Squatting in the red tent

"Feminine protection": it has such a dubious double meaning to it. I'll refrain from ranting about that one for now.

Anyway, I was thinking the other day that I hadn't hosted a DivaCup Challenge recently and I figured it was probably not a bad thing since, for some reason, I got it into my head that everyone already used one.

And, then, I realized that I must have been smoking crack or something because it seemed unlikely that everyone already used one since most women have never even heard of the damn thing. Call it temporary environmentally insanity.

In any case, that got me a wonderin'. What the heck are women using these days for "feminine protection"? And by that, I mean you.

What the heck are you using?

1. Conventional tampons (plastic, cardboard or no applicator)
2. "Green" tampons (made from unbleached and/or 100% organic cotton)
3. Conventional pads
4. "Green" pads (made from unbleached and/or 100% organic cotton)
5. Reusable menstrual cup (DivaCup, Mooncup or the Keeper)
6. Disposable menstrual cup (Instead)
7. Sea sponge
8. Reusable cloth pad (LunaPads, GladRags, etc.)
9. Other
10. Nothing - I squat in the red tent

Another DivaCup convert

For those of you following along at home, the pilot episode of Mission: Sustainable involved me doing a personal care makeover on a family. To find out all the things I covered in this episode, you can read about it here on the Pilot Companion Guide.

One of the things I covered with the mom of the family (who is in her late 30s) is the environmental impact of menstruation. Why did I go there? Do you expect anything less from me? I wasn't sure how many shows were going to be filmed and I wanted to make sure that I squeezed in the education on menstruation for all to see. The producer and director didn't know that I was going to cover it, I just sprang it on them. But, the segment worked really well.

I found it very interesting that, in some of the test audiences who previewed the pilot, they were very uncomfortable with the topic and it completely turned them off. Same thing at the pilot premiere. One blogger just couldn't get past the fact that I suggested a menstrual cup. What can I say? Difficult subjects still need to be talked about and, since I don't have a problem talking about it, I might as well jump in! [Along that note - the video for my Sex & Sustainability seminar should be up online soon.]

However, Shannon (the mom) was very open to the idea and I spent some time outside of filming going over hints and tips on how to use the DivaCup that I got for her as part of her mission. I've been wondering how she's been faring using it the last few months so I was delighted to get a chance to see her at the pilot premiere.

As I was leaving she pulled me aside to tell me how much she loved it and was surprised that she had never heard of it before because it was so awesome. Needless to say, I was very pleased that she was so happy with it.

One down, a couple hundred million to go.....

Two years of DivaCup

This is the first year that I didn't host a DivaCup Challenge on my blog. I have gotten the impression that many of you have already heard about it, but for those of you who haven't, the DivaCup is an internally used, reusable menstrual cup. It's made of silicone (there are other brands made of different materials if you have a silicone aversion), cost about $20 and seems to me to be fairly indestructible.

Of all the things I've done in the name of experimentation for this blog, this has to be the one change that I've been most consistent about. In fact, since I embarked on the DivaCup over two years ago, I haven't used anything else. I've written ad nauseum about it before so if you're curious, feel free to read back through previous posts.

One thing I never did revisit (and because some of you have asked) was my complaints about DivaCup changing their return policy as well as the "lifetime" of the product. Previously, it was stated that the DivaCup lasted interminably, but then it was edited to one year. In my mind, this negates the cost and environmental benefit if you feel like you are compelled to replace it every year.

Fairly immediately after that post, the company contacted me to share their side of the story. I didn't have the time to speak to them over the phone at the time and the information they supplied was the same that was sent out to their suppliers. Funny how in all the time I've been promoting their product, doing giveaways, talking it up like it's the bestest thing ever they never felt compelled to contact me. It wasn't until I had a criticism about the company that they immediately jumped to send me an email. I must confess this irked me considerably.

I later contacted them asking them to refute some other claims made in this article but they seemed reluctant to respond in writing, requesting a one-on-one phone conversation. I never got around to setting up the conference call and, frankly, I wasn't exactly expecting any new information than what was already previously stated.

But, for all that, if I could take only one thing to a deserted island with me it would be my DivaCup. Plus it doubles as a tiny drinking cup if I get real desperate - perfect for shots of coconut milk.

What about you? Do you use a reusable menstrual cup? Or are you still avoiding it like the swine flu?

