Ahh that time of the month. The time when sometimes I wish I was a guy. Although if men had periods, imagine the whinging! I mean, you’ve seen the man flu. God forbid it gets any worse than that, and on a monthly basis too no doubt! 😛

Me, I don’t get the cramps often, thank goodness. But what I really dislike is when I’m wearing sanitary pads that shifts on me. At the risk of too much information, remember the “woosh” every time you sneeze, cough, etc? That’s why when I was much younger, every time I sneezed during the first couple of days of my period, I was always rushing to the loo.

When I first started using tampons, however, everything changed. I could function like normal again. No more odd shifting on the chair just to make sure I don’t accidentally “leak” when I, er, “wooshed”. I can walk for hours, run even, with ease. Suffice it to say, it was like I discovered a miracle product that I should have been using when I was still in school (I was a lot more active then).

I’ve been using tampons for the past 5 years but a few months ago, I started to question the feminine hygiene products I’ve been using. I wondered where the cotton I’ve been having in my body came from. When I spotted the TOM Organic (TOM stands for Time Of Month) feminine hygiene range at Coles and Woolworths a few months ago, I decided to give them a go. They are more expensive than the other brands like Libra, Carefree, etc (which I’m not too happy about) but hey, for organic cotton, I’m willing to try them out. Plus they’re classified as groceries, right? 😛

It just so happens that a few weeks ago, I had the pleasure of doing an email interview with none other than the founder of TOM Organics herself, Ms Aimee Marks. Now, I wasn’t paid to do this interview nor was I given products to try out (don’t need to as I already use them anyway) but it was a good opportunity for me to ask her about the difference between organic and convention cotton and why she decided to use organic cotton on feminine hygiene products.

1. What’s the difference between organic and conventional cotton and how does that affect us day to day?

It’s a startling fact that cotton is one of the most heavily sprayed crops on the planet. Of ALL the insecticides used in the world, a whopping 25% are used on cotton crops. Seven of the most common pesticides used on cotton are “known, probably or likely” to be human carcinogens according to the Environmental Protection Agency, others are known to damage the nervous system and are suspected of disrupting the body’s hormonal system. Conventional cotton is also one of the most genetically modified agricultural crops. Along with the obvious health implications, cotton is often grown in some of the poorest parts of the world and the pesticides often end up seeping into local streams, rivers and even public water supplies.

For cotton to be certified organic it must be grown without chemicals. That means no pesticides, no insecticides, nothing, zero, zip all the way from the farm to you. There are governing bodies that monitor organic farming practices all over the world, ensuring that these strict chemical free standards are met. Organic farming uses less water and healthy organic soil stores more carbon (helping combat climate change!).

Day to day – reducing the number of chemicals you subject your body to can only be positive!

2. I’ve been using conventional cotton tampons for years! Should I be worried of any long term side effects?
There is no point dwelling on decisions we’ve made in the past – what’s important is realizing that you have the capacity to make positive choices for your body and our planet going forward.

3. I’ve seen a lot of feminine washed in shops and supermarkets. Are they really necessary for our nether regions?
It probably depends on what they’re made from and why you’re using it in the first place. Often adding unnecessary chemicals for no particular reason into that area can upsets the balance of your vagina – which is in essence, is really a natural eco-system, and as few chemicals as possible should go near it – which is why organic cotton is so great! As a rule a good organic (soap free!) body wash can be used all over your body!

4. Do you have any advice for ladies who want to try out tampons but are afraid to? What’s the, er, least scary way? 🙂
We always recommend going for a low absorbency mini tampon that is easier to use and maybe pairing it with a liner if you’re worried about not being sure when to change it. And of course choose organic – you can feel safe knowing that you’re using the purest material possible. Many women find that tampons give you the freedom to continue on with whatever it is you normally do, exercising, swimming etc. But if you try it and decide it’s still not for you we do an organic pad range too!

5. Who did the beautiful illustrations on the packaging? They’re gorgeous!
Thank you – we fell in love with our illustrator Sarah Carter Jenkins!

6. What else is in store for TOM? Are there any plans to expand out of feminine hygiene products to, say, facial cotton because that would be a great idea!
Thanks for the suggestion! We are constantly working on new products, and we’re not ruling anything out, so watch this space!

Many thanks to Aimee for taking the time out to answer my questions!

So, how did I find TOM tampons? I love them. I’ve been using Carefree and OB (Malaysian brand) for the past 5 years but when I discovered TOM, I prefer TOM tampons more. They’re more comfortable, has great absorbency and I feel more comfortable knowing that I’m using organic cotton down there.

Unfortunately, Coles and Woolies don’t have discounts for TOM products often so whenever there’s even a dollar discount, I stock up. They don’t just make tampons; they have sanitary pads too. I’ve used them and while the absorbency level is not as high as my favourite Whispers, they’re all right.

If you use tampons on a regular basis, I highly recommend you check out TOM Organic too. Take care, down there! 🙂

Do you prefer using tampons or sanitary pads? Have you considered switching to organic cotton?