Education period.According to Susie Hewson, founder of Natracare, "Even if your feminine hygiene products aren't dogging your toilet, filling up the nation's landfills, killing off our marine life or inducing toxic shock syndrome toxic shock syndrome (TSS). acute, sometimes fatal, disease characterized by high fever, nausea, diarrhea, lethargy, blotchy rash, and sudden drop in blood pressure. It is caused by Staphylococcus aureus, an exotoxin-producing bacteria (see toxin). , they may still be exposing your body to dioxins." Instead, Natracare makes feminine hygiene products that are chlorine free, 100 percent cotton and contain no parabens--a preservative that was found in the breast tissue of women suffering from breast cancer in a recent study. Offerings include tampons ($3.49 to $6.99), sanitary napkins and panty liners ($3.29 to $4.99). Natracare also produces a line of baby toiletries--such as shampoo ($11.95), lotion ($15.95) and oil ($12.95)--that are made from certified organic ingredients and essential oils. Natracare also provides a teaching program to help students and instructors understand the issues of puberty, menstruation menstruation, periodic flow of blood and cells from the lining of the uterus in humans and most other primates, occurring about every 28 days in women. Menstruation commences at puberty (usually between age 10 and 17). and reproductive health, as well as how those factors can be influenced by environmental problems. The program includes lesson plans, notes, fact files and task sheets aimed at nine to 17 year olds, and features the Monthly Matrix, an interactive video diary that helps explain the complex changes that occur during a woman's menstrual cycle--changes that are mysterious to many American girls as well as boys. The fact is, many women still cringe at the thought of their menstrual cycle menstrual cycle n. The recurring cycle of physiological changes in the uterus, ovaries, and other sexual structures that occur from the beginning of one menstrual period through the beginning of the next. . Not only due to the irritation and discomfort associated with it, but also the fact that the fragrances and absorbing gels used in conventional products have been linked to reproductive disorders, endometriosis endometriosis (ĕn'dəmē'trē-ō`sĭs), a condition in which small pieces of the endometrium (the lining of the uterus) migrate to other places in the pelvic area. , birth defects birth defects, abnormalities in physical or mental structure or function that are present at birth. They range from minor to seriously deforming or life-threatening. A major defect of some type occurs in approximately 3% of all births. and cancer. In 1993, GladRags created cotton reusable menstrual pads in different sizes (day one pack for $10.50, day three for $32.50). Yes, reusable! And before you cringe again, know that GladRags are made of highly absorbent, heavyweight cotton flannel and terry cloth and can be machine or hand washed. Gladrags sales have prevented the disposal of more than 30 million menstrual tampons, pads and packaging. These are environmentally friendly, cost-effective alternatives to the disposable products that deplete de·plete v. 1. To use up something, such as a nutrient. 2. To empty something out, as the body of electrolytes. resources, produce waste and create pollution during their manufacturing and bleaching processes. GladRags also offers a variety of alternative women's products on its website, including Organic Essentials tampons ($5.99 for 20 without applicator ap·pli·ca·tor n. An instrument for applying something, such as a medication. applicator, n a device for applying medication; usually a slender rod of glass or wood, used with a pledget of cotton on the end. and $6.15 for 16 with applicator), Jade and Pearl Menstrual Sponges ($8.99 for two), The Keeper Menstrual Cup menstrual cup n. A rubber cup that is inserted into the vagina and placed over the cervix to collect menstrual flow. menstrual cup ($35) and--if you are allergic to latex--the Diva Cup, made from silicone ($32.50). CONTACT: Gladrags, (800) 799-4523, www. gladrags.com; Natracare, (303) 617- 3476, www.natracare.com. |
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