Periods are a natural and frankly necessary part of life for approximately 15 million people UK. However, the products we use to manage them are not so natural and many have a significant impact on the environment. Single-use plastic period products, such as tampons, pads, and panty liners, are a major contributor to plastic waste, which has devastating effects on our planet.
The Problem with Single-Use Plastic Period Products
Single-use plastic period products are designed to be used once and then thrown away, Which is appealing and convenient, however, they can take centuries to decompose. Most tampons and pads are typically made with a combination of synthetic materials, including plastic, which makes them non-biodegradable. This means that they will sit in landfills for hundreds of years, releasing harmful chemicals into the environment as they break down.
It doesn’t stop there. Many of these products are individually wrapped in plastic, creating even more waste. According to a report by the Women’s Environmental Network, the average person who menstruates uses a whopping11,000 disposable menstrual products in their lifetime.
The environmental impact of single-use plastic period products is staggering. In the UK alone, it is estimated that 200,000 tonnes of menstrual waste is generated every year, and the majority of this waste is made up of single-use plastic products. This waste ends up in landfills and oceans, polluting the environment and harming wildlife.
The Sustainable Saviour!
Fortunately there is a solution that is both cost effective and comfortable - Period Pants. They have the look and feel of regular knickers and can be washed and reused many times over. The absorbent, leakproof gusset wicks away the blood meaning you can finally ditch the disposables.
F you are on the fence - you are not alone. Many people take time to wrap their heads around reusables - especially if they have been a tampon use their whole life. However, we would encourage your curiosity to try just one pair. Try wearing them at the end of your cycle when your flow is lighter to get the feel of them. Or try then on a heavy day as a back up to a pad or tampon. Save having to scrub your bed sheets or jeans!
Once you try them, you may well get hooked!
As consumers, we can also make a difference by supporting companies that prfioritize sustainability and reducing our overall consumption of single-use plastic products.
Have a look at our other POP TALK blogs.
💋 How International Women's Day all began
💋 What does Period "Equity" mean?
💋 Why does my poop change when I have my period?
💋 What is Menstrual Hygiene Day all about?
Together, we can work towards a more sustainable and eco-friendly future for all.