23 November 2020
(gifted from Eco Dreams)
I've openly discussed my experience with eco friendly and reusable period periods and my love hate relationship with them. Many people are fans of period cups but I aren't for everyone so I think it's important to be mindful that alternative options including cloth pads. We've been conditioned to believe periods are disgusting and I think those feelings are often projected onto reusable products. The thought of rinsing and washing pads seems impractical or unsightly but periods are a natural bodily function and we shouldn't be embarrassed or ashamed.
I took up an offer to try Eco Dreams cloth pads made from eco-friendly textiles and ethically manufactured in the UK. The range includes pantyliners, day pads, heavy flow pads and overnight pads in colourful prints. I have heavy periods and received a Day Pad Plus (flowers on white) and a Night Pad (green meadow). Eco Dreams make their pads from a blend of fabrics - cotton, polyurethane, polyester, bamboo viscose and the snaps are Oekotex certified. If you experience sensitive skin and irritation unlike disposables, cloth pads are free from perfumes and materials that may cause contact dermatitis.
I've put my Eco Dreams cloth pads to the test through two periods. The pads are well made with neat stitching and noticeable softness. They have gone through the washing machine several times and have held up well. My initial thoughts were how comfortable the Day Plus pad felt and you of course loose that noticeable 'crinkle like a crisp packet' sound that is common with disposables (IMO Always is the worst for this!). The pads have wings that clasp shut with a popper but you do need to wear a snug pair of undies to provide a good fit. Sadly, I have experienced leakage whilst wearing the pads. I'm unsure whether to put that down to heavy flow or movement of the pad in my underwear. Leaks are part of the course with my periods and it doesn't matter what I'm using it happens from time to time. I appreciate the black lining hides staining but I felt a little uneasy because I wasn't able to judge my flow and when to change the pad. It probably takes a bit of practice.
When I felt it was time to change my Eco Dreams Day Plus pad, I simply rinsed it under the cold tap and hung to dry (next to a radiator). I added them to the washing machine when I had a full load of laundry. This was very straight forward and I didn't find it a hassle. As someone who experiences leaks you get comfortable with rinsing out blood from clothing but it isn't something you would do in a public bathroom. That's when a wet bag would be handy and these can be purchase from Eco Dreams then you can deal with rinsing out your pads when you are at home.
I think the downside to cloth pads is the initial outlay. It's expensive upfront but keep in mind the long term value, Eco Dreams suggest they pay for themselves in a few months. I've recently been through unemployment and at these time reusables are the last thing on my mind so I appreciate it's not for everyone financially. I see them as a privilege in many ways. I'm not entirely converted to reusable period products but I use them where I can. I do still buy mainstream disposable brands from my supermarket. I prefer a mix of options as I've never found my perfect product. I like to think that reducing some plastic products is better than doing nothing at all.
If you are curious about cloth pads, please visit Eco Dreams website for more information. Perhaps start off with one pad and see how you get on, you can then always purchase more in the future.
Sarah x
28 July 2020
Sarah x
16 July 2020
30 June 2020
5 March 2019
"Kind Organic was founded with the belief that it should be easier for women to put the needs of their body first with a kinder, more natural product"
15 January 2019
If you are looking to reduce your impact on the environment each month then let me introduce you to Freda a natural and organic period care subscription service. Freda has great eco credentials, products are made in Sweden using renewable energy and sending zero waste to landfill. Their tampons are made from organic cotton and they are currently in the process of switching over to plant based plastic for the applicators. I think it's important to provide options, not everyone is comfortable with non-applicator tampons and I personally find the cardboard version tricky to use. Freda also have pads made from 70% renewable material, whilst they do include a plastic backing this is also made from renewable material (50%).
17 April 2018
31 July 2016
7 January 2016
Disclaimer - PR samples
13 December 2014
Sarah x
27 November 2014
Back in October I introduced readers to TOTM (Time of the Month) organic cotton pads. As promised, I am back with a review. I received two TOTM Ultra Thin Day Pads and two Ultra Thin Night pads (both products have wings). For a point of reference, the products I normally use are Bodyform (Ultra Long Wings) and Always Night.
TOTM pads are soft to the touch and similar in thickness to high street products. Whilst using the pad I noted that the adhesive was sufficient to keep it in place, an important factor for me since I have used other organic brands which have let me down. In principal, I would happily ditch mainstream for TOTM. I appreciate the differences. They are better for the environment and my body because they lack "harsh" ingredients (chlorine, perfumes, dioxin) found in mainstream brands. I have previously, tried Natracare and I would recommend TOTM over those.
12 October 2014
Lets chat about a topic which often we only speak about in hushed tones, Periods. I have blogged about my lady problems before and mentioned I wanted to learn more about having an eco-friendly period. Most Green Bloggers will promote menstrual cups as a replacement for tampons but I am turning my attention to pads and liners as these are the products I prefer using. I recently was approached by TOTM (Time of the Month) they offer 100% organic cotton pads and tampons. TOTM products are free from cellulose pulp, perfume, viscose, rayon, chlorine, dioxin and 95% biodegradable. I have received samples. I won’t be reviewing right away but I wanted to bring TOTM to everyone’s attention.
A little research into familiar brands of tampons and pads reveals some thought provoking facts about the ingredients and materials in these products. I have always been concerned about the environmental impact on landfills but recently started to wonder if my problem periods could be linked to toxic ingredients. I have noticed a trend for fragrance pads and that's not ideal for sensitive skin and allergies. It drives me crazy that manufacturers feel my natural bodily functions are so repulsive that I need to scent them with air freshener. Do I really need my underwear to like smell alpine fresh?
TOTM offer a subscription service via their website. You can receive monthly deliveries of the products you need, on a date chosen by you. Packaging is sleek and discreet which makes a pleasant changed from all the lurid floral designs. Are love heart supposed to make my period more enjoyable? When Aunty Flow visits next month, I will update you on how I got on with the pads. Until then, do check out TOTM’S website for further information.
Have you switched to eco-friendly period products?
Sarah x
11 December 2012
Sarah x
30 July 2011
I recently purchased Faith In Nature's Feminine Wipes and I paid £2.55 for a pack of 15 wipes. These wipes contain no synthetic chemicals, are fully biodegradable and they carry the Vegan & BUAV logos. The wipes are a good size and very soft compared to others I have tried. I found the wipes did not dispense from the packet easily which was annoying. They were extremely moist when I first opened the packet but 7 days later were starting to dry out.
I've also been trying out Natracare Organic Intimate Wipes and they cost £1.90 for a pack of 12 wipes. Sadly, I was not as impressed with these wipes. For starters the fragrance was a little strange which was off putting. I also found in comparison to Faith In Nature the wipes were not as moist and I realised I prefer a more "wet" wipe. The size was average so smaller in comparison to the Faith In Nature wipes. However they were easier to remove from the packet.
When comparing these two brands Faith In Nature was my preferred choice. However, when comparing to high street brands I think there is room for improvement. Don't get me wrong they win hands down when it comes to ingredients but not on factors such as moistness, fragrance, packaging and shelf life.
Sarah x
Disclaimer - Price correct at time of publication
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