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56 comments:
Yea! Just the other day I saw a relief program asking for donations to buy disposable Feminine Hygiene products to send to Africa, and I thought to myself that this just feeds the whole disposable culture in an area that cannot handle this kind of waste. My daughter and I would be happy to make these as part of our homeschool community service project. I am so excited about this project!
I think this is a great idea. However i'm not sure how to ask this but the assumption is being made by all of us that pads that fit into underwear are the way to go. Maybe pads and belts are better. Has some one checked with women in africa. Some people don't wear the same clothing that we do.
I agree with the previous commenter. I saw the same ad and thought to myself "yeah, that's just what they need, more disposable waste to deal with, and creating a dependency on products that must be continually purchased, consumed, and thrown away. I was delighted to come across this blog. Good for you! (by the way, you might want to contact companies that sell cloth pads and see about donations/support).
I just LOVE this idea -- and like the folks above, I saw the Tampax and Always ads and thought, Wow, nice try, but not quite. Not only does that create more waste, but young girls in Africa -- in fact, anywhere in the world -- do NOT need to be sticking bleached cotton anywhere near such areas. Way to go, Deanna!
This is great! I saw the always ads and was pretty disgusted that they would link consumerism with doing good. Why can't people be more active in helping others instead of buying into some corporation's line of "buying = helping others"? This idea is terrific. Something I think would also be good, in addition to washable pads, are Diva Cups or The Keeper, which are silicone or rubber menstrual cups which are great because you only have to change them twice a day and they aren't bulky (since they sit in the vagina but aren't like tampons which could break your hymen). They're also easily sanitized in boiling water. I think if we contacted them they would be happy with providing some? I'll definitely have to see what I can do to help!
Anonymous - please check out the FAQ page regarding the DivaCup.
I want to publicize this site on my blog, as many people I know do sew and would be happy to sew some for this project-- but I read through the instructions you link to, and none of them are specific enough about the specific kind of fabric(s) to use-- materials, per-inch weave, loft, etc-- that we can pull stuff out of our fabric stashes and start sewing.
Please, try out a few of these yourself and post a recommendation about what size(s) and what materials you'd recommend, even if you'll take any suitable re-usable pads.
Thank you!
I've made several of these before. I like using 2 layers of cotton flannel for the top, one layer of help fleece in the inside (hemp is so absorbent) and then malden mills as the back/ bottom part with the wings.
Here is another easy tutorial- was this one listed? Sorry if it was--
http://www.tinybirdsorganics.com/organiccotton/clothpads.html
I was just thinking that these girls will need a way to carry both clean and used pads and wouldn't it be nice to make a flannel bag or pouch to keep clean ones in and a waterproof one to keep soiled pads in. It would be nice to know what an average number of pads a girl would need for her whole cycle, so if someone was up for the task, they could make a whole set of pads and bags and maybe even a larger bag to keep everything in, in between cycles.
Not trying to complicate things, but if girls don't have something to put the used ones in, they may end up in the garbage.
Cindy in FL
Regarding the fabrics, just any kind of 100% cotton fabric works well. I prefer flannel or velour for the top (velour wicks the moisture away, but is more expensive). Flannel can be found deeply discounted at fabric stores in the Remnants Bins.
It really should be cotton (or bamboo, but that's less common) because synthetic fibers aren't very healthy and they don't absorb much flow at all. And they tend to hold onto odors. Ick.
The only specific fabric is for the waterproof layer. Really, PUL, is ideal. It's designed for the rigorous washing of cloth diapers, so will hold up. I wouldn't recommend using nylon or anything else, it just isn't going to hold up. You can get it at verybaby.com. I'm going to try and put some up for sale in my store sometime soon, so that people don't have to buy a whole lot if they just want to donate a few pads.
Just stumbled upon this! Way to go! I am just now learning to make cloth pads as I have been making them for myself for the past few weeks and can't wait to make more for these precious young women.
