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Lunapads: Green. Period.

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This giveaway is now closed.  Thanks for stopping by.  The winner is Andrea!  Congrats!

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I never imagined I’d be reviewing a reusable menstrual pad.  I never imagined I’d be USING a reusable menstrual pad.  But today…I’m going to talk to you about Lunapads! I’m all about recycling, using a reusable bag at the grocery store, drinking filtered water instead of bottled water, buying local, organic products and making my own cleaners.  I do as much as I can to reduce, reuse, recycle…when it’s convenient, right?  Well…I like to think I make great efforts to preserve our precious environment including spending more time, energy and resources doing so.

Before I was offered the opportunity to review Lunapads, I had read a lot about them.  I was intrigued and curious about a product that claimed to be healthier for the environment and myself while saving me money.  But I have to admit that I didn’t want to give up my freedom to throw out pads whenever and wherever I wanted.  I am mostly a tampon user, however, I do use pads both as a back-up for those initial heavy days, and I give myself a break from tampons at night.  Using a reusable menstrual pad was going to cost me something.  I was going to have to plan ahead, do a little work, and get accustomed to a whole new way of thinking about “that time of the month.”  After learning that “14 billion disposable pads, tampons, and applicators are discarded into landfills on an annual basis in North America,” I decided that Lunapads just might be something I’d have to try.  I mean…if it didn’t work out I could at least say I gave it a try, right?

So…I did it!  I tried Lunapads. And while I was a little hesitant…nervous…apprehensive…they’re growing on me! There are a ton of positives.  First, here is a little more information about the company from the site:

Lunapads International is a women-owned small business based in Vancouver, Canada.  Our mission is to help women have healthier and more positive experiences of their menstrual cycles, and by extension, their bodies overall.  Our team is made up of a passionate group of gals who believe that using natural menstrual products is a creative and empowering way to honor and care for ourselves and the planet.

introkitI received the Pads & Pantyliners Intro Kit and decided to try these out overnight (I put a towel down just in case), since I felt this would give me the most accurate perception of how the product works.  The kit comes with an assortment of pads, liners, and pantyliners in different sizes based on absorbency. The basic premise is that you have a liner that attaches to your underwear and  holds the pad in place.  You can add extra liners to accommodate your flow.  The company created a series of informative videos including this “how to” which I highly recommend watching:

So…what do I think?  First off, the fabric is not only 100% cotton (or organic if you choose), it’s super soft and cozy…unlike disposable pads.  Lunapads are made of 100% cotton fleece and flannelette with a thin layer of breathable nylon between the layers of flannelette to prevent leakage.  The fabrics are adorable and ALMOST make me forget about how dreadful that time of the month can be.  The pretty prints alone make me want to use them…if only for that reason (although there are many more important reasons to use them).They are simple to use and they stay put (which I was surprised about since I had no clue whether snaps and ric rac bands would keep everything where it’s supposed to be).  I used them all night and woke up without ruining my underwear.  You can wear Lunapads as long as you’d where a disposable pad in a similar absorbency.  I know you want to know so I’ll just answer right up front….there was no odor after wearing them overnight. There…I said it!  I know you were worried too!  So the only part I have a little trouble reconciling in my head is how to use these when I’m out.  In theory, I know that I just bring a plastic bag of some sort and put them in the bag as needed (the company sells a cloth pad bag).  However, I’m having difficulty thinking about carrying them around all day at work, at the mall, etc.  I suggest that if you can get to a sink while you’re out, do so.  It will make cleaning them much easier.  Speaking of washing, I just soaked them as soon as I took them off, threw them in the washing machine, and had no difficulty getting them clean. If you’re looking to try reusable menstrual pads, the Intro kit ($56.99 USD) is the ideal way to start because it gives you a sampling of their pads/liners.  You can also visit their site and click on Find Your Fit, to find out which pad is right for you.

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In summary…I’d love to keep using these for tampon back-ups and nighttime.  I don’t know that I would use them on the go, but I think any little bit I can do to save on the amount of disposable pads thrown into landfills helps.  The company also sells Postpartum pads, underwear and the Diva Cup (which is an alternative to tampons that I must try at some point!).

Use the code “rockinmama” to save $5.00 off a orders over $35.00 (expires Dec. 31, 2009)

samplerWin It! One of you will win a Sampler Pack so you can try Lunapads out for yourself!  Head on over to the site and find the answer to the following question:  What is the name of Lunapads‘ pad donation campaign for girls in developing nations?  Fill out the form below AND leave a comment telling me why you want to try these.  Please note that all extra entries must be posted in the comments section.  Comments will close on April 22, 2009 at 10 PM PST. One comment per person, please (unless you do the extra credit). US residents only. Duplicates and comments not including the above information will be disqualified. Comments are moderated. If you don’t see your comment in a reasonable amount of time, send me an email. Bloggers and non-bloggers may enter. If you don’t want to leave your email address, please be sure to check back for my announcement on the winner. Please note that winners must respond within 48 hours of being announced/contacted or another winner will be drawn.

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Caryn Bailey
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89 Responses to Lunapads: Green. Period.

  1. I want to try these! It seems so neat to be able to use comfy cloth…not to mention saving a bundle of money on buying package after package of disposables!

