Name: Kathryn Dusseau Kloos
Age: 34
Hometown: Los Angeles, CA
Current Location: Portland, OR
Occupation: Naturopathic Physician and mother

Interests: natural medicine, plant spirit medicine, women’s health, playing the guitar, being out in nature, travel to warm tropical places.
Dreams: Before I attended Naturopathic college I spent time studying healing arts with traditional people in the Brazilian Amazon. At that time I was in a deep contemplation if I should stay in Brazil and continue my studies with the plants or go to naturopathic school.  One of my friends there was a beautiful nineteen year old daughter of a shaman.  She knew the medicinal uses of every plant in the the forest and the unique songs that went with each one.  When I asked her what she wished she could do in her life, she told me all she wanted to go was go to medical school.  She said this with sadness in her heart knowing that there was little chance she could ever attend a university due to a lack of opportunity for the people of that region.  It was in that moment when I realized I should go to medical school. If she couldn’t go, I should at least take the opportunity to pursue a higher education that so many people globally don’t have access to.  My vision then and my vision now is to create a knowledge exchange between indigenous and contemporary healers.  One day I would like to take a group down to the Amazon to distribute much needed medical supplies as well as aid in the preservation of their herbal and healing traditions.

How long have you used reusable menstrual products: 14 years
Reason for making the switch to reusables: They are are more comfortable than disposable menstrual products and better for the environment.

Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts, or anything else you’d like to share: I think that we are in a time now when women are being asked to do a lot in the world.  Its really important that we take time to replenish ourselves by resting, spending time in nature and doing whatever brings us joy.  As women we need to remember to honor the rhythms of our moon cycle and not push ourselves too much, especially during the time of menstruation.  Traditionally women used to bleed during the new moon which is a time for quiet reflection and planting seeds of new dreams.  Ovulation would traditionally happen on the full moon which is a time of outward creativity and expression.  My hope is that we can collectively remember to honor our moon time as a time for rest and reflection as well as value the importance of ‘being’ as much as we value ‘doing’.

Name: Steph Tubman
Age: 25
Hometown: Rochester, NY
Current Location: Southern Highlands (Quetzaltenango), Guatemala
Occupation: Peace Corps Volunteer and Graduate Student

Interests: Writing, Environmental ethics, Foreign languages, Hiking, Whole foods
Dreams: For the moment, leave my community at least a little better off than how I found it! Eventually, finish my Masters’ degree, have a family, and keep learning, teaching, and growing.

How long have you used reusable menstrual products: Two and a half years
Reason for making the switch to reusables: After college I visited an intentional community, which inspired me to try to go zero waste. Getting a menstrual cup was an obvious first step, but I still used disposable pads when my flow was heavy. When I moved to a Guatemalan town with no adequate waste management, the challenge of zero waste became quite practical rather than simply philosophical. I bought a set of GladRags and never looked back!

Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts, or anything else you’d like to share: If we’re really going to improve human development world-wide, I think we’ve got to embrace technologies that not only enhance quality of life but also reduce consumer dependency and impact on our ecosystems. I’m of the opinion that reusable menstrual pads are one such awesome technology, which hopefully in the next decade will be promoted – whether purchased or homemade – to more women world-wide (including here in in Guatemala).

Name: Zoe E.
Age: 24
Hometown: Santa Fe, NM
Current location: Los Angeles, CA
Occupation: Grad Student, Teacher

Interests: Writing, educating, cooking, learning.
Dreams: To open my own preschool where the kids would learn and grow body-mind-spirit.

How long have you used reusable menstrual products?: Over a year.

Reason for making the switch to reusables: So many! Saving money, not wasting, and keeping my body healthy by using a product free of harmful ingredients.

Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts or anything else you’d like to share: I almost get outraged when I hear people still use tampons! Not only are they bad for your body, but think of how many of these throw-away products are sitting in landfills! The sad thing is that many women I know haven’t heard of reusables or are too scared/grossed out. God forbid we’re in touch with our bodies, right? I’ve converted a few girls though!

Name: Dallas S.
Age: 19
Hometown: Moreno Valley, CA
Current location: Portland, OR — headed to San Francisco, CA
Occupation: Brand Ambassador

Interests: I like to work and I love to eat! I have an obsession with petting every dog I see. Coffee, traveling, girls, tattoos, and having a good time! Kowabunga!
Dreams: Move to a new place every year.

How long have you used reusable menstrual products?: A little over a year now!

Reason for making the switch to reusables: I had a friend who wanted me to try a menstrual cup, and after months and months of me saying that I would buy one, she bought me a Lunette!

Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts or anything else you’d like to share: I had to ask my mother to stop buying me tampons! She sends me care packages every few months, and they always have tampons in them. Considering I never use them anymore, I am so overstocked with tampons.

