Here is a list of simple but effective things you can do to protect your menstrual health and protect our environment: Never flush your towel or tampon, even if it's sold as 'flushable - always ‘Bag It and Bin It’. Demand the best products for yourself and the environment. Consider using a menstrual cup - known as The Keeper or Mooncup - or washable pads instead of throwaway menstrual products. You can prevent a lot of waste even if you only use them at night or at home. Click here for a list of suppliers (109k pdf). Ask your local shop to stock reusable sanpro; many health shops and mother-baby shops stock reusable sanpro. Make your own reusable pads. Click here for an easy-to-follow pattern (198k pdf) Avoid lubricated and/or fragranced products-these are completely superfluous and generate unnecessary additional exposure to synthetic chemicals. Challenge negative social attitudes to menstruation by exploring your relationship with your menstrual cycle. Share this knowledge with men and women you know and especially young women you are close to. Record your rhythm, perhaps using a lunar calendar – developing familiarity with your cycle provides a useful indicator of your health and wellbeing, and a greater awareness of your body. If you do use tampons, choose tampons made of organic cotton and click here to find out how to reduce your risk of toxic shock syndrome.