September 2nd, 2010
We often hear from young women who want to try GladRags, but are afraid that living in a college dormitory will make reusables impossible. Whether you live by yourself, with roommates, or in a coed dorm, it’s totally possible for GladRags to be a simple, convenient part of your life. Here’s a few tips for using cloth pads and cups in less-than-private living situations:
Use a menstrual cup
Alicia M. writes, “I usually empty my DivaCup twice a day! It’s that easy. Even in the dorms there is usually a time when the bathroom is empty.” You can also bring either a small water bottle or damp paper towel into the stall with you to discreetly clean your cup.
Presoak your pads
Nadia R. advises college students to “just have a small tub (like a plastic basin) that when you’re done with a rag/pad you can put it in to soak. Use an old dark t-shirt to drape over the top while they soak — it won’t smell if its just a day or so — then pop them in with a load of laundry. Good luck! You can do it!”
Try the “dry method”
“I don’t actually soak my pads until I am ready to wash them (so they don’t sit around and mildew while wet). I’ve never had a problem getting any “stains” out and if you throw them in with underwear at a communal laundry room, chances are no one will even notice,” says Jennifer W.
The facts about disease
Occasionally women are concerned about the possibility of disease transmission by using cloth pads. Fortunately, there are very few viruses or infections that can survive outside the body or a wash in soap and water — including HIV. Keep in mind that all kinds of bodily secretions (mucus, semen, and fecal matter to name a few) are often present in clothing that is washed in shared facilities, and that the chances of getting sick from a shared washing machine are incredibly slim!
It’s your choice
Whatever you choose to use for your menstrual cycle, remember that it’s your choice! No one else has the right to decide for you, so choose what’s right for your body and your life — and be proud, not embarrassed! If you still need some encouragement, Amanda S. say, “DO IT. Seriously one of the best choices I have ever made… start a dorm movement!” And you can always find more support and tips here on our blog or on our Facebook page!
Readers, what tips do you have for college students who want to try GladRags?
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September 2nd, 2010
September’s Monthly Friend is Cathy L., the author of
Greenblooded: An Introduction to Eco-Friendly Feminine Hygiene.
Pick up your copy in the Books & Zines section of GladRags.com!
Name: Cathy Leamy
Age: 32
Hometown: Boston, MA
Current location: Boston, MA
Occupation: Web developer and cartoonist
Interests: Comic books, travel, dancing
Dreams: Still under construction! Mainly I’d like to live in balance and still squeeze as much as possible out of every hour of the day.
How long have you used reusable menstrual products? About 12 years
Reason for making the switch to reusables: I first tried cloth pads when I was on a frugal kick and found recommendations on pennypinching websites. Once I got into the swing of using them, I learned more about their health and environmental benefits - that’s when I became more committed to them and to spreading the word among friends.
Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts, or anything else you’d like to share: After using cloth pads for so long, it’s neat for me to take a step back and see the routines I’ve developed that I don’t even think about anymore - wearing just a holder as a pantyliner for the few days before my period starts, stocking up my backpack with pads for the day (”long day ahead - better grab a few squishies!”), the soaking, doing laundry, and stacking the clean holders and pads tidily in their box when that week is finished.
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August 30th, 2010
About GladRags:
- Thanks to everyone who donated to our campaign for an orphanage in Nepal! Learn more about the orphanage and our donation campaign here.
- You can see the TigerMama crew sporting their new GladRags pins in the picture to the right! Want one of your own? Sign up to be a GladRags Guerrilla!
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Posted in Donating Pads, GladRags Guerrillas, Health and Wellness, Humor, Menstrual Monday, Menstruation, Stuff We Like | No Comments »
August 25th, 2010
It’s hot here today in Portland, and all I want to do is stretch out in a shady park and read a good book. Below you’ll find a selection of books that are both great summer reads and excellent inspiration for eco-friendly lifestyle changes. Pick one up from your local library, or purchase a used copy from independent bookstore Powells.com.
Leave your own suggestions for green summer reading in the comments!
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August 24th, 2010
Izzy, a volunteer for the Nepal Women and Children Service Society, recently contacted us about donating GladRags to orphaned girls. Here’s her description of life for the Nepalese children she works with, and why cloth pads are greatly needed:
The Nepal Women and Children Service Society (NWCSS) is a local co-operative aiming to rescue and support deprived women and children. Established in 2002, the group opened an orphanage in the Jorpati district of Kathmandu. Although the NWCSS are working hard to fund it, this orphanage is in dire need of external donations to offer the children a quality of life beyond the basic necessities.
