The Solution:
An economical, earth-friendly answer ~
washable & re-usable cloth menstrual shields and liners
(Although much of the information on our site refers to school girls and school programs, we do not limit this project to schools alone -
we also provide these packets to women of the community and hope to offer training to them as well.)
we also provide these packets to women of the community and hope to offer training to them as well.)
Each individual receives her own supply which includes:
One carry-wet bag, which we call The Mary Bag, used to hold/transport the soiled liners until they can be washed.
Three pair washable, mesh underwear easily washed, dried and replaced as needed.
Three shields with snap closures, which fasten around and snap under the crotch panel of the mesh briefs.
A shield can be worn for the entire day, while the liners should be changed as needed.
Ten 8x8 inch tri-fold liners - absorbent flannel which is folded in thirds and lays on top of the shield -
being held in place by fabric end caps.
These quantities will insure a sufficient supply to wear, launder and dry in the sun.
One carry-wet bag, which we call The Mary Bag, used to hold/transport the soiled liners until they can be washed.
Three pair washable, mesh underwear easily washed, dried and replaced as needed.
Three shields with snap closures, which fasten around and snap under the crotch panel of the mesh briefs.
A shield can be worn for the entire day, while the liners should be changed as needed.
Ten 8x8 inch tri-fold liners - absorbent flannel which is folded in thirds and lays on top of the shield -
being held in place by fabric end caps.
These quantities will insure a sufficient supply to wear, launder and dry in the sun.
Washable and re-usable cloth menstrual shields and liners are an environmentally positive approach to monthly periods.
Not only does it prevent the problem of disposing the so-called 'disposable' hygiene products,
it is also a tremendous cost savings as our shields and liners are washable and re-usable.
Not only does it prevent the problem of disposing the so-called 'disposable' hygiene products,
it is also a tremendous cost savings as our shields and liners are washable and re-usable.
Providing these packets of menstrual supplies offers solutions to many issues:
Accomplishing the initial goal of providing menstrual supplies is the bridge to the bigger picture of self-sustaining enterprise: Once equipped and empowered, recipients of the packets will lead others in their communities to a more productive life.
- a healthy, hygienic system that can be easily learned and adapted to daily routine;
- dis-empowers shame that is the result of the inability to care for themselves or provide these basic items;
- builds esteem in the wonder of womanhood and its potential to bring forth life - rather than a curse that is to be endured;
- creates a sense of 'ownership' of the product -- which will lead to a market-demand for more product;
- demand will lead to the need to produce the product for themselves;
- production leads to the sale of the product for themselves and their community's economic growth.
Accomplishing the initial goal of providing menstrual supplies is the bridge to the bigger picture of self-sustaining enterprise: Once equipped and empowered, recipients of the packets will lead others in their communities to a more productive life.
