Here you will find out why it is advantageous to be buying the items that we sell on a personal level, for the world that we live in and for the worldwide community with which we share it.
Many women are unaware that rayon and rayon-cotton blends are widely used in the manufacture of tampons. Rayon is commonly chlorine-bleached, and is a highly absorbent fibre. Dioxin, a toxic carcinogen, is a by-product of all chlorine bleaching methods and is also found throughout the environment in varying levels as a by-product of pesticide spraying and pollution from incinerators. Dioxins are some of the most deadly chemicals created. Classified as carcinogenic, (cause cancer) dioxins are found in pesticides, plastics, solvents, detergents and cosmetics. For over a decade, concerns have been raised about the impact of dioxins on our health with respect to heart and liver disease, hormonal disruption and cancer, to name but a few. Dioxin has been found to collect in the fatty tissues of animals, including humans and should, therefore, be a real concern for women. Published scientific reports have shown that evidence is growing that even low levels of dioxins may be linked to cancer, endometriosis, low sperm counts and immune system suppression.
The production of dioxins in the manufacture of paper pulp products such as tampons and sanitary pads, are not only harmful to the environment, but also unnecessarily expose women to low levels of dioxins every time they use these products. Dioxin settles in the fat cells of our bodies and stay there for the rest of our lives, building up cumulatively over time from birth, so increased exposure means increased risk.
Considering a woman may use as many as 11,000 tampons in her lifetime, she may be subjecting herself to additional dioxin exposure.
Towels
Women today are conscious of the need to restrict their contact with synthetic materials and unnecessary chemicals and additives. They are becoming more aware that most of the widely available sanitary pads sold today, contain a blend of chlorine-bleached pulp, polypropylene, polyacrylates and plastic.
For each monthly cycle, it makes sense to choose a pad that is made from natural materials. Many gynaecologists have advised women with sensitive skin to use natracare pads to reduce their contact with chlorine bleached materials, and also products containing synthetics, latex and super absorbents made from petrochemicals. Every year, billions of plastic laden pads are disposed of, and generally they end up in landfill sites to sit unaltered for hundreds of years. Every year, in Britain alone, we would have to dig a hole three hundred feet deep and three hundred feet wide to bury the sanitary pads that are thrown away.
In the past few years scientists have found a number of compounds in the environment which either mimic or interfere with oestrogen.
These compounds are normally complex molecules and are found in many plants, and used in materials like detergents, pesticides and plastics.
But scientists are realising that a variety of simple metal ions, including aluminium and cadmium can also bind to the body's oestrogen receptors and influence their action.
Dr Philippa Darbre, who works in the School of Biological Sciences, at the University of Reading, and who wrote the review, said, "Since oestrogen is known to be involved in the development and progression of human breast cancer, any components of the environment that have oestrogenic activity and which can enter the human breast could, theoretically, influence a woman's risk of breast cancer."
She said aluminium salts in antiperspirants were a major source of exposure to aluminium in humans. But because antiperspirants are sprayed into armpits, exposure to the aluminium salts in the spray are often inadvertently concentrated near the breast.
Dr Darbre said that because women often use sprays immediately after shaving the armpits, when the skin is likely to be damaged, the skin is less able to keep the aluminium out. She said, "It is reasonable to question whether this aluminium could then influence breast cancer."
Parabens are the most widely used preservatives in cosmetic products. Chemically, parabens are esters of p-hydroxybenzoic acid. The most common parabens used in cosmetic products are methylparaben, propylparaben, and butylparaben. Typically, more than one paraben is used in a product, and they are often used in combination with other types of preservatives to provide preservation against a broad range of microorganisms. The use of mixtures of parabens allows the use of lower levels while increasing preservative activity.
Why avoid parabens?