Some of the pads come with extra liners to insert on heavier flow days or overnight. Is it a good idea to donate pads with these extra liners, or would they end up being too much hassle for the wearer?
Theresa - add in the extra liners if you like. The girls can use them if they need them and if they don't, I suspect they can get put to use for something else :)
Ok, great! They're on their way!
Great project - I'm *sooooo* happy that you are doing this. Well done.
Will any of those companies you are in touch with do gift cards? (e.g. I buy 5 pads for your project and, for a small additional charge, get a card saying I have done so, which I can then give to a friend and call it a birthday present - that sort of thing)
Maia - good question. The companies offering "deals" on their pads are highlighted at the bottom of the donation page.
But for these kinds of requests, you would need to contact them directly and see if they would do that. It's a good idea... and I'll see if anyone is interested.
I just found this sight tonight. Went to bed could not sleep.I have never heard of these kind of pads tell about a week ago.Havent needed them in years got total fixed at 24.Oh anyway This is wonderfull.Iam going to make them and have my grand daughter help.I wonder if local shelters here in the US ever thought of useing these?
I hate the idea of getting woman in Africa hooked on disposable feminine products.
I think what you're trying to do is great.
I use a Diva Cup & I think it's freedom. Granted, they cost a lot more than re-usable pads, but they are easier to maintain in challenging situations. They only have to changed 2 times a day, and they wash up quickly with a little soap & water. Have you tried to get the Diva Cup & the Keeper people involved?
I think it's a great idea! But what about those young ladies in areas w/out reliable water sources to wash up the pads?
Okay this is a wonderful idea. But I do have a question. Water supply in most parts of Africa is a real issue. How will they wash them? Because if they don't get washed- again they will end up in the garbage. Of course, cotton is less toxic to the environment, but again, the disposable culture thing. I am just curious. Thanks so much for this wonderful project.
For those concerned about water resources for washing the pads, please visit our FAQ page.
I am getting assurances from the aid organizations I am working with that the pads are going to areas of adequate water supplies.
-Deanna
Goods 4 Girls
Great idea! I ordered some for the project (can't sew for the life of me) and they should be on the way to you. Will you keep us updated on how the project is going?
Rebecca - thanks for your donation! I will definitely be updating you all via a mailing list (see Contact page) and on this website on the News page.
I have a few exciting announcements to make in the next week or two so stay tuned!
This is an EXCELLENT idea! The banner is already on my blog and I hope to donate soon!
I love this idea. I am getting ready to start cutting out a dozen (I can usually whip out a dozen in an afternoon) to send, and then may send another dozen...
I saw the Tampax and Always ads, and I was like, "oh great, lets give them free ones for now, and then charge them later" you know, like what Nestle did with the formula? yuck!
--Sanity
There are many simple tutorials about fusing plastic bags with an iron to make a workable material. Would this not be killing two birds with one stone, to recycle those bags into the waterproof lining of these much needed pads?
I think this could be a great start. Like the others above, I saw the ads on t.v. for those two companies and had all the same thoughts they did. This is a much better way to no matter where you are in the world. My only concern is that you not get stuck in the mindset only of giving these away. As a parallel to working with non-profits on distribution of ready made pads, you need to be keeping your receptors open to looking for women's cooperatives and fairtrade groups who could help women set up micro-businesses in their areas to create a local supply chain. This is the only way to help people in the long run.
In addition to recycling plastic bags, I hate the idea of buying new fabric, when thrift stores are full of good, usable fabric waiting to be saved from landfills. Would cotton t-shirts be good for this? How about toweling material?
Oh yeah: Crunchy, you ROCK!
Kristin: great idea!
awesome.
i just saw an ad by a disposable company that is donating pads (and incinerators) to communities in africa. and i thought to myself "where the bleep are they going to throw them?"
these cultures use don't have systemic garbage handling capablities, it increases the waste, creates more biotoxic burden on the earth, and i'm supposed to be happy???
i have been using washable menstrual pads for 2 years now. its good 4 girls, its good for the earth... go mommas!!
