Many women today are “going green” which means that they’re buying reusable water bottles, products that are organic or chemical free, and doing a lot of recycling. Unfortunately, it’s generally not very cheap to be environmentally conscious. Most products that are chemical and dye free are often the most expensive as well. Hybrid cars, while cool, haven’t really been around for very long, so even a used one is too expensive for most people, let alone poor college kids like me. Even so, we try to recycle a much as we can, turn out the lights when we leave a room, try to waste less water by turning it off when we’re brushing our teeth – all things that help out the environment, while saving us money at the same time.
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One of the ways that we women can be environmentally conscious and save money is through a menstrual cup. Yes, it’s exactly what it sounds like. Instead of a woman using a tampon to absorb her menses, she can opt to use this medical-grade silicone cup. There’s even one approved by the FDA called the Diva Cup. It is also the only one sold in many of the natural or whole foods stores. The Diva Cup can be worn for up to 12 hours before it needs to be emptied out, washed and then reused. When the menstrual cycle ends, it can be sterilized by being boiled.
I personally have always felt that pads and tampons were irritating so when I heard about this, I researched it for about a month before buying one. I’ve had one for almost a year and it has saved me money and it’s not nearly as gross as I thought it would be. I found this was something I was far more comfortable with than I ever thought I would be.
This is definitely something that is really strange for people to think about, but don’t judge it until you’ve given it a try. You can be saving the environment and, in the long run, saving some cash. Diva Cups are sold for around $30 online or in many Whole Foods stores.