warning: if discussion of menstrual blood or going to the bathroom makes you uncomfortable, you should definitely read this!
written as a note on my facebook page 16 FEB 2009:
I'm on the sponge...
...because I've learned that the sea sponge is a great absorber of menstrual blood.
Not only is it cheaper and 'greener' (sorry) ... it feels a hell of a lot better than a dry, cotton tampon. It's spongy! It's natural. It's lovely.
Just take it out, rinse it, and pop it back in.
Happier cunts = happier world
On sponges:
As an alternative to tampons and bulky pads, I catch blood with reusable sea sponges. You can find them at natural food stores (small, cosmetic type) for less than $3, and they'll last up to six months. It's been nearly 2 & 1/2 years since I switched. I haven't used tampons since, and I love it! I've gotten quite good at being able to use the sponge in any setting... from roadside rest-stops in India (literal $h!t-holes) to restrooms in fancy international airports. The only thing you need is water. Yesterday was the best: we were hiking up a mountain. Lucky for me there flowed fresh, glacial streams that ran parallel to the trail. Yes, I know about freshwaters and why we should never drink from them. Dead animals, animal feces, and various sources of bacteria and other microscopic nasties... make the water dangerous. However, being that we were nearing the chilly summit of the hill, I took the risk and found it a lovely opportunity to pop a squat with the cool, clean water at my disposal for rinsing myself and my sponge. Let's just hope there wasn't anyone just downstream going for a drink.
In places like India and Tunisia, restrooms are ideal as there is always a source of water near the toilet. Indian style toilets are the best, as they require the 'squat' which is a more natural, comfortable way of relieving oneself (I could write an entire post on my love for those toilets). When using the sponge, having a water source is essential for the rinse. If there's not a faucet right there, you must carry a water bottle... which is no big deal, as long as you remember. Otherwise, you're forced to leave the bathroom stall with a handful of bloody sponge. With a spare sponge and water bottle in tow, you're set!
On toilets:
Besides being highly convenient for sponge users, toilets with water nearby are better overall. I have a girlfriend who insists on using baby wipes after using the toilet. Not only are they expensive, they're also made with a bunch of unnatural elements... and why would we want to bring our anatomical jewels into contact with unnatural elements? Obviously, toilet paper is the norm in the States and many other places. However, after living in India for a few months, I warmed up to the idea of using water instead. Not only is toilet paper irritating, it often just doesn't do the job. You know what I'm talking about... sometimes it's the never-ending wipe. Now, this is often the result of a combination that's due to our position and the paper itself. The squat position allows for a more natural and complete release of waste. Imagine the mess of going to the bathroom while standing up. Gross. From there, imagine coming into a seated position. From there, go even further and take it down to a squat. Can you now see why it's even cleaner? I must confess: at times I squat on sitting toilets. Moving on to toilet paper versus water. Think about dirt on any part of your body. Let's take the hands for example. When your hands are dirty, would you find it more practical to wipe them off with a dry piece of toilet paper or clean them off with water?! Exactly.
Alright, enough talking $h!t. Back to the original topic...
I know of one good friend who has since tried the sponge with success. Anyone else? Tell your friends about it. It's less wasteful and will also save you money. Of course... it's not exactly vegan. Sponges are animals. happy June!
