So many of us are trying to lead greener lives. Maybe we're heading towards an ideal of a self sufficient life, or we just want to reduce our impact on the world. Women everywhere create huge amounts of waste dealing with periods. Perhaps worse still, by using tampons we actually harm our bodies natural rhythm and ability to cleanse itself.

Six Reasons to Use a Menstrual Cup

Financial - Using a Moon cup, Diva cup, Keeper or whatever brand of menstrual cup means you only need one product to manage your monthly flow, for years! That is a massive saving of resources, waste and your money. In the US it is estimated that women spend between $150 and 200$ a year just on menstrual products. So, even with the most expensive menstrual cup you'll be saving money within three months and probably less.

Practicality - Using a menstrual cup means you don't have to carry around lots of paraphernalia whenever you leave the house during that time of the month. You only need one thing and you will already be wearing it. You save space in the bathroom cabinets too.

Feminine Health - Using a menstrual cup means simply catching your monthly flow, rather than absorbing all the moisture your body produces as a tampon would. That means your vagina can continue to keep itself clean through the action of its moist lining throughout your period. As the product is smooth women with sensitive skins or a tendency towards thrush and similar problems find there is less irritation using a menstrual cup rather than tampons.

Environmental - A menstrual cup is one small item. It is made of either natural latex or medical grade silicon, both of which are abundant resources. The only packaging is a small cotton (often organic) bag, supplied when you purchase your cup. So no packaging waste each month. No waste sanitary products thrown into landfill either as you simply wash and reuse your moon cup.

Improved Periods - Many women find heavy flow and even cramping are reduced when they switch to a menstrual cup. The thinking is, that because the cup doesn't interfere with your body, but merely catches the flow your body is able to work more naturally.

Toxic Shock Syndrome - Menstrual cups have been around since the 1930's but there have been no incidences of toxic shock syndrome associated with them during that time. A far safer option than the tampon.

It really is time for all women using tampons to make the switch to menstrual cups.