This #PlasticFreeJuly we’re asking people to think about the impact of flushing tampons and pads.
Tampons, pads and panty liners are loaded with hidden plastic which makes its way into rivers and oceans. This has a devastating impact on marine life and coastlines. It’s time to put a stop to it!
Natracare takes action
On July 1st 2018, a coalition of activists, environmental organisations and Natracare marched on Brighton Beach. The aim was to raise awareness and break the taboo which prevents people making informed choices. Our messages are simple:
No more plastic!
Too many of us aren’t aware of the ingredients inside period products.
No more flushing!
Millions of conventional period products containing plastic and chlorine are being flushed down the toilet every single day and can end up in our rivers and seas. So many of us simply don’t know how correctly to dispose of our menstrual products, so it’s time to spread the message!
Period products environmental impact
- Around 700,000 panty liners, 2.5 million tampons and 1.4 million sanitary towels are flushed down the toilet every day.
- Over 20,000 tampons, applicators and sanitary pads have been collected by Marine Conservation Society litter pickers during a decade of beach cleans.
- One pack of sanitary pads contains the same amount of plastic as four carrier bags.
- One conventional sanitary pad takes around 500 years to break down.
- Traditional period products contain chlorine which pollutes our waterways.
So, what can you do?
- Change your habits! Never flush period products down the toilet. (Bin them or if you’re feeling extra green, learn how to compost your period products instead)
- Choose to buy plastic free period products
- Reduce your plastic footprint, and #GOplasticfree this July
Finally, a huge thank you to everyone who joined us on the march, including the brilliant City to Sea, the Women’s Environmental Network, Plastic Britain, and plastic free periods campaigner Ella Daish.
Research
Journal of the Institution of Environmental Sciences – Water Security
