6 Reusable Pads For A More Sustainable Period
With the rise in popularity of reusable feminine hygiene products like period panties and menstrual cups, reusable pads were bound to become a thing. Gone are the days when period-havers had the default single-use products as their only options during their time of the month, and instead these days, many of us are gravitating toward more holistic approaches to how we care for ourselves during our cycles.
Menstrual cups have been an easy level-up for those who want period care without the overreliance on single-use products. And even if you aren’t in it for the sustainability factor, menstrual cups have been a great way to eliminate the toxic substances and synthetic materials typically found in period products, like tampons and pads, from your period care routine. But what if you want to have a healthier, more eco-friendly approach to periods but you’re like me and you’re more of a “pad” girl who never really liked the idea of inserting anything in her vagina?
As someone who has always opted for pads over tampons, discovering reusable pads has been an intriguing find. Much like its name suggests, the all-natural alternative to pads (sans the harsh chemicals and potential reproductive harm) are washable cloth pads that you insert onto the crotch of your underwear. The material the reusable pad is made of and its absorbency can differ from brand to brand, but the message is clear: take care of your period but make it eco-friendly.
In the spirit of sustainability, here are 6 reusable pads to add to your period care routine.
Knix Reusable Pads
If leakage is a major concern, Knix is another period care brand that comes in clutch with leak-proof reusable pads. Their pads are thin but super absorbent, with the ability to absorb as much as 12-20 teaspoons of blood (depending on if you opt for the regular pad or the overnight pad). These four-layer pads are breathable, machine-washable, and at $32 for a pack of three pads, sounds like a deal you can’t beat.
Hannah Organic Reusable Pads
Organic Reusable Pads - 3 Small Pads
Hannah
Hannah touts the brand messaging of a “healthy you” leading to a “happy planet.” With their extensive line of reusable period care products, there’s no questioning how or why. The certified organic cotton pads provide extra grip with high-quality snaps, leak-proof protection, and have improved absorbency with every wash. With products like thong liners and pantyliners and curated sets like the “Heavy Flow Set” and “Light Flow Set,” it is clear that these feminine care must-haves are curated with every period-haver in mind.
DAME Reusable Period Pads
Reusable Period Pad
DAME
With its DAMEdry™ technology and five-layer technology, there is no wonder DAME reusable sanitary pads have 101 positive reviews and counting. Anti-microbial fabric provides odor-proof hygiene while a 4D core makes for a super absorbent pad with leak-proof protection. For tampon users, DAME also has reusable tampon applicators.
Ruby Love Double-Sided Pads
Double-Sided Pads
Ruby Love
Black-owned period company Ruby Love has an array of wearable period care products. Their plastic-free double-sided pads offer Ruby Love’s patent-pending technology, maximum absorption, and leak-free protection. What’s great about their dri-tech mesh pads is that they can be used on both sides, even before you wash them. As their website describes, “When one side gets full, flip the pad for double the use.” We stan.
Rael Organic Cotton Reusable Pads
Organic Cotton Reusable Pads
Rael
“Reusable” is these Rael organic cotton pads’ middle name. The certified organic cotton pads are breathable, ultra-absorbent, moisture-wicking, leak-proof pads that can be washed and rewashed as much as 120 times! Plus, the fact that these pads are made with certified organic cotton and made without chemicals means that they are gentle enough for even the most sensitive intimate areas.
Aisle Reusable Cloth Pads
Aisle has been changing the feminine hygiene game for decades now. Formerly Lunapads, their ethically crafted reusable cloth pads are made out of recycled polyester and organic cotton, which means that they are sustainable while being gentle on the nether regions. The winged pads come in a variety of sizes and capacities that are designed with your flow in mind. From Mini to Maxi to Super, there is a pad for every kind of flow.
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ItGirl 100 Honors Black Women Who Create Culture & Put On For Their Cities
As they say, create the change you want to see in this world, besties. That’s why xoNecole linked up with Hyundai for the inaugural ItGirl 100 List, a celebration of 100 Genzennial women who aren’t afraid to pull up their own seats to the table. Across regions and industries, these women embody the essence of discovering self-value through purpose, honey! They're fierce, they’re ultra-creative, and we know they make their cities proud.
VIEW THE FULL ITGIRL 100 LIST HERE.
Don’t forget to also check out the ItGirl Directory, featuring 50 Black-woman-owned marketing and branding agencies, photographers and videographers, publicists, and more.
THE ITGIRL MEMO
I. An ItGirl puts on for her city and masters her self-worth through purpose.
II. An ItGirl celebrates all the things that make her unique.
III. An ItGirl empowers others to become the best versions of themselves.
IV. An ItGirl leads by example, inspiring others through her actions and integrity.
V. An ItGirl paves the way for authenticity and diversity in all aspects of life.
VI. An ItGirl uses the power of her voice to advocate for positive change in the world.
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'Finding Tony' Director Raven Magwood Goodson And Star Stephen Bishop On Telling Authentic Stories On Screen
In cinema, stories often serve as mirrors reflecting the complexities of our experiences. Finding Tony, the latest cinematic gem from millennial director Raven Magwood Goodson, takes us on a profound journey of trauma, redemption, and resilience. With the magnetic performance of lead actor Stephen Bishop, this film shines a light on the struggles and triumphs we face daily. Through the lens of mentorship, community, and self-discovery, Finding Tony invites audiences to journey alongside its characters as they navigate the complexities of life, love, and everything in between.