    Reply

  9. I use a moon cup (pretty much the UK version of the Diva cup) and I really like it. I would like to try the reusable pads since having my baby I’m a little scared of my cup.

    Reply

  15. I was reading about disposable diaper alternatives….I believe hereon your blog…..and was wondering about the impact that pads have too.
    I think this post was very good, and very honest. Thanks for posting.
    Great giveaway.

    Reply

  17. I want to try them because I have a DivaCup but I use disposable pads for backup- I’d like to go all-green.

    eeohlin at gmail dot com

    Reply

  20. I have been wanting to try cloth menstrual pads for a very long time now. Each month, I keep thinking “man, I really need to buy some cloth pads” and then I forget. My son is cloth diapered, so I have no idea what is hanging me up on changing to cloth pads.

    Reply

  22. I currently use the DivaCup and LOVE IT! (You should definitely try it!) I want to try the LunaPads as an alternative on days I don’t want to wear the cup, and the liners for a backup against leaks. Thanks!

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  24. I’d like to try these because after using the Mirena IUD for a few years, I’m thinking seriously of switching to another form of contraception. I never thought I’d end up loving cloth diapers as much as I do, and I’ll bet the same would be true for me with Luna Pads.

    Reply

  28. i would love to win these! i’ve been using cloth pads for over a year and would never switch back to disposables! i have always wanted to try Lunapads! Thanks for the giveaway!

    Reply

  30. i tried posting this comment before, but it didn’t go through. PLease delete any duplicates. Sorry!

    i have your button on my blog!

    Reply

  35. I have been using cloth pads for four years and I just love not having to run out to the store to buy supplies when I need them. I would love to try the Lunapads because they come in such pretty colors and they are a unique design. Thanks for the chance!

    Reply

  36. I have been wanting to try cloth pads or the diva cup for a while. We are on a strive to be more green and just reading the ingredients on the tampon box makes my toes curl. To think I have been putting those chemicals in my body for years!!!! ahh!

    Reply

  37. I’m an e-mail subscriber.
    I’d like to try these to see if I’d be comfortable switching to this kind of system.

    Reply

  41. I just made the switch to cloth pads and I have always wanted to try Lunapads. I feel so much better using something that doesn’t have an impact on the Earth.
    Thanks! foxsquirrelrabbit at gmail dot com

    Reply

  44. I’d love to try these because that would be my final step to being completely reusable in the hygiene/linens department. I cloth diaper, use family cloth, cloth towels instead of paper, reusable grocery bags, cloth napkins, etc, and have been wanting to make this final commitment.

    Reply

  46. i would love to try these because we use cloth diapers with my daughter and it only makes sense that i use cloth pads myself….for all the same reasons.

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  47. Wow, thanks for finding this company! I hate hate hate regular pads; they always cause skin problems in the place everyone most hates skin problems. And there are times when tampons are just really not the thing…ahem, probably more info than you wanted. Anyway, I’ve been wanting to try cloth pads for quite a while, and these look great!

    Reply

  53. I’d love to try these. I’ve started using reusable pads, but I don’t have enough to get me through a whole cycle yet. I would love to have enough so that I don’t have to buy disposable pads any more! Cloth pads are just so much more comfortable!

    Reply

  56. I’ve seen these around the internet for awhile and have been curious about them. I’d love to give them a try. I really don’t like the disposables.

    Reply

  59. they donate to- Pads4Girls Kits for schoolgirls in Africa and beyond. Pads4Girls seeks to address the problem of girls missing school due to a lack of adequate menstrual supplies. Read our blog posts for stories about current and past recipients of our kits.
    Birth Kit Maxi Pads that will be included in birth kits for women in rural Uganda
    i want to try these because i have never heard of them before.

    Reply

  67. My daughter swears by the diva cup and this is the next step. I’d love to try it and to let her try it too.

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  69. Love to try as it’s so versatile and functional. I learnt that it’s made of 2 layers of highly absorbent fleece, Liners are placed on top of the Pad, and held in place with ric-rac bands. Customize absorbency by layering multiple Liners for heavier flow, or skip the Liner altogether for very light flow.

    Reply

  70. I would like to try these because traditional pads are uncomfortable and not healthy and I have yet to find a suitable alternative.

    madamerkf at aol dot com

    Reply

  71. I’ve heard about these in BUST Magazine, and I’ve been worried about how much waste I’m creating by my menstration. Besides, how dumb is it that female “hygiene” products are all about the disposable aspect of their products so that their consumers feel gross about having their periods? I love the idea behind these products as well as the cutesy designs.

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  79. I would love to try these because I cant think of anything better to do for the environment when it comes to that womanly problem.

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  80. So feminine and stylish! Would like to try them for health and comfort reasons. Thanks for offering a great giveaway! 🙂

    Reply

  81. For years I’ve been debating on whether to give Lunapads a try….these are an amazing resource and I hope I’m a lucky winner. Thanks so much for the opportunity!

    Reply

  83. Oh my gosh, I would love to try these! A few years back I read about these and have wanted to try them every since! These are a wonderful way to go green AND save money! Thanks for the chance!

    fitforachild at gmail dot com

    Reply

  88. The name of Lunapads‘ pad donation campaign for girls in developing nations is Cloth Pads 4 Girls. I want to try these pads because they sound very useful!

    Reply

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