High Cost Over Time
While pads and tampons seem inexpensive at first, their cost adds up over time. A person who menstruates for about 40 years will spend thousands of dollars on these products. Unlike reusable options like cloth pads or menstrual cups, store-bought disposables require continuous repurchasing, making them an ongoing financial burden.
6. Not Biodegradable or Easily Recyclable
Most menstrual products are non-biodegradable due to their plastic components. Unlike paper-based products, pads and tampon applicators cannot be easily recycled. Many end up in landfills, oceans, and sewer systems, contributing to long-term environmental damage. Plastic tampon applicators are often found polluting beaches and harming marine life.
7. Unethical Manufacturing Practices
Many disposable menstrual products are produced by large corporations that prioritize profit over sustainability and ethical sourcing. Conventional cotton farming uses large amounts of water, pesticides, and synthetic fertilizers, contributing to soil degradation and pollution. Furthermore, workers in the industry may face poor labor conditions and unfair wages.
8. Hidden Ingredients and Lack of Transparency
Unlike food and skincare products, menstrual products are not always required to list their full ingredients. Many companies do not disclose the chemicals used in their pads and tampons, leaving consumers unaware of potential health risks. Without proper regulation, it's hard to know exactly what's inside these products.
9. Waste Management Issues
Flushing tampons down the toilet is common, but it causes plumbing issues and water pollution. Sewage systems are not designed to break down tampons, leading to blockages and expensive repairs. Many used pads also end up in landfills, where they sit for hundreds of years without breaking down.
10. Lack of Innovation and Alternatives in the Mainstream Market
Despite growing awareness of sustainable menstrual products, most mainstream stores still prioritize disposable options. This lack of variety makes it harder for consumers to find eco-friendly and healthier alternatives, pushing many to continue using products that are not ideal for their health or the environment.
AVERAGE COST -*****
You may find this surprising, but the average woman will spend between $5,000 and $10,000 on menstrual products over her lifetime, depending on factors like product choice, brand, and location. Here's a breakdown of the costs:
Menstruation lasts around 40 years, with an average of 456 periods in a lifetime.
Most women use 5-7 pads or tampons per day during their period, totaling about 20-30 products per cycle.
That's roughly 240-360 pads or tampons per year.
With the average cost of pads or tampons being $0.20 to $0.50 per unit, annual spending ranges from $50 to $150 or more.
Over a lifetime, this adds up to $5,000 to $10,000, not including additional expenses like panty liners, pain relief, or heating pads.
Switching to reusable option like cloth pads can save you significant money in the long run and if you have multiple people in your home that are also using store bought pads or tampons the cost is through the roof. Reusable pads could save you so much money as we can see above. Take the money you can save with reusable pads and buy yourself a new car, education or a down payment on the home of your dreams.
Most of all, if you decide to sew your own cloth pads just think of the possibilities of beautiful fabrics you can choose from. I like using cotton fabric for the back of the pad and flannel for the front of the pad that touches the skin with a few layers of flannel or Zorb in the center depending on the flow. You can check out some of my personal favorite cotton fabrics from Fat Quarter Shop. If you have never shop this amazing place you are truly missing out. They have a Daily Flash Sale, Precuts of the Week and a huge selection of the most popular and gorgeous quilting fabrics and notions. They also have a great Youtube channel with wonderful tutorials.
If you found this information helpful, let me know!
MechelleMyBell
This article may contain affiliate links where I earn a small commission, but does not cost you anything, but it helps my blog so much!
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