Many people are now becoming concerned about the long term effects of using products that contain parabens because of the recent findings indicating a potential link to breast cancer . In the 1930’s, scientists developed something that could preserve creams. Synthetic Methyl, Ethyl and Propyl Parabens were developed from benzoic acid. Researchers from the Department of Biology and Biochemistry of Brunel University in the UK have conducted a study and found that once these parabens are in our system, they stay in there. It is estimated that 99% of all cosmetic and body care products contain some form of the paraben preservatives
It was known that parabens could be absorbed from the gastrointestinal tract or the blood, metabolized, and eventually excreted in the urine. Recent studies by Dr Philippa Darbre and colleagues at the University of Reading have now highlighted the fact that these same chemicals are not so readily excreted when applied directly to the skin. They have been found in samples taken from breast tumours. This of course does not mean that there is a link between parabens and breast cancer but it does indicate that there are concerns to be raised about the accumulative effect of applying these chemicals to our skin on a daily basis.
Sodium Lauryl Sulphate (SLS)
SLS is commonly used in shampoos, hair conditioners and shower gels. It is a very harsh detergent used to make the products foam when used. SLS can cause irritation of the eyes, skin rashes and flaking skin, and possibly permanent damage to the eyes, especially in children. Research was conducted in the Department of Dermatology at the School of Medicine, University of California (4) on the ability of SLS to penetrate into the skin and underlying tissues. The research found that “ Sodium lauryl sulphate penetrated the skin directly to a depth of about 5-6 mm below the applied site. Epidermal levels of the compound after application of 1% aqueous solution for 24 hours were above threshold levels known to evoke skin irritation responses. Deeper underlying tissues may also have been exposed to high levels of the compound.” SLS reacts with other chemicals found in shampoos and cleansers to produce nitrates, which can enter the blood stream easily.
Organic
The definition organic is defined by law - all organic agriculture, food production and processing is governed by a strict set of rules. Organic farmers, as far as possible, avoid using unnecessary chemical sprays such as pesticides and herbicides, and Organic standards ban the use of Genetically Modified technology. Organic farming is friendlier to the environment, so there is a much greater diversity of birds, butterflies and plants on organic farms. Food additives linked to asthma and heart disease, and many preservatives and aggressive health and environment damaging chemicals are banned under organic standards.
Any organic product sold in the United Kingdom must, by law, display an organic certification symbol or number. When you see an organic symbol, you can be sure that the product complies with minimum government standards for organics. These standards are set by the UK Register of Organic Food Standards (UKROFS) and meet European and international standards. Each certification body has its own symbol and code number. The Soil Association organic symbol is the UK’s main certification mark, but different countries have different symbols, but generally, each country recognises each other’s organic standards. The symbol tells you that the product has met, and in some important areas, exceeded minimum government requirements. Organic standards are often reviewed and developed to continually raise the quality of organic food and organic non-food. Pesticide use is widespread in the world and responsible for some of the more persistent dioxins and furans in the environment. Making more organic choices in food and non-food products helps to reduce environmental pollution and our personal exposure to dioxins.
We must be careful about what we put on our skin: (Think about how nicotine and birth control/hormone patches work—the chemicals are absorbed through the skin!)
Why Buy Organic Cotton?
Cotton is the most pesticide-dependent crop in the world, accounting for 25% of all pesticide use. These chemicals are taking a toll on our environment and human health as a whole. Every T-shirt made of conventional cotton requires 1/4 pound of harmful chemicals.
Cotton growers typically use many of the most hazardous pesticides on the market including aldicarb, phorate, methamidophos and endosulfan. Cotton pesticides are often broad spectrum organophosphates--pesticides originally developed as toxic nerve agents during World War II--and carbamate pesticides.
Pesticides used on cotton–even when used according to instructions–harm people, wildlife and the environment. These pesticides can poison farm workers, drift into neighboring communities, contaminate ground and surface water and kill beneficial insects and soil micro-organisms.
Farmers and Farmworkers In many developing countries, farmers and farmworkers work in cotton fields with few if any safety precautions to protect them from pesticides. According to the UN Food and Agriculture Organization, farmers in many developing countries use antiquated and dangerous pesticide application equipment, resulting in spills and poisonings. In Pakistan, one of the top five cotton producing countries, approximately 50% of applied pesticides are wasted due to poor spraying machinery and inappropriate application. A 1997 Danish television documentary showed methyl parathion being sprayed on cotton fields in Nicaragua and Guatemala while children played in and beside the fields. It also documented numerous cases of methyl parathion poisonings in cotton production. Pesticide poisoning remains a daily reality among agricultural workers in developing countries, where up to 14% of all occupational injuries in the agricultural sector and 10% of all fatal injuries can be attributed to pesticides.
