cloth pads
Cloth pads, made from absorbent natural fabrics, are a wonderful reusable alternative to disposable, single use pads. Cloth pads are used like a normal menstrual pad then rinsed, soaked and machine washed before continued use. They’re a fantastic, chemical-free investment that is kinder to your body, the earth and your wallet.
Why are reusable cloth pads better for your hormones?
Standard pads are often coated with dioxins, bleached, made of plastic and if not organic have been sprayed with pesticides and scented with fragrance. These chemicals are endocrine disruptors (xenoestrogens), and may interfere with the body’s endocrine (hormone and cell signalling) system and produce adverse reproductive, developmental, immune and neurological effects. Xenoestrogens strongly mimic oestrogen, some examples include dioxins, polychlorinated biphenyls and bisphenols (found in pesticides, petrochemicals and plastics).
Why are reusable cloth pads better for the earth?
Standard pads also products can create a lot of waste. The pads themselves their packaging and wrappings all end up in landfill. This is why we have swapped to more sustainable and reusable option, the resuable cloth pads. Reusable period products are a one time investment that your wallet, your hormones and the planet will thank you for.
10 reasons to love reusable cloth pads
No chemical adhesives- fasten with clips and snap buttons so they don’t slide around
They’re completely free of plastics and chemicals that regular menstrual pads contain.
Leak free- A water resistant backing layer means you don’t have to worry about leakage (when used correctly and changed in accordance with you flow)
They’re comfortable and silent- made from fabric means there is no weird nappy/crunching sound
When taken care of your cloth pad will last 1-3 years, saving you money
A reusable option will prevent hundreds of sanitary products form heading to landfill
Can wear overnight - allowing you to get some extra ZZzzs
Convenient- no more running to the store for supplies, one menstrual cup is all you need
Doesn’t interfere with the delicate pH and bacterial balance in your vagina
No hassle of disposing of sanitary waste - clean bathroom bin
One of our favourite brands
One of our favourite brands is social enterprise, ecopads. Their cloth pads come in amazing fun patterns and designs, and are available in different sizes and absorbency. With every item purchased from ecopads, you are supporting womens’ and girls’ education, empowerment and environmental projects. Their hand made cloth pads are made with love and carry a vision to protect the environment, provide education and encourage women empowerment.
Interview with Ecopads Australia
We sat down with Freeda Thong, the founder and #girlboss behind social enterprise Ecopads Australia to discuss all things cloth pads, starting a business and giving back.
What is Ecopads?
Ecopads Australia is a social enterprise. Our hand made cloth pads are made with love and carry a vision to protect the environment, provide education and encourage women empowerment. With every item purchased, you help fund a pad for a girl or woman in need.
We love the Ecopads brand and everything you do as a social enterprise. What inspired you to support womens' and girls' education, empowerment and environmental projects?
I am pretty embarrassed to let you know that I initially found about period poverty only a mere 5 years ago! I have heavily been involved in educational programs for disadvantaged communities, and also in sustainability, but this community of menstruation management really sparked my initial interest to seek further awareness about the reality of period poverty. What initially inspired me was my sister! She started using cloth pads, and that really spiralled my research and engagement with the communities, and the rest is history (be it short).
It’s absolutely amazing that Ecopads started as a living room project sewing company. What inspired you to start the company and make reusable cloth pads available?
When I started making my own pads, I taught myself to sew and trialled making pads with many different materials I had laying around the house. The main clothpads brands that I was aware about were all overseas, or pretty highly priced. For a product that I wasn't sure if I was going to love, I wasn't ready to invest into them yet, so my next best thing to do was to make my own. I am so glad that I did, and am just about to launch a DIY kit for other girls and women to be able to do the same! Our price points are pretty reasonable, for that exact reason as well. We know price can really be a deterrent, and for the cause of the environment, and for the communities we support, huge profit margins aren't the main priority, especially being a for-profit-purpose-driven enterprise.
Our two biggest drivers for switching to sustainable period products are reducing waste sent to landfill and reducing exposure to hormone disrupting chemicals. Why are sustainable menstrual products important to you?
Gosh, you've really hit the nail on the head! Those are some of the biggest driving factors for me also. Reusable cloth pads are also extremely comfortable, and save a lot of money for women using them. Some women experience lighter bleeds, and less painful periods. You are also never unprepared! Cloth pads can be tucked away in any bag. On my own personal journey, I learnt so much more about my body, my flow and there really is a bit of magic in being in touch with my menstrual cycle. Within this journey of having started Ecopads, as a bonus, I've been able to connect with an amazing community, not only within the menstruation space, but the sustainability, entrepreneurship, and socially driven communities. What I am most grateful for is that through the social enterprise model, we can offer all of those benefits to a girl or woman in need as well. This could mean the difference between girls dropping out of school from the early age of 8 in some countries.
What advice would you give to your younger self about periods?
If I could turn back time, I would absolutely tell myself to seek support on my menstrual health and be my own biggest advocate in this process! I have only recently been diagnosed with PCOS, and always knew there was something wrong with my periods, but no one really seemed to listen. I think listening to myself intuitively would have really helped me on this journey, and cut down my 17 year journey through getting a diagnosis.
Anatomy of an Ecopad
Ecopads are comprised of four main components; the topper, core, backer and snaps. The fabrics Ecopads choose to work with are for their environmental stance and impact.
Topper This fabric comes in direct contact with your skin, usually it’s made with cotton, minky fleece or flannel material.
Core This is the absorbency layer. Depending on the size of the pad the absorbency will be different. This is to tailor for the different needs of girls and women and personal preference.
Backing The backing of Ecopads always includes a layer of polyurethane laminate, this provides extra security as a water resistant layer. The final layer is generally made with either cotton, courduroy or a fleece.
Snaps Ecopads use KAM snaps and eyelet fasteners to allow for ease of wearing. These serve as wings are used to keep your pad in place when worn.
How do I clean my reusable pad?
Reusable cloth pads need love and care to maximise their potential and ensure safety for continued use.
This is a general step-by-step guide to help you care for your cloth pads.
Pre-rinse in cold water to remove as much blood as possible
Put some cold water into a bucket with some washing powder/liquid or an eco oxi clean
Put your soiled cloth pad into the bucket
After 12-24 hours of soaking, launder as per normal. Avoid soaking longer than this as leaving them in water too long can encourage bacterial growth and mould.
Hang out to dry completely, preferably in the sun. Ensure they are completely dry before storing.
Avoid any chlorine, bleach or fabric softeners. If you wash by hand, always ensure you rinse thoroughly as soaps and detergents can build-up, affecting absorbency.