By Naomi Yaeger
UMC Earthkeeper
When I was a girl the first television advertisements for menstrual products (period products) upset many people. The public didn’t think this should be mentioned on TV or at all, especially in mixed company. We had
We had the “Modess...because” ad campaigns. Now, actress Amy Schummer is “turning question marks into periods,” on the web and TV.
Because of society's reluctance to speak about tampons and pads - there is something called “period poverty.” Nobody wants to talk about that either. Period poverty is when a family can’t afford menstrual products. Many times, especially in third world countries, girls will drop out of school when their first period arrives. What did American women do years ago when they got their periods? Our grandmothers used fabric menstrual pads. Would that have been gross or embarrassing? It was just part of life.
Our mothers used manufactured pads they attached to a belt worn around the waist. Pads attached to panties with self-adhesive were considered a great improvement. They and insertable tampons were and still are an option.
Now many tampons have plastic applicators, which are immediately thrown in the trash, The packaging and the lining of pads is often plastic also.
About eight years ago my daughter discovered a reusable menstrual product branded “Party in My Pants.” This is a woman-owned company that makes menstrual pads and liners. They are headquartered in Ashland, Wi and make their products “with love.” (partypantspads.com)
There is also a medical-grade silicone device called a menstrual cup. It is inserted near the cervix and catches the flow. There are different sizes of cups depending on the flow. The initial investment for one of these, like the Diva Cup, is $30.
Not only will you save money...you will be using less plastic.
To paraphrase Psalm 139:14
You are amazingly and miraculously made. God’s works are miraculous.