P.S. There are a lot of reusable menstrual cups on the market if the DivaCup isn't working out for you. This is fantastic news since it means they are catching on! They vary in materials and sizes (Diva Cup is one of the largest out there) and some will replace it if you choose the wrong size, like Lady Cup:

DivaCup
The Keeper
Mooncup
Miacup
Lunette
Femme Cup
Lady Cup (also comes in pink!)
Fleurcup (French) comes in 5 colors
Green Donna
M Power (South Africa)
Yuuki Cup (someone in marketing needs to be fired for the naming of this product)

DivaCup super fold

For those of you participating in the 2008 DivaCup Challenge as well as you seasoned veterans, I am about to share with you something that will make you weep with joy.

Behold... the DivaCup super fold, aka the push-down fold. If you have had problems with inserting and getting the cup to open up and create a tight seal, well, look no further. This folding technique will change your life. Really.

You can thank me later. Now, go forth and fold. Try it even if you aren't having your period. It's okay, no one will know any different and I guarantee it will make you fall in love with this little fella all over again.

Thanks to Madeleine at Lunapads for letting me know about this superior folding technique.

Affiliate links
Here's the DivaCup I use. Aside from loss or mystery melts, it should (honestly) last a lifetime:
DivaCup Medical Grade Silicone Cup

My cup runneth over

Menfolk: be forewarned. I'm about to discuss women's hockey here.

I think it's a little distressing that I remember to post about the DivaCup Challenge only when I'm using it. I know, TMI, but it's not like I even notice the darn thing when I am and mostly I just don't even think about my period anymore.

This is because I know that when it does arrive, it's such a non-event since I started using it, that I don't give more than a second's thought about it. In fact, I can't even remember from one month to the next when my last period was. It could have been two weeks ago or four weeks for all I know. Perhaps that's the senility kicking in.

Anyway, the point I'm getting at, is that for those of you out there who haven't tried it, it really is a life changing product. I wanted to get some feedback from those of you who are doing the challenge - what's been your impression so far? A couple of you have written to say that you were having problems with it either leaking (most likely it's sitting too high or is the wrong size) or being uncomfy (try trimming the tip).

So, now's your chance to air out your cup. Add to the comments your kudos or pleas for help. I guarantee one of us has a solution for you. For those of you still on the fence or who haven't heard about it, Lunapads is offering a special Crunchy Chicken reader discount. The promo code for $5 off orders over $25 is Crunchy08 and is valid until the end of the year.

Some of you were complaining about the prices on sites like Lunapads and arguing that they really weren't offering a deal. I learned a little bit about the pricing from one of the owners of Lunapads:

DivaCup, the company, has for some time been trying to stop the "web bucket shops" (like South Coast Vitamin et al.) from underselling other retailers. The reason that these shops are able to buy at these prices is that they buy huge volumes when they’re on sale from distributors, and possibly even take a loss just to get the sale in hopes that the customer will then purchase other goods while on their site.

The gals at DivaCup have been working for years, literally, to make it stop, but since they are not making the sale directly, they don’t have much control. The price that the bucket shops sell the DivaCup at is less than Lunapads pays to get it from DivaCup, and they are contractually obligated not to put it on sale, so they can’t offer a discount that way.

Just some food for thought on buying from discount distributors. If the cost is really what's preventing you from trying a DivaCup, think of how much money you'll be saving on buying disposables over the lifetime of the cup. It ends up being cheaper!

DivaCup Challenge 2008

It's been almost a year since the first DivaCup Challenge started. I love, love, love my DivaCup and cannot imagine going back to disposables.

To be honest, I was completely abhorred by the idea of this little piece of silicone at first, but once I took the plunge (so to speak) I was immediately enamored. I only hope that other women will try it for themselves. It's been totally life changing. And I don't say that about just anything.

At this time, about 43% of the almost 500 people that answered my latest poll used the DivaCup or the Keeper. The total for reusable menstrual products is 57%. First of all, I must say I am astounded that the percentage is as high as it is. It is probably due to the crunchiness of my readers, but even still. That's wonderful! Consider the savings to the environment, the sewage treatment plants, the landfills and to your bodies!

If I had any influence on the number of DivaCups being used I would be quite pleased, yet I'm not sure if I can take much credit in these numbers. Either way, I hope to increase that number even more if I can.