Organic cotton is produced without the use of harsh chemical bleaches or dyes, and is allergy free. Natural fertilizers, compost and soil amendments are used, and advances in natural pest control, such as ladybugs which destroy harmful insects, have helped make raising organic cotton a viable enterprise.
The chemicals used to grow conventional cotton weaken the fibres. This means, that cotton grown without the use of chemicals produces a superior quality garment.
These questions and answers have been provided by Mooncup
Q: Public toilets: How do you use the Mooncup in public toilets?
A: You can still use your Mooncup in Public toilets. Simply take a small bottle of water into the toilet with you and rinse it with this. Alternatively you can wipe with toilet paper and give your Mooncup a thorough clean at a more convenient time.
A: Yes it is fine to use the Mooncup when your flow is light. The Mooncup is not absorbent and will not cause dryness so you will find removal much more comfortable than with tampons.
A: Most parcels from So Organic come in a brown cardboard box printed with our company logo, or a reused box from one of our suppliers. The box won’t fit through a letter box, but nothing on the outside of the box will give any indication that there is a Moon Cup inside, so there is no need to worry about being embarrassed.
A: Yes young girls are physically able to use the Mooncup. It is possible to use the Mooncup from the very first period as our bodies are designed to give birth to full size babies at this time. The more confident that your daughter is about her body the easier it will be for her. As with tampons, it will require practice at first. She may like to use a water based lubricant to make insertion easier to begin with. I hope that this helps.
A: If your hymen is still fully intact the use of the Mooncup is likely to cause it to tear or break. The hymen is a thin membrane, with a space or spaces for periods to flow through, which partially blocks the opening of the vaginal entrance. Hymens come in various shapes and designs. Your hymen may be shaped like a septum (a thin line of skin which divides the centre of the vaginal opening, as does the septum of our nose), or you may have a hymen shaped like a crescent moon around the bottom or side of the vaginal opening. Interestingly, not all women are born with hymens, and hymens can break without women knowing it. Strenuous activities, such as bicycle riding, horseback riding, stretching, or dancing, can also cause the hymen to break. Also a woman's hymen could have been broken or stretched by sexual activity, even if she has not yet had sexual intercourse. Once torn or stretched, the hymen becomes an irregular ring of tissue around the vaginal opening. If you would like further advice I recommend that you pay a visit to your local well woman or sexual health clinic.
A: The most common reason for leakage is not placing the Mooncup low enough in your vagina. The Mooncup needs to be placed just inside the entrance to your vagina, not up near the cervix where tampons are placed.
Also, you need to check that the whole of the stem is fully inside you. Most women need to trim the stem. If you think you need to trim the stem, remove your Mooncup and cut the end with scissors. Trim a little off at a time and reinsert your Mooncup to check how it sits. Repeat this process until it is fully inside you and is comfortable.
Another reason for leakage is due to poor seal formation with your vaginal wall. You can try twisting and rotating the Mooncup once inserted. You can also try pulling the mooncup down slightly and then gently pushing it inward. Clamping your pelvic floor muscles around the Mooncup will also help to create a good seal.
Occasionally leakage can occur because the small holes below the rim of the Mooncup have become blocked. Use a clean pin and remove any debris blocking the holes. Wash your Mooncup and re-insert.
Finally, leakage may be due to the size you are using not being a good fit. In this case please contact the Mooncup advice service on +44 (0) 1273 673845
A: If you hold your Mooncup up to the light you will see an A or a B stamped in the bottom of the cup. A is after childbirth and for women aged 30 and over, and B is before childbirth and women aged below 30. The length of the cup is 50mm for both sizes, and the diameter across the top is 43mm for the size B and 46mm for the A. The stem is 21mm long.
A: We recommend that you do not use oil-based substances with the Mooncup as they can weaken the material over time. Water based lubes are fine.
