What Should Aunt Flow Wear?

I often get the question of "Should I encourage my daughter to use reusable pads, biodegradable pads, or the conventional feminine pads?" My answer is always the same: What do you prefer? Now, for those of you that are wondering what is a reusable pad, it is a pad made out of organic and un-dyed cotton. Usually, these pads can be reused up to 3 to 5 years. The downside to this alternative is that you must rinse the pad once you have used it and prior to putting them in the washer. Many women are turned off by this.

Biodegradable pads are usually 90% biodegradable and are free from chlorine bleach, rayon, perfumes, etc. Women that like the biodegradable pads say that they feel softer and more comfortable than a traditional pad. Complaints have included that they are too short for complete coverage, there is no vairety, and are more expensive thant the conventional pads.

Conventional pads are most common among women and are standard in the market today. However, conventional pads have been criticized to being non-ecofriendly. However, these pads have many choices to pick from in terms of size and cost effectiveness.

I personally do not endorse any label or brand of feminine napkins but do think that we are all entitled to choose what we use. If you are cost conscious; use reusable pads. If you are environmentally conscious; use biodegradable. If you are cost conscious and want variety; use conventional pads. Either way I would love to hear what your experiences have been.