As such, I'm holding another DivaCup Challenge and giveaway for those who do not want to risk spending the money on something they are not sure about. But I'm not giving away just one DivaCup but five.

What's the catch? Well, to sign up to win a DivaCup you must pledge to use it for 3 months regardless of whether or not you win one. (For those of you participating in the Buy Nothing Challenge, since this replaces a whole bunch of disposable "necessities", it's an acceptable purchase.)

The challenge starts May 2008 to coincide with the Extreme Eco Challenge for those trying to eliminate their usage of paper products. To join the challenge, sign up in the comments. To enter the giveaway, you must have signed up by April 25th.

Affiliate links
Here's the DivaCup I use. Aside from loss or mystery melts, it should (honestly) last a lifetime:
DivaCup Medical Grade Silicone Cup

Just mensin' around

Sorry, men. This one is about menses. Since I haven't checked in on all you women since the DivaCup Challenge last year and I have a lot of new readers, I thought now would be a good time to get an idea of how you manage your menses.

So, ladies... unless you are menopausal (natural or otherwise) or your family has relatives that closely resemble New World monkeys, let us know how you manage things.

And guys, don't feel left out. If you have a woman in your life, feel free to vote on her behalf because, if you are reading this far, you probably know her feminine hygiene habits well enough for this highly scientific poll.

Dueling DivaCups: A tale of Two Rachel(le)s

Back when the DivaCup Challenge was in full swing, two of the readers most resistant to the idea were Rachel (the Canning Queen) and Rechelle (The Country Chicken's Wife).

Sure there were other Rachels (or Rachel variants) who were already proud users or willing participants.

Sure I, myself, was immediately appalled by the DivaCup's function, dimensions and directions. But I got over it and life went on. Since the challenge, I fall in love with my DivaCup all over again every month as it reminds me of its many talents and advantages.

For those of you who missed out on the DivaCup Challenge and all the insanity that ensued, you can read about it in these posts. Be forewarned that several of the posts are graphic and/or just plain silly.

Anyway, Rachel, Rechelle and DivaCups popped into the forefront of my brain this week. Somewhere directly in front of the pineal gland.

Rachel got herself a DivaCup yesterday. She, too, is appalled by its dimensions and directions. Again, I admit the whole thing is mighty intimidating. But she is determined to conquer its many mysteries.

As for Rechelle. Well, I spent the earlier part of the week taunting her by offering to get her one for Christmas. Alas, she is still not interested.

Oh yeah, and Rechelle? That latex allergy excuse? Well, it's made out of silicone. And it definitely could double as a Christmas table decoration.

I'll wear you down eventually.

Ah, the DivaCup Challenge. My first challenge. Sniff! Memories...

DivaCup vs. Tampons

The blog title should hopefully scare away any squeamish readers.

Anyway, I'm back from vacation and my first day at work I was greeted with a sign in the women's room with something regarding a plea taped to the mirror. It was begging for better disposal of tampons so that the next person who uses the stall doesn't have to "deal" with the non-flushed item. I'm not sure exactly how one needs to "deal" with it besides flushing again, but what do I know.

My response? I added a note suggesting using the DivaCup instead with the URL to their website.

Don't forget! Tomorrow I'm announcing the new Challenge!

DivaCup winner!

Congratulations Jess! You are the winner of the DivaCup Challenge! Great job sticking with it!

Well, of the 18 people who originally signed up, only a few responded to my last DivaCup posting, so I only had a handful of people that are still with it (as far as I know). Along the way, it looks like we picked up a few "non-official" users, which is great!

Anyway, Jess, send me an email at crunchychickenblog@gmail.com and let me know which one of the following you would like as your prize:

1. Backup DivaCup (to use as a spare or give to your daughter)
2. DivaWash (2) - Natural body gel and cleanser for the DivaCup
3. Crunchy Chicken tote bag - I have one of these (not too surprisingly) and it's my favorite plastic bag replacement
4. Real Women Wear a Cup T-shirt - embarrass your kids!

I'd offer the DivaCup Inside logo on something, but Cafe Press slapped me for uploading the graphic. Oops!

Anyway, congratulations again and thanks to everyone who tried it out.

Oh, by the way, Happy Birthday to me!

Winners week

Holy crap, I just realized that there are a whole bunch of contest winners that will be announced next week.

