Lunapads Eco Positive Periods

Warning: I am talking about periods today. For those of you who don't like these discussions, I'll give you a minute to click to a different post on my blog. (Because you would never leave me, right? RIGHT?) So four years ago when some of my online friends were talking about washable cloth pads (aka "mama cloth") and menstrual cups I thought they were insane. No way would I ever go that far and try any things like that. Too gross.

It's funny that when you say you will never, ever do something you usually do in fact end up doing it. Yes about a year later I figured what the heck, let's give it a shot. And you know what? It was one of the smartest things I could have done.

Here are just a few reasons why cloth pads are a good idea:

Environment. Approximately 20 billion pads, tampons and applicators are being sent to North American landfills annually where they will take hundreds if not thousands of years to break down.

Health. Pads and tampons are made of bleached pulp and rayon and the bleaching process leaves behind dioxin, a known carcinogenic chemical. In fact, the EPA lists dioxin as the most toxic of all cancer-linked chemicals.

Cost. Don't be turned off by the initial cost. The average cost for five years of disposable pads is $330. In comparison the cost for a Lunapads kit that will last five years is $129.

I have tried out a couple of different brands but when I did a review of Lunapads more than two years ago I knew I had found the ones that I would be sticking with.  And two and a half years later they are still going strong! Well this summer I realized that I was going to have my little visitor while on our Jersey Shore vacation and I was not really prepared for traveling with my cloth pads. Lunapads to the rescue! They sent me a bunch of goodies for my trip.

Mesh Laundry Bag

The Mesh Laundry Bag serves two very useful purposes. First you can use it to store and carry your clean pads. I was able to fit my entire stash in here and then place it in my duffel bag for the trip. You can then use it for when you are putting your pads in the washer. I always wash my pads separately from other laundry, but if you were to wash yours with something else like cloth diapers, you can throw them in this bag and then throw the entire thing in the wash.  On my vacation I did end up using it for washing just so that they all stayed together and I didn't leave any behind in the washer at the rental house. Now that we are home I still use the mesh bag to store my clean pads in my closet.

Soaking Bag

The Lunapads Soaking Bag in absolutely a must have for anyone who is using or wants to start using cloth pads. Without going into too much dirty detail, you need some place to store your soiled pads in between washes. Just like cloth diapering moms will have a wet bag or pail for dirty diapers. Now when we were on vacation, we were sharing a house with my family, 7 other people. I wanted to keep my pads discreet and not freak anyone else out. After rinsing off your pads, you place them in this bag with just a little bit of water and then I throw some peroxide in there as well. Then you roll it up, lock the buckle and hang it up out of the way. I put it on the back of our bedroom door. It is important to change the water daily until you are ready to throw them all in the wash. It worked beautifully and I don't even know if anyone noticed what i was doing. I am using it at home as well and I honestly love this thing.

Long Pad & Liner, Extra Liners & Travel Pouch

Heavy Pad & Wing Liner

Lunapads really spoiled me and in addition to the bags sent me some new pads. In the top picture is a Long Pad with liners that is good for heavier days. What is great about all Lunapads is that you can add more then one liner if you need to, adjusting the absorbancy to fit your needs that day. They also sent me a matching Travel Pouch which is awesome. Perfect for carrying a few pads along with you in your purse or diaper bag. Then in the bottom picture is the Heavy Pad and Wing Liner which I like for overnight use. I've had these for two cycles now and have had absolutely no leaks with them.

I know it is really hard to get past the ick factor of using washable cloth pads. Heck it took me years to get to the point to wanting to try them. But I really am so glad that I did. They are so much more comfortable and better for your body, health and the environment. I cannot say enough good things about Lunapads products and highly recommend them to anyone.

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Please note that the opinions and views expressed in this review are my own and based on my personal experience with the product and/or company. You may encounter a different experience with this than I did. Lunapads provided me with a free products to review.