Hewson, who has been an environmentalist for more than 25 years, said, "Some women suffer from skin allergies and irritations, which can cause discomfort in varying degrees. Symptoms such as uncomfortable soreness and/or itchiness are often heightened during menstruation due to sensitivity to synthetic and plastic ingredients in sanitary products.
"Even if your feminine hygiene products are not clogging your toilet, filling up the nation's landfills, killing off our marine life or inducing toxic shock syndrome, they may just be exposing your body to dioxins," said the former campaigner for Friends of the Earth.
Natracare tampons are made from certified organic 100 percent cotton, and are Totally Chlorine-Free. Organic standards do not permit the use of any genetically modified cotton, so those who have concerns about the increasing use of GM cotton can be reassured. Natracare tampons are free from rayon, binders, plastics, surfactants, resins, dyes and fragrances. Natracare's panty shields, which include a traditional and curved shape liner, and a String for tanga briefs, are made with natural materials are designed to keep the user cool and comfortable.
Hewson, who tied herself to a tree in the 1980s to save an ancient forest and has campaigned against crucial issues, such as nuclear energy and whaling, said, "What's more, Natracare pads do not contain polyacrylic absorbents or have plastic covers that lie next to the skin, both of which can cause irritation. Many women, under the instruction of their gynaecologists, have found relief from irritation by changing to Natracare products."
Hewson is still campaigning internationally, nationally and locally to improve women's health and protect the world's environment. She is united with her company by a common conviction that environmentally sustainable development requires strong grassroots and national and international campaigning.
Born in Nottingham, England, the former school teacher, fitness instructor and trainer, set up her own franchise company with a network of approximately one-dozen fitness instructors in 1986.
In April 1989, after seeing a television program that focused on the environmental damage caused by the dioxin residues that are created by the chlorine bleaching process used in paper pulp manufacturing, Hewson began her research on the materials and technology required to produce a safer and effective range of feminine hygiene products to rival those dominating the global market.
The graduate of Ravensbourne College of Art and Design in Chislehurst, England, said, "I had been very concerned about environmental issues for years and the program acted as a catalyst to make me take my concern and anxiety a stage further."
Hewson, who eventually developed a non-chlorine bleached sanitary towel that worked just as well as other brands and could be made at a competitive price, set up her company and went into production with the Natracare products of non-chlorine bleached sanitary towels.
Natracare, which includes the company's lines of certified organic 100 percent cotton tampons and totally chlorine free natural sanitary pads, provide comfortable, reliable protection, while helping to care for women's health and the environment. Natracare offers women products that they can trust and rely upon, because they are free from harmful chemicals and synthetics.
Hewson, who is dedicated to providing women with the best and safest personal care available, said, "Natracare organic cotton tampons and natural sanitary pads provide the perfect feminine hygiene solution for those who are chemically sensitive, and all women, who today have health and environmental concerns such as the use of pesticides, toxic dioxin pollution, the impact of genetically modified cotton and sanitary waste disposal."
Natracare tampons, the first all cotton tampon on the market since the 1940s, are certified by the Soil Association, which was founded in the United Kingdom in 1946 by a group of farmers, scientists and nutritionists. They observed a direct connection between farming practice and plant, animal, human and environmental health. The organization has developed organic standards and works with consumers, farmers, growers, processors, retailers and policy makers. There are no regulations in the U.S. concerning the listing of ingredients in tampons.
"Because of the Association's work and our research, women today do not have to worry about toxic pollutants from pesticides, insecticides or synthetic materials, such as rayon, when they use Natracare tampons, which are available with or without applicators and sold in both regular and super absorbencies," Hewson said.
Susie Hewson: Environmentalist and founder of Natracare