For those of you not in the know, here's the wrap-up:

July 31st - announcement of the DivaCup Challenge drawing winners

August 1st - announcement of The Omnivore's Dilemma book giveaway winner

August 2nd - announcement of the Interview Eg Begley, Jr. drawing winners

I feel like I'm forgetting something. Oh, Lord, what will we do with ourselves without a contest going on? The Local Food Month challenge will be over and the next book club doesn't start until September.

Is the Perfect Meal enough to get people out of bed in the morning?

Hmmm. I know! How 'bout a one week quicky challenge? Are you up for it? Say, mid-August?

DivaCup wrap-up

Well, folks, we are nearing the end of the DivaCup Challenge and I wanted to check in with the peeps that originally signed up to see if they are still going strong three months later.

The drawing for the prizes will be at the end of the month and I need to know who is still sticking with it. I'd also like to get your impressions even if you quit using it. I'll be doing a poll next Sunday, too.

I think I've posted enough about my feelings about the DivaCup, but for those of you who didn't see them or don't want to read the back postings, here it is: I love it. Every time I use it I fall in love with it again - I can't believe how much easier it has made my life. Granted, getting it in and out can require a bit of circus antics, but I only change it twice a day so it's not a big deal.

And, lastly, I wanted to thank everyone that has joined in the Challenge as well as the tons of people who have also written in about their experiences with The Cup.

DivaCup inside

You can thank Leigh for her comment on my last DivaCup post for this graphic.

For those of you out there that are curious about the stay-ability of the DivaCup whilst exercising, well I took it for a spin out running today and didn't have any problems with slippage. I was half-expecting that I'd feel it, but it was okay.

Also, several people have asked about camping or backpacking with a DivaCup and I wanted to bring it up in a post so that it's more visible. The concern was mostly due to the logistics of changing the cup when you don't have access to running water. I believe that others have just rinsed the DivaCup with clean water and then washed it when it was more convenient. If you have any more input, please let us know!

DivaCup haiku

DivaCup inside
Has it been one month again?
Super suction time.

Yes, I agree, that DivaCup haiku really sucks. Ha! Anyway, welcome back for another menstrual madness post.

Based on last Sunday's poll, I'd have to assess that ya'll are diggin' the DivaCup. There are a few out there still too squeamish about it, but even less who tried and didn't like it. Of the 77% who have tried it, only 3% didn't like it. So, the failure rate, so to speak, is pretty low! If you're on the fence about it, you might just want to give it a whirl or, rather, twirl.

Speaking of menstruation, which you would think by now it's my favorite topic or something (guys - bear with me here on this one), I am still troubled by the fact that I use plastic-lined pantyliners. I know, TMI, but this has to be said. I think.

Anyway, plastic-lined pantyliners are not exactly good for the environment. And I'm pretty sure they're probably not good for air circulation too. But I like the backup and for just the general everyday usage. But all of that ends up in the landfill.

Oh, I hear you out there! You're thinking, why doesn't she use something like GladRags or LunaPads? They sell cloth pantyliners too that you can wash and reuse! And, you're right, they do.

In fact, I didn't know until I started researching that there were so many options for reusable "mama pads" or whatever you want to call them. In various form factors. Except for thongs. Which I tend to wear more often than not. Again, TMI. But someone has to be Magellan, no?


But I digress. Anyway, after much searching I found something that might be suitable: HagRags. Not only do they have super cool designs but they carry them in a variety of shapes, thicknesses and configurations to suit your needs. So, I ordered some. If you're interested in cloth pads, definitely check the site out. I had to control myself from buying one in each fabric style because they are so damn cool.

I'll be sure to report back. Oh, you know I will.

DivaCup poll

Alright Divas, you thought I'd never ask!

Top 5 reasons to use a DivaCup

So, I'm officially a DivaCup aficionada. I have achieved expert insertion and extraction. I am totally sold on the DivaCup and its many wonders. Never again will I rely on anything but my MonkeyCup.

And here are my top 5 reasons why:

1. No string
2. No leaking
3. Only needs to be changed twice a day
4. No garbage
5. Period? What period?

There are a few others that didn't make the list; like no scratchy insertion and removal, you can wear it at night, etc. But there are a few that really shouldn't make even the top 100:

1. It doubles as a stylish hat for your pet squirrel
2. Add some accelerant and it makes a great rocket
3. It inspires you to dig out that Kegelcisor your husband bought you for Christmas
4. The suction is intense!
5. You're never without a cup at the drinking fountain

DivaCup dalliance

Dear Diary,

Today is the first day I'm using my MonkeyCup. I trimmed the stem (I ended up cutting the whole stem off for comfyness), washed it with hot water and soap and proceeded to follow the enclosed directions. For some reason I kept getting stuck on the instructions to insert it "horizontally towards your tailbone". Canadians. Couldn't they have said "parallel" or "perpendicular"? That would have saved me some time.

