Monthly Mending Meetings: Our members really enjoy our mending meetings, so we want to make them monthly along with an intro guide on how to sew. These will be guided by Lili Vaughan.

Cosmetic Making Workshop: We held a soap making workshop that was quite successful was spring. We want to do it again, with an expansion into more cosmetics. 

Bulk Buying: Mentioned last fall, we want to purchase bulk bags so anyone can get zero waste dry goods. 

Love Fridge: We want to help produce a love fridge in old town. A love fridge is a donation fridge where those can donate or grab some fresh food. For more info Click Here
 

 

As someone whom has tried multiple methods of zero waste period capturing I want to give you my journey, and the pros and cons so you can come to a decision on what path you would like to take.

Menstrual Underwear

My introduction to zero waste menstrual products was period underwear. Period underwear is a pair of underwear that have absorbing layers of fabric built into the underwear. 
At first, I found the cleanup a little disturbing. When I was done with the pair I would wash them in the sink and throw them into my laundry. I would need one pair for the day and one for night. 
But slowly I realized that my new routine grew a connection with myself that I had not gained with tampons. I began to understand the natural process of my period, and I was not ashamed when the time would come around. 
Pros: I became very comfortable with my period & the process of cleanup is very straightforward. 
Cons: Menstrual underwear is currently expensive and at the beginning it can be uncomfortable to clean.  

Menstrual Cups
I switched to a menstrual cup when my body grew and my underwear could not fit me anymore. There was definitely a learning curve to proper insertion. If the cup is not sitting right, it can be uncomfortable and have some leakage. There are different ways to insert, so you just have to find what works for you.
The cleanup is quite simple, at the beginning of my cycle I boil my cup for max of 5 mins. Then every 8-12 hours I dump and rinse. At the end of my cycle I give it a thorough clean with non-scented soap. 
Pros: Super comfortable & lasts can go up to 12 hours before a dump & rinse. Much cheaper than underwear as you purchase one cup.
Cons: Can be uncomfortable to rinse in public bathrooms and beginning mess-ups can lead to leakages. 
If you would like advice on where to begin, contact me! (ashlee.ducharme@colostate.edu) I would love to foster a community where shame is not welcomed :)
Resources on where to begin:
Menstrual Underwear
Menstrual Cups