I read about your efforts over at TinyChoices.com, and have made you the fourth charity in my Charity-a-week challenge. I have a huge, lengthy article about this program over at my blog.
http://thedailyblogoftheday.blogspot.com/2008/03/charity-week-4-goods-4-girls.html
have you considered setting up a paypal (or similar) account so people can donate directly to your site rather than sending in a check or money order? i don't know if paypal charges non-profit or charitable organizations but it might be worth looking into. i will definitely be donating and letting more people know about your site.
Ladies & gents, please remember that there is also a sad but significant portion of the African population that needs to incinerate/destroy anything containing their blood-- those who have been HIV infected, which is, again, more common in Africa than in the US. So even if we send lots of washable pads, there will be a place for disposable pads and incinerators.
My name is Laura, I live in Barcelona (Spain) and got to your blog through soule mama's blog.
I think it is a great idea and just printed the pattern to take them to my patchwork classes and hope to encourage many of them so we can send you lots of pads
This is great! I know there are plenty of moms who would be interested in doing this over at hyenacart.com! :)
This would be a fun project for me and a few of my friends.
For those of you who get the Chinook Book - there's a coupon for Gladrags reuseables in it!
This is a great idea!
I do wonder about the girls in areas without enough water, though. It seems too bad to leave them out of this wonderful project. Are there any brands of disposable pads that are compostable? It's still a problem that you'd be hooking girls on products they have to keep buying, but it's something...
For sanitizing pads in areas with questionable water supplies, as well as for removing stains and odors, hydrogen peroxide is the best thing. Any chance of using donations to supply bottles of it to the girls? Or maybe the oxygen bleach powders, which I think work similarly but are lighter and easier to transport and store.
Does anyone know of any online petitions about this issue? Its global, environmental and feminist all in one- I would think we could really get someone with that...
g
We should all support ideas like this. Here is another great entry relating to G4G work in Africa. http://ecoworldly.com/2008/03/15/kotex-aside-which-is-the-greenest-sanitary-invention/
What a wonderful and very worthwhile project. I shall start saving my extra cotton fabric with the aim of making a few. I wish you every success.
This is a great idea.
I wonder though, could the project be expanded to provide patterns and money for materials to women in Africa so that they could make their own rather than rely on Western donations?
The old give a man to fish/teach a man to fish thing.
As far as concerns about HIV/AIDS that have been raised upthread. From the CDC:
How well does HIV survive outside the body?
Scientists and medical authorities agree that HIV does not survive well outside the body, making the possibility of environmental transmission remote. HIV is found in varying concentrations or amounts in blood, semen, vaginal fluid, breast milk, saliva, and tears. To obtain data on the survival of HIV, laboratory studies have required the use of artificially high concentrations of laboratory-grown virus. Although these unnatural concentrations of HIV can be kept alive for days or even weeks under precisely controlled and limited laboratory conditions, CDC studies have shown that drying of even these high concentrations of HIV reduces the amount of infectious virus by 90 to 99 percent within several hours. Since the HIV concentrations used in laboratory studies are much higher than those actually found in blood or other specimens, drying of HIV-infected human blood or other body fluids reduces the theoretical risk of environmental transmission to that which has been observed - essentially zero. Incorrect interpretations of conclusions drawn from laboratory studies have in some instances caused unnecessary alarm.
http://www.cdc.gov/hiv/resources/qa/qa35.htm
I think this is a wonderful idea! I too was disgusted with the Tampax ad on TV.
My main question however is:
Do these girls have underwear to put the donated pads in ?!?!
Marietta: If you think about it, they must be wearing something that would keep the in place the newspapers, rags or camel hide that they've been using for menstruation in the past. :)
Like everyone else who has posted here, I was frustrated by the tv ads re: donations of disposables. Not a truly caring thing to do, as I babble about at http://tinyurl.com/yvzxlo
I was absolutely delighted to find this site, and have linked to it.