Anyway, the directions also commented about how your muscles will hold it in there and not to place it too far up. Well, this also had me concerned. After having two kids, you pretty much could drive a freight train through there. But, I am the Queen of Kegels so it shouldn't be a problem, I hope.

I'm just praying that I don't launch the MonkeyCup into low orbit the next time I have a sneezing fit. So far, so good, though.

What's that? I don't have a diary? Well, of course not! Who has time to write in a diary when they're busy sharing their vaginal secrets with the world on their blog?

The DivaCup has landed

5... 4... 3... 2... 1...

Well, it will be a few weeks before I'll be trying it out, but is anyone else amazed at how huge the DivaCup is? I know people are reporting in how magnificent it is and life altering and all that, but did you notice how big this thing is?

Do I need to origami it into grasshopper size to insert it? Should I fold space or time or just spacetime to place it properly? Will approaching an event horizon sufficiently compress it to get it to fit? But I digress...

For all you intrepid DivaCup Challengers, I admit it -- I am intimidated by the space capsule waiting for me in my drawer. I hope there are no monkeys travelling inside. So, for now on I shall call it, the MonkeyCup.

"Honey? Have you seen my MonkeyCup? You didn't put it in the dishwasher again did you? I told you it's not a funnel."

DivaCup raffle winner!

Congratulations to tcarey for winning her very own DivaCup!

For those of you challenged chickens who didn't win and still haven't purchased your DivaCup, I found it a lot cheaper online.

It's still not too late to sign up for the DivaCup Challenge. You have until April 30th to be eligible for the prizes at the end of the three month challenge, which ends July 31st. And, trust me, with some of these prizes you'll have to make it to the end to make it worthwhile.

Some of the super nifty prizes will be:

DivaWash - Natural body gel and cleanser for the DivaCup

Made of the finest natural ingredients, this PH balanced cleanser will help to preserve your DivaCup.



Fun T-Shirts

100% cotton t-shirts sporting your support. I'll have more designs up by then (hey, I have three months).


Other prizes will be a Crunchy Chicken Tote Bag and ECOBAGS, reusable produce bags.

And, in the meantime, I'll check in with you all and see how you're doing with polls and my very own updates and pictures. Okay, maybe no pictures.

DivaCup challenge

Male readers: unless you are truly curious, or want to inform your wife or girlfriend or both, you can skip this post.

Ladies. It's been brought to my attention the fabulous environmental nature of the DivaCup. It has quite a few benefits over the usual assortment of tampons and pads used during one's period. The classics are, quite noticeably, not too environmentally friendly. Sure there are some eco-alternatives (no plastic, 100% unbleached cotton, etc.) but in the end you are still flushing or throwing something into the landfill.

Enter the DivaCup. I've seen mention of it on other people's blogs lately but just skipped right on over it. Why? Because, frankly, they kind of freaked me out.

I mean, who wants to drag out some cup filled thang to hand wash? That said, since I'm a Crunchy Chicken and all, I went to the website and read a little bit more about it and have changed my impression about it, in spite of the initial reaction.

So, without going into incredible details on how it works and how to use it and why (I'll defer you to visit their website for that), I challenge you. Yes, YOU. (Unless you are a guy and are still reading this far.) Let's see if we can wean ourselves off of disposible feminine products for three months.

Are you up for it? If so, add yerself to the comments with "Sign me cUp" or something like it.

Raffle!
To add to the excitement (as if feminine products weren't exciting enough!) I'm holding a raffle to all those who sign up for the challenge. In order to help defray the cost of the cup, I'll pick a name from a hat and the winner shall receive a free DivaCup (see comments for more details). The drawing will be held next Monday, April 23rd.

Prizes!
Yes, there's more! For those challenged chickens who make it through the three month trial, there will be another drawing for some fun prizes. I'll announce these prizes next week after the DivaCup raffle.

And what if nobody signs up for the challenge? Well, then, I guess I get my own free damn cup. And super cool prizes.