Name: Meg B.
Age: 25
Hometown: Naugatuck, CT
Current location: just relocated to Los Angeles, CA
Occupation: Cosmetology student/Unemployed

Interests: Beauty, good food, animals, beer
Dreams: To learn how to sculpt those awesome Hello Kitty acrylic nails from Japan.

How long have you used reusable menstrual products?: About two years

Reason for making the switch to reusables: Aside from the obvious desire to lessen my carbon footprint, I switched to reusable menstrual products to have a better attitude about my period. Not that the whole process was this squicky mess that I would rather light my hair on fire than deal with, but I knew there could be a better way to get through my cycle without using scratchy cotton and dealing with leaks galore. My Lunette is so easy to use (after perfecting the “twist” when inserting), easy to clean, and easy to forget about throughout my day.

Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts, or anything else you’d like to share: I recently moved to Los Angeles for my husband’s work. He simply had to transfer but I’m still job hunting. Reusable products are great for women on a budget. I haven’t had to buy pads or tampons in almost two years! Little things add up, so I take all the help I can get when it comes to expenses.

Name: Anney T.
Age: 22
Hometown: Southern California
Current location: Brooklyn, NY
Occupation: I work for a company called GoodWood NYC based out of Brooklyn. We sell wooden chains to rappers and kids who love rappers. It’s the best job I’ve ever had. I answer a lot of e-mails and force my co-workers to listen to Justin Bieber all day. Just that one song “Baby”, though. Nothing else matters.

Interests: Fake cheese and everything else bad for you.
Dreams: Publish my book of rare, secret, based poetry. Once I do that, I want to get a nice apartment in LA so I can be close to my wonderful family. I want to make sure that all of my younger cousins have a bad influence in their lives.

How long have you used reusable menstrual products?: Just a little over a year now!
Reason for making the switch to reusables: First of all, they cost way less than purchasing tampons every month. Living in New York is not cheap. I never have to worry about having enough tampons or pads everywhere I go; it’s just very convenient. Plus, it’s a great conversation starter at parties. When my first go to conversation starter “hey, have you ever heard of Lil B?” fails, I move straight to “so, do you use a cup?”.

Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts, or anything else you’d like to share: When I lived in Portland, Oregon for a few years, I helped run this music venue called The Artistery. I had this roommate, Kevin, who was/is the most hilarious dude I’ve ever met. Every week Kevin had some new idea or project he was working on that involved absurdist-type humor and elaborate schemes that were half nonsensical but were 100% the best idea ever. Don’t quote me on that though because I’m bad at math. Moving on, Kevin was a bit of a caricature in my eyes for quite some time. It was hard for me to fathom him as a real human being. To me, Kevin was the only evidence of a very cruel higher power who placed him on Earth to taunt the rest of us saying “hey, look at this guy; you will never be as funny, smart or as cool as he is. AND his girlfriend is a total babe (hey rebecca)”. Anyway, this all changed one day when I was hanging out at the extension house attached to The Artistery. Kevin was taking a shower and had no idea anyone else was in the house, so he came out wearing nothing but a towel, sans glasses, singing “Crocodile Rock”. For the first time in the history of our friendship, I noticed that Kevin had skin (not in a derogatory way) and two tattoos on his ankles (an “equality” sign and an “anarchy sign”; remnants from his days of being 15 and punk). At this point, I had already dropped the book I was reading to watch my friend materialize from a myth to a man. He noticed me sitting there, turned to me and said “oh, hey, Anney” and then proceeded to sit down, still in his towel, and put on his socks.

Name: Emily Marie Ahtúnan
Age: 39
Hometown: East Coast – Mid Atlantic States
Current location: New England: Vermont
Occupation: I have an eclectic occupational history: from research assistant, writer, audio/visual assistant, student, social worker, behavioral consultant, disabled individual, photographer. I have a certain disdain for the question of “What do you do?” as it’s one of the first things we tend to ask any new acquaintance. My disdain arises from the cultural sense that we define ourselves by what it is we “do,” rather than who it is we are, at any given moment. When I meet someone, I want to know who they are, what makes them passionate, on fire … what brings that glimmer into their eyes when they speak of themselves and their lives. If you want to know who I am; you won’t find the answer in my occupation. Let’s have tea together and talk.

Interests: Nature, Photography, Birding, Writing, Art, Compassion, Green Living, Local eating, Cooking, Nurturing myself, others and our connection with the Natural World.
Dreams: To live more rurally again, in a small log cabin with my companion feline, completely surrounded by nature. Travel and, to always dream. To eventually make a living from my photography, art and writing.