For the last two years, I have volunteered at the orphanage. The living conditions of the children are incomprehensible to any measurement we might make, but this is not what defines them. Each day, I am greeted by cheeky smiles and requests for chewing gum. They are kids. Despite their desolate environment, they have retained the curiosity and joy we hope for in children. My goal in working with the NWCSS is to maintain that attitude and optimistic view of life.
More than half of the 25 children are girls, many of whom are coming into adolescence. Eight of the fourteen girls are in need of menstrual products. On my last visit, I learned that the eldest girl had been given an old towel to use as a sanitary napkin. As you can imagine, this single towel is hardly a sufficient, hygienic or comfortable means for dealing with menstruation. Another volunteer purchased a small supply of disposable pads for the girls but this is not a long term solution. Aside from the cost of disposable pads being high, there is also no hygienic way of disposing of the pads. The waste from the orphanage is collected in garbage cans and dumped 20 feet from the rear of the home. The heap attracts the expected stray animals and rodents, and is regularly set on fire, the fumes engulfing the orphanage.
You can learn more about the orphanage at this volunteer-run website and easily donate pads through the GladRags website. Visit our donation page to learn how — you can even sew your own! Thank you for doing your part to ensure that girls everywhere have access to safe, clean, and comfortable menstrual supplies!
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August 23rd, 2010
- Ever wonder why your digestive system seems to get a little wonky around your peroid? Dr. Sugar explains it all for you in this Q & A post.
- Ashley reviews cloth pads and the Instead cup, and rates them according to comfort and effectiveness. Find out which method she likes best at Domestic Chaos!
- We recently learned about the Sierra Club’s Beyond Oil House Parties from a GladRags user who hosted one at her home in Minnesota and contacted us for materials and coupons to share with her guests. Stacy wrote, “This event is fun learning opportunity to inspire simple and eco-friendly lifestyle changes that will make a difference for our Earth.” And of course, using GladRags is one of those easy changes that can help reduce our dependence on oil! Check out Stacy’s pictures from her party (below) and let us know if you host an event of your own.
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August 18th, 2010
I’ve been a little under the weather and missed last week’s Green Goal post. This week, I thought what better topic for the Green Goal than eco-friendly first aid? It’s surprisingly easy to take care of minor issues without having to head to the nearest pharmacy. And, when you do it yourself, you’re avoiding packaging and manufacturing waste and petroleum-based products.
Of course, if you have any medical concerns, are pregnant, breastfeeding, or may become pregnant, you should always ask your doctor!
Your Green Goal this week is to start stocking your medicine cabinet by following some of the tips below. As always, please share your ideas and feedback in the comments!
- Break off part of an aloe vera plant and what’s inside? Aloe vera gel! Use it to soothe irritated or sunburned skin naturally.
- To treat a stuffed up nose, crush up a few dried eucalyptus leaves in a bowl and fill the bowl with boiling water. Cover your face and the bowl with a towel and breathe in the steam through your nose to help clear out congestion.
- Chewing on fresh mint leaves is said to ease indigestion.
- Rub lavender oil on insect bites and stings to reduce inflammation, or on your temples to help calm headaches.
- A common folk remedy for gas is to drink a strong tea made with basil leaves.
And of course, just taking time to rest, eat properly, and drink plenty of water can help you feel healthier!
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August 16th, 2010
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August 9th, 2010
Just to shake things up we are going to bring to a back-to-school rave review from one of our happy customers on sharing the joys of reusables with her daughter.
6 years later and I still couldn’t be happier using cloth pads. In fact, my daughter couldn’t be happier. Well–maybe—I just got her a beautiful Green Lunette cup for her 18th Bday!!! She has been using cloth from day 1 of her period—and I would hate to see her leave home and feel the need to switch to disposables or –gasp—tampons because of laundry issues etc. So I am giving her the gift of a lovely green cup to help her along with her ‘green’ and reusable future 
Gladrags were my very first purchase for myself and my daughter–and I am happy to order again! -K.B.
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August 4th, 2010
Summer nights are what barbeques are made for! But you don’t have to set aside sustainability to have a barbeque that’s fun and delicious. Check out the tips below for easy, eco-friendly ideas!
- Use washable dishes rather than disposable plastic plates. If you have to use single-use dishes, make sure you can compost them after!
- Pick up a growler (a refillable jug for beer) rather than a six-pack. You’ll be reducing your impact and probably drinking tastier beer, too! Keep an eye out for vegan and organic beers.
- Use organic vegetables in your kabobs and organic onions, tomatoes, and lettuce on your burgers. Pick ‘em up fresh from your local farmer’s market for an even greener meal!
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