In the process, it sparks conversations, challenges assumptions, and inspires viewers to embrace their own stories with pride and authenticity. As the film prepares to make its mark on the cinematic landscape, it serves as a reminder of the importance of representation and the power of storytelling. Executive-produced by NBA star Anthony Davis, Finding Tony not only adds another layer to the tapestry of Black narratives in cinema but also reaffirms the significance of our voices in shaping the cultural conversation.
Crafting Calm in the Creative Storm
As Black women, it's crucial to carve out moments of self-care amidst the demands of our daily lives. Raven Magwood Goodson, the visionary behind Finding Tony, embodies this ethos with unwavering grace and determination. In our conversation, she shared her strategies for nurturing her well-being amidst the whirlwind of filmmaking, offering valuable insights into the importance of prioritizing self-care in pursuit of creative excellence.
"While shooting, I was all into the film. No one knew, but I was pregnant and 2-3 months along. After production, you have a long period of post-production, and we spent months editing, going back, rewatching, and adding music,” Raven explains. “During that time, I was able to prioritize myself and my family. It’s a matter of being intentional for me and knowing these are the things I have to do for the film or for other businesses I have. I'm very intentional about whether it's work or play and making sure everything gets my attention.”
Amplifying Black Narratives in Cinema
Anthony Davis (L) and Raven Magwood Goodson (R).
Courtesy
Our stories matter, serving as the heartbeat of our collective experiences. Authentic representation on screen is not just a desire but a necessity, and Finding Tony emerges as a powerful testament to the importance of reclaiming our narratives. In our dialogue with Raven, we delved into her vision for the film and its profound impact on Black stories in cinema.
"I just want to be able to be an advocate, whether it's through the actual storytelling or my own life, for individuals that look like me. I know the importance of being able to watch TV and have an example because, being a brown-skinned girl growing up, sometimes you look and you don't see those examples,” Raven says. “To have women and little girls come up to me and say how much I've motivated them and that they want to write a book or a movie because of me means the world to me.”
Authorship Amplified: Raven's Journey to Filmmaking Mastery
Black women are no strangers to wearing many hats, navigating various roles and responsibilities with unparalleled grace. Raven epitomizes this multifaceted brilliance, seamlessly transitioning from author and motivational speaker to director. In our conversation, she shared how her experiences in these diverse domains equipped her with the skills and perspective needed to lead with confidence and creativity in the realm of filmmaking.
"I get the distinct opportunity to speak to a lot of different types of people, young people, women, men, and athletes about their experiences. I got the inspiration for Finding Tony. I've met a lot of different individuals, youth, whether that's in high school or college, that had similar experiences to [the lead character] Destiny and the film,” Raven shares. “I've also spoken to a lot of mentors, and people have gone through adversity and found themselves in a Tony space as well. My experience in speaking, writing, and getting to know different audiences shaped my viewpoint to be able to write this story.”
Game Plan to Script: Stephen's Playbook for Acting Success
Stephen Bishop
Courtesy
In a world that often underestimates our abilities, the Black community continues to excel in diverse arenas. Stephen Bishop's journey from professional athlete to actor resonates deeply with our own experiences of resilience and adaptability. As a former Atlanta Braves player, Stephen talked about how his background in sports equipped him for the challenges of portraying a complex character in Finding Tony.
“In sports, you learn a lot of life lessons and can use a lot of those to help inform your characters when you're in different roles. But specifically, this role, it helped because I’ve been an athlete who's had to retire,” Stephen says.
“I am a current coach, so I know what the transition was like. I know a lot of the emotions you go through and things you battle with when you're looking at athletes that you're trying to get to level themselves up. It was a very fortunate coincidence that I happened to be an ex-professional athlete who was going to play this role. It played a big part in me being able to be as comfortable as I was in the role.”
A Role Written in the Stars: Stephen's Path to 'Finding Tony’
Raven shares that her decision to cast Stephen in the lead role of Tony was a moment of intuitive certainty, sparked by his compelling performance in Terminal List alongside Chris Pratt. Upon witnessing his talent, she knew without hesitation that he was the perfect person to capture the essence of Tony Greene. The very next day, fueled by conviction, she reached out to her casting director, passionately advocating to do whatever it took to secure Stephen for the pivotal role. This bold move speaks volumes about Raven's unwavering commitment to bringing her vision to life with authenticity and excellence.
As Stephen reflects on this pivotal moment from his perspective, he shares, "They told me about it and sent the script. [My team and I] all read it the same day, and then the next day, we all got back on the phone, and I said, ‘I really like this.’ A lot of times in my career, by the grace of God, I've played the love interest, and I've been in a couple. I've been really wanting to move into roles where I could just be a standalone character and have my storyline drive the film or the television show without it being at the whim of the relationship. And this role came along and it was not only that, but it was an opportunity for me to really show myself and others what kind of chops I really have because there's a huge emotional arc.”
L-R: Raven Magwood Goodson, Stephen Bishop, and David Banner on set of "Finding Tony."
Courtesy
As today marks the release of Finding Tony, it's not just a film hitting the screens; it's a testament to the power of determination. Shot in a mere 17 days, this cinematic gem shows the sheer dedication and grit of its creators. Director Raven Magwood Goodson, amidst her battles, led the charge with unwavering strength and grace, proving that obstacles are merely stepping stones to greatness. Through late nights and unforeseen hurdles, her unwavering vision shone bright, guiding the cast and crew through the rollercoaster ride of production.
Finding Tony reminds us that even in the face of adversity, there's beauty to be found, strength to be discovered, and purpose to be fulfilled. So, as we prepare to immerse ourselves in Tony's journey, let's raise a glass to the triumphs of creativity, resilience, and the unbreakable bonds forged in the pursuit of art.
Finding Tony - Official Trailer
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