I'm surprised no on has responded to this yet. I do not use regular commercial brand pads and tampons. I used to but then switched about 6 years ago to using The Keeper, which is a reusuable menstrual cup (also known as The Diva Cup or the Moon Cup) and I absolutely LOVE my Keeper! I think it's one of the greatest inventions ever! It's reusable for years, can be worn for up to 12 hours, very easy to use once you get the hang of it and I find them much more comfortable than tampons. I totally forget that I'm having my period when I'm wearing one. It's also healthier for the vagina than tampons are, since it doesn't suck up all the natural vital fluids like tampons do. It only collects the menstrual blood. I tried using sea sponges a couple of times but do not care for them so much.

In addition to the Keeper, I use reusable washable cloth menstrual pads. I am all for these alternative forms of feminine hygiene. They don't add up in the trash, last for years, are more comfortable than disposable pads and tampons, more economical, healthier for the body, and yes, environmentally friendly. You can easily find sites that sell cloth pads and menstrual cups by looking them up online.

Some women may find the idea of having to clean their own rags and confront their own menstrual blood to be gross but really, what is the big deal? I think it's more gross that we have all these used pads and tampons accumulating in our trash dumps and clogging up our toilets. Yuck! I strongly encourage every women to swith to these healthier and more environmentally friendly forms of feminine hygiene. There's nothing gross about it. In fact it teaches you how to be more comfortable with your body and your monthly cycles. Also, I've heard many women report that they have less cramping after switching from tampons to menstrual cups and some say it makes their makes their periods shorter as well. Two great bonuses.

Definitely check out these options. I love 'em and will never go back to disposables again.

I know I asked this question ages ago, but I am so grateful for the reply. I've been meaning to do some research on the recommendations. I was at a Nature Mart and I found a Diva cup www.divacup.com and some Glad rags reusable cotton pads www.gladrags.com I am so happy! It's like 25 years after I started my period I finally found something that is comfortable and makes sense. It really is comfortable and quite amazing.
I hate throwing away used pads because of my passion for recycling. Thanks again for the recommendation. Yeah it was an expense but I think a reasonable one for the relief I will feel everytime I keep the trash can empty.