I especially appreciate the consideration for areas with limited water supplies, response re: Keeper (one of my initial questions), equivalent needs in North America (some women are given disposables through food banks --let's donate cloth!), etc.
I agree with another poster that if we can share patterns and sewing supplies with women, even better.
Anyway, well done!! Many thanks.
A few months ago I became aware of alternative menstrual products. Since then I've bought a Diva Cup, and I hope to make my own cloth pads soon. I came across this project when searching for information about reusable pads, and like everyone else I think this is a wonderful idea. I haven't donated yet, but I will soon!
I actually have a suggestion for promotion; I love the ads/buttons, and I've put one on my blog. The different sizes are good, but a different shape might be nice too. If there were some in a horizontal format, then people could put them in email and post signatures, among other places. Just a thought!
I love, love, love this idea! I've posted about it a couple of times on my blog, and was tickled to make a donation. Let me know if there's anything else I can do to help. :)
I'll be buying you folks some pads next month (and grabbing some for myself; something I keep meaning to do to supplement the Keeper) :-)
A nifty advertisement, if probably too administratively finicky, would be to have a pad-o-meter somewhere on the site, preferably one that people could snag for fundraisers to show the current level of donations in terms of how many pads it buys (with an appropriate markup to include shipping costs and such).
Congratulations on putting together 100 kits for girls in Sudan!
Have you ever considered having "helpers" in metro areas to act as a collection point for local homemade donations? I ask because I'm all about not wasting money on runaway domestic postage rates. It looks like you try to send the kits with people affiliated with the recipient schools and charities, and...well, I live in midtown Manhattan and imagine that it would be quite easy to connect with more than a few folks on both sides of the donating-delivery equation. And I live 2 blocks from a post office.
Just something to think about, because the potential for the scope of this project to really take off is HUGE.
Good luck!
Regarding the lack-of-underwear issue, I just found a pad company today that makes pads with belts. Maybe you could contact them to see if they could set up a system like Lunapads and GladRags have so people could buy donations from them.
http://www.reddyspads.com/
Dear Goods4girls!
Please give us some information about how the work is proceeding.
Knowing how many pads we have collected and how far away our next goal is makes it easier to inspire others to donate.
Thank you for starting the pad donation system,
Marta
Terrific idea! My women and popular culture class at Washburn University in Topeka, KS, chose this as a semester-end project. They raised $100 in a couple of days! I'm challenging other classes to take this on as a community service fundraiser.
Hey there, my names are brenda isabel, i work for a continental oganisation called The Africa Youth Trust. I was spell bound when i saw the creation of this new invention. It is going to put smiles on the faces of millions of girls all over Africa. Trust me i have been there and theres nothing as hard as accessing sanitary towels for rural and slum dwelling girls. I live in Africa so i know where the shoe pinchez....if theres any way i can support this noble innitiative please let me know.
A friend of mine sent me your bloglink recently and I just finished reading every single post of yours, including the first one at crunchy chicken where it all started.
You guys are doing an awesome job. Will contact you soon. Thanks for providing a way for us all to be able to help!
I think this is a great idea. However, I'm a bit confused... You see, back when I had a period, I didn't use the disposibles. When I started, we couldn't afford them and when I finally had my own money, they gave me terrible rashes....so I continued to use the old standby....baby diaper, cut in half and folded....in a pinch, 3 cotton men's hankies, folded together. Why all the sewing and fitting? Wouldn't it be more efficient to just send bundles of diaper cloth and let the girls fashion them the way they want to? Would the bundles of diaper cloth not get to the intended girls?
Hey, its great what your doing a really good idea, good luck with everything
I don't get it, so what are you doing for girls who don't have adequate water supply to clean their pads, your just not sending them any?? This seems somehow rude I think. Isn't there something we can do for them too??
This is Awesome! Thank you for making it easier and more accessible for people to have an understanding of what's going on in other parts of the world...
It's greatly appreciated...
Take care,
Rita
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