Looking at the ‘how to live in peace with your septic tank’ section of the TotalFrance forum it’s evident that a lot of British women have difficulty with the instruction “do not put anything down the loo which is not human waste or loo paper”. The specific difficulty seems to be with regard to the disposal of tampons. I think there is a discussion there alone, but really I can’t ... chlorine bleached, dioxin infused, don’t even think about composting).

Anyway, looking into the issue (not that I expect to be troubled much longer by our regular friend) I’ve come across something called a Mooncup – see www.mooncup.co.uk . Ladies could you see yourself using a reusable silicon pot and a washable panty liner?

Also (as no doubt there will only be a short interlude before I’m adding to landfill with incontinence pads) does anyone know of an eco-friendly solution to this issue? It might be something worthwhile remembering.

Mmm - well it's worth thinking about. I think they reckon the average woman goes through something like 12,000 tampons in a lifetime. My marketing software says the UK population of women aged 15 - 50 is 14,399,000 - so that's some landfill!

Added to which, when looking at friend's 9 year old running around in her vest recently, I couldn't help but observe it might be about time she had that conversation with her daughter. Sanibins in primary schools - horrifying.

Ted,

You really are a 'New man'

J

That's a great link Ted. I'm going to get me a moon cup... I was a bit squeamish at the idea until a friend absolutely swore by it, so I will give it a try.. excited

Thanks you katymac. Don't think I'm at that stage yet...

Mooncups are fab - but definitely not for young 'uns, or even 15 yr olds (unless they're the town bike). If you're not sufficiently roomy, I imagine it would be quite painful.

Mine has been a real plus - not just on the eco front (no pads/tampons being shipped around) but for general summer comfort. And as this is a building site I should probably shut up now, or lots of hairy, hunky builders will be going greener than usual... ;-)

Still are, but the diff in diameter is 3 mm...

Katymac - what about the 'odour' issue with washable incontinence pads?

After much soul-searching we admitted mother in law to a retirement home on Monday. First criteria in the selection procedure was the sniff test.

We moved her in with about half a cubic metre of Tena ladies, but since she has Alzheimer's type dementia I can imagine that night time incontinence is just the beginning.

I'd also be interested in a view about comfort. I must admit I've never been able to get mum to wear the Tena ladies properly but I can't bear the thought of a soggy washable working its way down her tights leg.

Sorry StuartB. Unfortunately with the old 'uns there isn't the positive outcome you have with the little 'uns which means a whole load of landfill.

I've also just read in the small print of the home that there's a protocol about soiled laundry. I expect that means washables will be a no no.

Ludite I don't think mum going commando is an option. You really don't want to know the sites you get when you Google 'big knickers' or 'old ladies knickers'. 'Traditional ladies underwear' came up with a very nice firm in Morecombe. Big order placed on line for these 'directoire' jobs plus a pile of Cash's name tags. Guess what I'll be doing all weekend.

She's not too bad at the minute (night time only) - but I imagine it only gets worse.

What's a kylie?

a good magician never gives away their secrets. Trust me. You are wasting money on pants. Kylies are absorbant washable seat/bed pads - look like little quilts.

Would highly recommend Cavilon for broken skin

NO!! It's like a little special quilt. Think you can get on prescription.

Christopher reeves suit at the oscars - after the accident. was no ordinary suit.

I'm too squeamish for the mooncup - I use (when not being pregnant!) Natracare from the Natural Collection website (also available in Sainsbury's)