How long have you used reusable menstrual products?: Approximately 1 year.
Reason for making the switch to reusables: The main reason, initially, was an attempt to ease the discomfort (raging/debilitating pain is more like it) prior to and during my cycle. A GYN suspected that I had endometriosis and wanted to begin a pharmaceutical regiment that would put me into medical menopause. I wasn’t about to take that leap, so I began in earnest to investigate other options, which led me to resuables: GladRags and the DivaCup to be exact. Making that switch proved to be a huge success in more ways than one! Now, it’s health along with the environmental reasons to use GladRags and the Diva Cup. It’s also much easier on my budget too. Since making the switch, I can’t think of a reason not to; making the switch to reusables also provided me an opportunity to become more in touch with my cycle and my body. I’m much more at ease with myself, my cycle and talking more openly about it. Bonus, bonus, bonus – I dream that every woman will make the switch to reusables and find the joy (yes, joy) in using them.

Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts, or anything else you’d like to share: I have been going through some issues with my PAP smears, and happen to have a knitted uterus which I brought to a GYN appointment a year or so back. GYN bonus points: she also has a knitted uterus. Ladies, that may be a prerequisite question when looking for a GYN. I love my GYN! I had my knitted uterus in my backpack for the appointment, brought it home and put it on the kitchen table. The cat jumped on the kitchen table and grabbed my uterus in her mouth and ran off with it. Noticing she was running away with my uterus; I said “Come back here with my uterus!” If any of my neighbor’s heard me, well … how often have you shouted “Come back here with my uterus,” to your feline or to anyone – out loud? I only wish that I had my camera in hand as she trotted off …

Name: Nicole Beal
Age: 33
Hometown: Iowa City, Iowa
Current Location: Alma, Colorado – Elevation 10,600 feet – Highest Incorporated Town in North America
Occupation: Work at Home Mama, Owner of Natural Family Supplies

Interests: I love live music, and always have since I was a little girl. This love has blossomed into a bit of a lifestyle for myself and family. My husband and I met at an outdoor concert in 1998 – and my travels to catch outdoor “shows” in the summertime really helped to enhance my love of the outdoors. We travel and camp, attend festivals and concerts together. We always try to find a spot off the beaten path, and rarely end up in a campground. We love to hike, ski, walk dirt roads and have campfires. We are mountain folks, and we walk that talk!
Dreams: I dream of finding peace and contentment. I dream of happy children who are satisfied with a simple life. I dream of finding enough success in my small business to be able to support and sustain our family. I dream of traveling the USA in a camper with my family, enjoying each other and the beauty of our natural surroundings.

Reusable Menstrual Products: I discovered GladRags about 4 years ago. Our family feels strongly about not creating a lot of waste, and not throwing our money away, so it was a change I was ready to make. I felt like the initial investment for the products was a bit heavy, but worth it – and it has been. My original stash of pads is holding up beautifully and I haven’t had to spend an additional dime on feminine products since!

Deep Thoughts: Life can be challenging, and you really can’t predict the future. The most important thing I have learned is to have a positive outlook and ask for help when you need it. Find people who will listen and support you when times are tough, and then be that person for others when they are in times of need. Family and friends are the most precious possessions you can have, and they should be treated as such.

Connect with me:
www.naturalfamilysupplies.com
www.mountaintoptribe.blogspot.com
http://facebook.com/naturalfamilysupplies

Name: Suzy Hawbaker
Age: 35
Hometown: Don’t really have a hometown as we moved around a lot!  Born in Canada and have been in Colorado most of my life.
Current location: Loveland, CO
Occupation: Shop owner, Hip Mountain Mama

Interests: hiking, camping, music, crafting, playing guitar, saving the planet
Dreams: I dream of living on a few acres in a community of like minded folks living the most sustainable lifestyle possible

How long have you used reusable menstrual products?: I actually just started!

Reason for making the switch to reusables: I am passionate about reusable products.  I am slowly making the switch to reusables in all areas of my life…making one change per month. (if you would like to join me in making one change per month, please check out my One Small Change Challenge)

Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts, or anything else you’d like to share: How about my favorite quote…”Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming “Wow! What a Ride!”
~ Hunter S. Thompson

January’s Monthly Friend is Tara, who writes about

green living and sustainability with simple, easy-to-implement steps.

Name: Tara Wagner
Age: 29
Hometown: Las Vegas, NV
Current location: On the road!
Occupation: Sustainability Writer and Mindful Parenting Writer and Coach

Interests: Sustainability and green living, living passionate and connected lives, family, photography, writing, hula hooping
Dreams: Travel (nation- and worldwide), inspiring change in our lifestyles and our families, and continuing to do what I love to do

How long have you used reusable menstrual products?: Since April 2008
Reason for making the switch to reusables: Mostly for the positive environmental impact, partially for the health benefits and also for the savings…it just makes sense!

Funny anecdotes, deep thoughts, or anything else you’d like to share: I love how connected and in-tune with my body I’ve become since making the switch to GladRags and Moon Cup. I’ve become much more aware of what my body does and am comfortable with its natural rhythms and purpose, instead of feeling as though it’s something “gross” or not to think or talk about.