Disposable pads and tampons are only a recent invention but they have taken the market by force. Few woman today realize that there are actually alternatives to the disposable options. There are washable pads and reusable insertable tampon like options available on the market. I will focus on the reusable pads since that's is what I have experience with but I'll include links to the tampon alternatives below.

Washable pads are better for the environment, because they’re not simply produced for a one time use. They also won't add to our landfills the way that disposable pads will. Another benefit is that they are cheaper to use. Disposable pads cost a few dollars every month to buy, while washable ones only cost a few dollars to make a batch, which can then be used several times over.

Washable pads are also very comfortable and effective. Even if there was no environmental or cost benefit to reusable pads I would continue to use them because they are way more comfortable then disposable pads. I think that it's a shame that women were ever convinced to switch in the first place. Because washable pads are made of flannel they won't stick to you the way that disposable pads and pantie liners do.

You're probably wondering at this point what you would do with them once they were soiled. They are actually quite simple to deal with. The easiest thing to do is soak them in cold water in a small bucket that has a lid in your bathroom. They are soaked so that the blood doesn't have a chance to set into a stain. Wash them in your washer every two or three days to prevent unfriendly odors from developing. If you're going to go out for the day take a supply with you and a zip-lock bag to tuck them into. Trust me, your purse won't smell bad and they won't take up a lot of space. I now only use disposables if I'm swimming or traveling for a long time away from home. When my supply runs dry I'll buy one of the tampon alternatives.

If you're interested in pursuing this option there are several online companies that now offer reusable pads that can be washed in the washing machine. You can also make your own if very inexpensively if you know how to sew. Follow some of the links below to get some more ideas.