Disposable menstrual pads and tampons take up a larger volume in landfill than disposable nappies. Also, producing disposables costs many trees, and releases toxic chemicals into rivers and oceans.

In just 40 years, Western women have been convinced that chlorine bleached disposable pads and tampons are the only acceptable option, while most women in other parts of the world continue to use cloth pads - like our grandmothers did.

When using disposables we put some nasty toxins (including dioxins) next to our skin. Research has linked these chemicals to birth defects, reproductive disorders, depressed immunity, and cancer.

By using non-disposable alternatives, we substantially reduce our exposure to harmful toxins, save trees and energy, and reduce pollution and waste.

Many of us were taught without realising it, that our bodies and their products are unclean and shameful. By taking care of ourselves in a more natural way, we start to get more in touch with our bodies and our natural cycles and functions.

So whether you use non disposables all the time, only when you are at home, or just at night, it will make a difference to our environment and your health.

Toxic Shock Syndrome causes serious illness, sometimes fatal, with symptoms including high fever, sunburn-like rash, nausea, diarrhoea, headache, sore throat, and achy muscles. 99% of TSS cases are found in women wearing rayon-blend tampons.