With my war on plastic pollution, I have been thinking about the effects of disposable sanitary products. It is something us females do not talk enough about! These products are convenient but they are not biodegradable and add to landfill waste.
What we are all guilty of (including myself) is not thinking about the waste they produce – can you imagine how much this would be over a lifetime?
They also contain plastics, making them contribute towards plastic pollution.
Did you know it takes a tampon longer to degrade than a woman’s lifespan?
Source: Guardian
We also know how much plastic packaging they come in. Many are individually wrapped in plastic – then there are plastic tampon applicators. More single use plastic!
An average woman is estimated to use, and throw away, in excess of 10,000 of these in her lifetime
Source: Guardian
What do they contain and why are they whiter than white?
They’re made to look this way as white is associated with being clean and sterile. Many other chemicals could also be present to make them look, feel and smell a certain way. There is very little information about exactly what these products contain!
Let’s Talk Plastic Pollution
Once used, sanitary products are binned adding to landfill waste. They are sometimes flushed – despite warnings on packaging. Did you know water companies spend huge amounts of money clearing blockages?
The toothbrush we used as children probably still exists on this planet, somewhere… we could also say the same about used nappies and sanitary products?
Unfortunately clever marketing campaigns, big budget advertising and readily available convenient products sway our buying decision. We normally forget to look at the harm that this can cause to the environment.
It is estimated your chosen sanitary product could contain up to 90% plastic
Source: Elle
It is not JUST the waste that is a concern, the labeling is not transparent enough. Lack of regulations to disclose what these products are made of does not help.
Introducing Reusable Products and The Menstrual Cup
I’ve been looking at alternatives and found something that is FREE of unnecessary chemicals, affordable and reusable. THIS ACTUALLY EXISTS and was invented way back in 1937!
I did not even know this genius invention and this is something I have recently switched to. Over the next few blogs I will share my own experience. As a topic that is not discussed enough, let’s fix this and explore the MENSTRUAL CUP together.
Join me on a journey to discover all you need to know!!
Please do read the blogs before deciding it the menstrual cup could work for you.
However, if you already know this is not for you then there are other reusable sanitary products like cloth REUSABLE SANITARY PADS and PERIOD PANTS. Simply rinse, wash and reuse over and over again – many women find these are the perfect solution for them to have a plastic free period!
Further reading: What Exactly Is A Menstrual Cup?
Further reading: Reusable Hand Made Fabric Products
Fabric Sanitary Products
This blog showcases some custom made items including some colourful sanitary pads!
#plasticfreeperiod #menstrualcup #reducesingleuseplastics #plasticpollution #singleuseplastics #nontoxicliving #noplanetb #reusablesanitarypads
What I write are my own personal views and I don’t endorse any content on external websites. I am also not advising on best course of action and recommend you do your own research.