A: You are right to be concerned about toxic shock syndrome, and with the Mooncup it is important to regularly remove and clean it as by doing so you prevent any build-up of the bacteria that may cause this illness. We recommend that you remove and clean your Mooncup 4 times during a 24-hour day. TSS has been linked to high absorbency and prolonged use of tampons. The Mooncup differs from tampons in that the material that it is made of does not support the growth of bacteria in the way that the rayons and cottons used in tampons do. Menstrual cups have been around since the 1930s but have not been associated with toxic shock syndrome. TSS is most common in women aged between the ages of 15 and 19 and the risk of contracting it decreases with age. As a precaution, you should be aware that the symptoms of TSS could include sudden high fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, dizziness, fainting, or a rash rather like sunburn. Should you experience these symptoms during your period you should remove your Mooncup and contact your GP immediately.
A: No, the Mooncup is not for use during sexual intercourse. It would be in the way as it sits low in the vagina, not high like the contraceptive cap.
A: No! It is a question of practice, and some women find removal a little difficult at first! You do not explain what the problem is exactly, but there are two usual difficulties:
1. Too much suction: Before inserting your mooncup, try inserting a pin into the small holes around under the lowest ridge on the rim of the Mooncup. These can become blocked, so wiggle a pin in each one to ensure that they are clear. You can always release the seal by inserting your finger alongside the Mooncup and squashing it sideways, if squeezing the base does not work.
2. Not being able to get hold of the Mooncup: this is a combination of position, and, often, panic! Try to sit on the loo or squat, and use your 'bearing down' or pushing muscles to move the Mooncup down before you try to get hold of it. You should be able to move it down to the entrance to your vagina where it is easier to get hold of! The best method for doing this is to use a sequence of small downward motions. It may feel as though the Mooncup rises again after releasing each motion but it will be gradually pushed down. Small motions avoid tension and panic!
Standing or lying down makes your Mooncup harder to reach. And yes, staying calm is helpful too!
A: It is not recommended to use internal protection for the first six weeks after giving birth. This is because of the increased risk of infection (after trauma to the vaginal tissues.) It would probably be a bit too tender as well! I would use washable cloths for this post birth bleed.
A: The diaphragm is worn higher in the vagina than the Mooncup. However it is still possible that the rim of the Mooncup may exert pressure on the urinary tract and if you have been affected by problems of this nature in the past we would recommend that you check with your GP before using the Mooncup.
A: Approximately 1/3 of what tampons absorb is the protective secretions that prevent thrush and other infections from happening. These secretions also maintain the correct Ph balance of the vagina. When you use a Mooncup it will not interfere with these protective vaginal secretions, and it will not absorb them either, so your vagina will remain healthy whilst you are having your period.
It is important to rinse your Mooncup with plenty of water if you use soap to clean it, as traces of soap left on the Mooncup can upset the Ph balance of your vagina. In answer to your question, no the Mooncup will not give you thrush.
A: There should be no problem with an I.U.D as long as you remember to place the mooncup low down in the vagina and take care to release the seal properly when removing the mooncup. It’s a good idea to ask your GP/clinic if they can trim the IUD strings to keep them short. You should continue to check your IUD strings periodically to make sure it hasn't been dislodged.
A: The Mooncup is made from a very different material to the breast implants that caused so many problems. They were gel held in a bag and the gel started to leach out over time into the body. The Mooncup is made from a solid medical grade silicone, the sort of material that replacement heart valves or catheters are made from.
A: I am sorry to hear that you have this challenging condition. The feedback I have received from other women in your situation has been positive. This is because the Mooncup will hold up to three times more than disposable sanitary products. The Mooncup is able to accommodate clots because it collects your menstrual flow. A tampon is designed to absorb menstrual flow and therefore is not able to accommodate clots. It is also useful to use the Mooncup because you can measure how much you are actually bleeding and report this to your gynaecologist. You may also be interested to know that other women with your condition have reported to us that they experience less pain with their period when using a Mooncup.
A: Yes, the Mooncup works very well for heavy periods because it collects up to three times more menstrual blood than disposable sanitary products. This means that you will need to attend to the Mooncup less often. Women have reported back to me that this has significantly improved their quality of life. The Mooncup also allows you to accurately measure your flow. This means that for the first time your doctor or gynaecologist will be able to know exactly how much you bleed and will be able to treat you accordingly and quickly.
