Alicia Silverstone Likes Reusable Pads

by FrugalBabe on June 17, 2010

This is so awesome that I had to share it with you.  Alicia Silverstone posted an article yesterday on her blog, The Kind Life, about the benefits of using cloth menstrual pads and reusable cups rather than disposable pads and tampons.  I love seeing such a popular figure endorsing such a frugal, environmentally friendly choice, especially since a lot of women might be freaked out by the idea at first.  Even if you go out and buy a supply of pre-made pads like Glad Rags, it will still be much less expensive in the long run than disposables.  Or you can do what I did, and make your own.  Either way, you’ll save money and do the earth a favor.  Thanks Alicia, for spreading the word!

EDIT:  One more thing I forgot to mention… if you want to use cloth pads but don’t want to make your own, you could support someone’s small business via Etsy.com.  If you go to Etsy and type menstrual pads into the search bar, you’ll see all sorts of options, mostly around $7 – $9/pad.  But you can buy several for a discount, and one seller, MomTo3Qties, even has a set of eight pads for $24.50 right now.  If I’m going to buy something anyway, I always try to find a handmade version first, and Etsy is great for that.

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  • Lissa

    I think that is awesome. I bought a Diva cup a couple of months ago and absolutely love it. I wish someone had told me abou these things 20 years ago. I find the resusable cup easier to use, more sanitary, and much better protection that tampons could any day. Also the fact that I am not contributing to a landfill (and saving a lot of money) is pretty exellent too!

  • Kaytee

    I’m with you, Lissa! I’ve using a Diva Cup for several years now and I love it. I’ve completely forgotten about having to deal with that issue. From the biological perspective, I find the cup quite fascinating as well. I dig being able to measure my, uhm, “output,” duration and er, stratification patterns. I’ve learned a lot about how my biological processes work since switching to the diva cup.
    ~Kaytee

  • http://www.tightwadblog.com Tightwad

    Hi there – I really liked this post and am going to include it in my weekly round up of great posts this Saturday. Ever used The Cup? I’ve been wondering about it for years but have been a little hesitant to try it. Emma @ Tightwad

  • FrugalBabe

    Emma,
    Thanks! Years ago (probably around 1997) I used disposable cups, I think they were called Instead. I can’t remember why I stopped using them, but I know I had switched back to tampons by the time I graduated from college. I’m one of the lucky ones who has pretty light periods. Honestly I don’t think I have enough “output” as Kaytee described it, to need something like the cup. But for women who do, it sounds like a much greener and less expensive option than disposable products.

  • Erin

    That’s awesome! I use LunaPads and love them. When we did research on cloth diapering and had to face the hands-on realities of “toilet” issues, reusable menstrual items didn’t feel like such a stretch lol!

  • Malin

    I agree with Lissa, although I use a Mooncup instead of a Diva cup. Best thing ever! Soo easy, not at all what I feared.

  • http://onpurposeliving.blogspot.com Alissa

    Yaay, that is so awesome! I love when celebrities use their influence for good. :)

  • Sara A

    I’ve never used cloth pads, but I’ve been using a Keeper for 10 years now and couldn’t be happier. The Keeper is like the Diva Cup, only I think it was around before they were. I spent $30 on it 10 years ago, and I haven’t spent a dime on pads or tampons since. My Keeper has paid for itself 100 times over.

    It took me a few periods until I figured out how to position it right, so you have to stick with it even though it might be a little uncomfortable at first. It is very easy to clean and take care of, and it saves a lot of time because you never have to run to the store to buy pads or tampons!

    When I think of how much waste I have saved from the landfill over 10 years, it makes me sad that most women won’t even consider the reusable option.

  • mabinogi

    I’ve been using the Keeper for about 8 years now and have no complaints whatsoever. Frankly, I don’t really like the idea of reusable pads, and I imagine the Keeper is a lot more comfortable (since you can’t even feel it) and seems a bit more sanitary. I highly recommend it! I’ve made quite a few converts over the years. :)

  • http://liveloveworkout.blogspot.com/ Kay

    me too!

  • Sunny

    I hate pads! Tampons were okay but now that I’ve used the Diva cup, there’s no going back! Honestly. Ladies if you haven’t tried it do so. An added benefit at my house was no more stinky garbage (my husband complained about it a lot).

  • http://mollyonmoney.wordpress.com Molly On Money

    I”ve never tried the diva cup but over twenty years ago when I was at my OB/GYN getting fitted for a diaphram she asked me if I would like two. When I asked why, she informed me I could use one during my period. She showed me how to wash it properly and for the next 10yrs that’s what I used. The only reason I stopped was I stopped using a diaphram (my husband got himself a vasectomy for my Christmas present years ago-best present I ever got!) but I think I will go back. The only draw back is you do need to get fitted by your doctor.
    I’m with Sunny, I hate pads! I feel like I’m wearing a funky diaper.

  • tomoko

    I love my Diva Cup! My best friend thinks it is gross but she does not know what she is talking about because there is nothing gross about it! I wish I went for it a long time ago because I just bought it three months ago… But I am soo comfortable and happy with it! Now I have to buy or (maybe make) clothes liners for me!

  • http://penn.typepad.com Leah

    I love the divacup! It’s so fantastic. I honestly often forget that it’s my time of the month. since I got the divacup, I have only had one month where I didn’t use it (I had unrelated female issues). It’s already saved me more than it cost, it’s comfortable, and it makes travel so much easier. I never want to go back, and I plan on teaching my (future, hypothetical) daughters about reusable pads and cups when the time comes.

  • http://www.agirlwriting.blogspot.com Jessica

    Or get a DivaCup or a LadyCup like I have. They’re great.

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