A: Firstly your concern is far from odd; it is not an uncommon query. Using the Mooncup as a collective device will not create any additional risk than these kinds of activities may be associated with when you are menstruating. I don't know if you are aware that there is an ongoing debate regarding whether or not it is appropriate for women to adopt any inverted postures during menstruation, for instance shoulder stands in yoga are considered by some to be alleviative menstrual symptoms during a period, whilst others say that this posture should not be done during menstruation because of the potential for retrograde flow (back flow). It comes down to a personal decision, depending on your opinion. I think that overall the concerns in these areas are associated with being in inverted postures for a prolonged time, and even then the retrograde theory is just that, a theory, it has not been shown be true. The Mooncup is suitable for night-time use and all forms of sports so there is no need for concern in the doing the activities you describe.
A: If you are having problems with keeping it folded you will need to practice until you find a method that works for you. If you are having problems with actually passing it through the entrance of your vagina again with practice this will improve. The most important thing is to remain as relaxed as possible, otherwise our muscles tend to tense up and work against us. Just take your time and practice now and again when you are not menstruating until you feel you have gained confidence and found what works best for you. A water-based lubricant can also make things easier initially. Also make sure that you are running your mooncup under water before attempting to insert it as this reduces any potential friction too.
A: The Mooncup is ideal for use whilst doing all sports, including aerobics and swimming. Some women use a panty-liner whilst they are still gaining confidence in the reliability of their Mooncup, but before long it will provide you with far more confidence than any other product. Feel free to contact me again if you have any further questions at all.
A: The Mooncup is actually surprisingly un-messy to use. Yes, when you insert its the same as inserting a tampon with regard to the amount of blood you come in contact with. When you remove the Mooncup the outside of it is generally clean, with all your blood collected inside of it. It stays upright (and is rarely full anyway) until you tip it up to empty it down the loo. Then you simply rinse, or wipe, befor re-inseting. You will see your blood, but you will not have much actual contact with it. Many women find that once they get used to it, seeing your blood is actually a very good way of being in touch with your body and can lead to a greater sense of acceptance and well-being during menstruation! Its really not horrible, its just different at first. Let me know if you have any further questions at all.
A: The Mooncup can be very useful in helping with the changes that occur during the menopause. Your periods may become heavier or lighter and the Mooncup can be used in both of these situations, saving you from needing to use a whole array of disposable products. The Mooncup is also well able to collect clots and to deal with sudden flooding. Another advantage of the Mooncup is that it allows you to accurately measure your flow. This means that for the first time your doctor or gynaecologist will be able to know exactly how much you bleed and will be able to treat you accordingly and quickly. For many women using a Mooncup improves the quality of their lives during the menopause.
A: The Mooncup can safely be used with painful periods and many women report that using the Mooncup reduces their pain. One reason for this could be that the Mooncup is worn lower down in the vagina than a tampon and allows your menstrual blood to flow more naturally. The Mooncup is also hypoallergenic and does not react with your body. The chemicals contained in tampons may react with the body causing pain.
A: Yes, the Mooncup is safe to wear at night. You will need to ensure it is empty before going to bed and then empty it again as soon as you wake, but because it is safe to be in place for 8 or so hours there is no problem with using it at night.
Q: Night use: Can you please let me know if the mooncup is safe to wear at night?
Q: Painful Periods: I have really painful periods will the Mooncup help?
Q: Menopause: I am going into my menopause, is it worth buying a Mooncup?
Q: Is it messy?: I only heard about your mooncup today, but am intrigued, especially for the health aspects. I have big reservations though about how messy it is. Can you please tell me whether this is true? Do you tip any blood into the toilet then wipe it? Is there a lot, it sounds horrible! Is it like inserting a tampon though in terms of the amount of blood you come into contact with?
Q: Sports: I do a number of aerobics classes during the week. During the week of my period I do sometimes go but often wear a pad as well as a tampon in case of leaks when jumping - would a Mooncup be OK during exercise (including in swimming pool?)
Q: Insertion problems: I just received my mooncup through the post and am finding it really hard to use. I can't seem to insert it. Could you give me any tips?
Q: Backflow / inverted postures: Hi, I have been looking through your site and think that the mooncup looks fantastic but i have one reservation/question. As the menstrual blood is just collected rather than absorbed, what would happen if you were to go upside down or lay down with your pelvis raised above your body? I know this sounds a really strange question but i do really want one and I just need to know what would happen if I was to lay down or go on an upside down ride at a theme park. Sorry if you think this is an odd concern!
Q: Heavy periods: I have very heavy periods, will the Mooncup be suitable for me?
Q: Endometriosis: I have endometriosis, how would the Mooncup work for me?
Q: Silicone Implants: I am a little confused regarding silicone, with regard to problems women have with breast enlargements!!, I don't have much of an understanding of this, and am looking for some feedback.
Q: IUD: Please can you tell me whether it is perfectly safe to use with the IUD?
Q: Thrush: Will the Mooncup cause me to get thrush? I get thrush from using tampons.
Q: Urinary tract infections: When I used a diaphragm, I had problems with urinary tract infections. Have there been any experiences of women suffering urinary tract infections from the use of the Mooncup?
Q: Post-birth: I've been using a Mooncup very happily for the last year. I'm now expecting our first baby in October, and I wondered if I can use the Mooncup for the bleeding after the birth? I've heard that you shouldn't use tampons, but wondered whether the Mooncup would be OK.
Q: Removal Problems: I have just tried my Mooncup for the first time. Am I alone in having problems removing it?
Q: Sex: Can you advise if the Mooncup is safe to leave in during penetrative sex (not obviously as a method of contraception)?
Q: TSS: I particularly like the idea that I can forget about it and just need to empty it once on waking and once before sleep. However I'm still a little concerned about the risk of toxic shock syndrome from leaving it in for a long time. My cup only gets about half full in half a day, so is it okay to leave it in for those 8 hours without changing it?
Q: Lubricants: I know that oil-based lubricants and latex do not mix, but I also know that one of the unique things about the Mooncup is that it is silicone, not latex. Does this mean that I can use oil-based lubricants to help with insertion, without worrying about damaging the rubber?
Q: Which size: How can I tell whether my Mooncup is the before or after childbirth size and what is the difference in size?
Q: Leakage: I have been using Mooncup month after month and still I leak. I have to use pads as well, and my main reason for wanting Mooncup was for eco reasons. Please help me because I don’t want to go back to the old ways.
Q: Hymen: I saw the Mooncup at a festival and was rather dubious about it but I have been thinking about it quite a lot as I want to become more active and learn how to swim. As far as I am aware my hymen is still intact, so I was worried about using it and wasn't quite bold enough to ask the lady at the stand.
Q: Just started menstruating: I've just heard about your moon cup and it sounds pretty good. I'm wondering if it is recommended for use by a girl who has just started menstruating. Any caveats I should know about? My 11 year old daughter is not quite there yet but will be sometime soon and if this is as great as it sounds I would like to recommend it.
Q: Dispatch / Packaging: How big is the mooncup package - will it fit through my letterbox? If not, is it discreet, i.e. can I get it delivered to my boyfriend's work without worrying about causing any offence or much laughter?
Q: Light flow: My flow is very light and I find tampons extremely painful to remove. Is it ok to use a Mooncup with a light flow?
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Why Green Beginnings?
Why chose Green Beginnings for your natural organic eco-friendly products?
Many certified organic products
All products personaly tested
High quality natural products with NO:
parabens
SLS
synthetic preservatives
petrochemicals
nasty chemical additives
Organic skin care: Up to 60% of what you apply to your skin can be absorbed by your skin and taken into your body. Think about this for a moment. If you care about what you eat then you should also be thinking carefully about what you are applying to your skin. Our organic skin care products contain no parabens,SLS, aluminium salts and no synthetic fragrances. Natural skin care choices are the way forward for a more natural way of living.
In todays modern world, many of us are looking into alternatives to all the creams, lotions, deodorants and numerous other products that we find in todays high street shops. At Green Beginnings we offer you these alternatives. Organic, natural and eco-friendly products are all you will find in our store.
