Voice of London

According to Unicef, every month, around 1.8 billion people around the world menstruate. Millions of those people use disposable sanitary products that will later end up in landfill and take hundreds of years to break down.

In the UK alone, single-use menstrual products generate more than 200,000 tonnes of waste every year. Approximately 6% of a tampon is made out of plastic, which includes the applicator, core and string. Even worse, as much as 90% of the menstrual pad is made out of plastic. On average there are 36g of plastic in every pack of pads, which is equivalent to 4-5 plastic bags.   

Plastics were introduced into disposable sanitary wear at the start of the 20th century, some for design improvement, like tampon applicators. More discreet and portable packaging was implemented mid-century, and since then in a pack of single-use menstrual products each pad and tampon is individually wrapped in plastic. Pads and tampons are not classified as medical devices in the UK, making plastics wasteful.   

Women’s Environmental Network (WEN) reports that half of UK women flush their tampons away. It has been estimated that 1.5-2billion menstrual items go down the drain in the UK annually. Flushed sanitary products contribute to the 370,000 sewer blockages every year and find their way into the rivers and oceans.   

The Marine Conservation Society estimates that there are approximately 4.8 pieces of menstrual waste on average per 100m of beach in the UK. It is believed that microplastic pollution contributes to the death of millions of sea birds, sea mammals, marine turtles and countless fish every year. Additionally, the leaching toxic additives make a very toxic morsel for fish, sea mammals and the humans that eat them.   

Disposable products are reported to have up to 2,900 different chemicals in them. Despite the changes in bleaching practices to purify the wood pulp that is used to make menstrual products, chlorine and dioxin, these toxic substances can still be found in sanitary products.

Even in small amounts, exposure to dioxin and endocrine is linked to Endometriosis and can damage your immune and hormonal systems. Traces of insecticides and pesticides have also been found in tampons.   

Dr Bartosz Kulig who specialises in Gynaecology and Obstetrics says: “Women should opt for organic sanitary products, free from chemicals and plastics. Menstrual cups, reusable period pads and panties are the way to go. If washed and dried properly after use, they are a great alternative to single-use, disposable sanitary products”   

”Periods are 100% natural and so should be the feminine hygiene and menstrual products.”

Each person who menstruates has their preferences and not everyone wants to or is ready to go waste free, for whatever reason. A good start to more sustainable periods are plastic-free tampons, liners and pads made out of organic cotton or bamboo.   

WEN reports that some women might need two packs of menstrual products for each period. Estimates say that in the UK each period can cost up to £41, which can round up to £492 a year. In comparison, a one-off investment in a menstrual cup or set of underwear would cost you anywhere between £10 and £50 (for a set of WUKA underwear).   

“As soon as I had some money, I decided to invest…I made one big purchase two years ago and spent maybe around £60 on a set of reusable pads and a cup (my go-to). I think if I had to purchase regular menstrual products, I would have spent triple as what I spent two years ago.” said Lilly, who’s been using sustainable period products since 2019.   

Switching to reusable eco-friendly period products might seem pricey, however, it is an investment that will reduce the costs of your period over time.   

“It is an investment I was willing to make. Not only for my health or my finances but for the planet. This is my little contribution to saving the environment.” said Lilly.   

According to a study by Plan International UK, 1 in 10 girls can’t afford sanitary products in Great Britain. Additionally, due to affordability issues, 14% of girls had to ask to borrow a menstrual product. Many of the girls and young women have to improvise by wrapping tissue paper, socks and old t-shirts around their underwear. A staggering 80,000 young women in London alone are affected by period poverty.   

Dr Kulig said: “Use of dirty cloths and cloths not meant for sanitary use can lead to bacterial infections.”   

The purchase of sustainable and reusable menstrual products can reduce period poverty and help women stay safe and healthy during their periods. Women’s Environmental Network has a guide and a pattern, which detail how to make reusable sanitary pads at home.   

Nothing comes without a carbon footprint, however, switching to reusable sanitary products that are made of soft fabrics and healthier materials is vital in order to reduce our plastic footprints and keep our reproductive organs healthy.    

Here’s a list of campaigns and organisations promoting sustainable periods and period products that are better for people and the planet.   

Women’s Environmental Network | The Cup | Bloody Good Period | Action Aid | Red Box Project | Freedom 4 Girls | Pink Protest  

You can donate sanitary products to food and supply banks or donate money to Plan UK and Action Aid, which work to improve menstrual hygiene in developing countries.

Words: Aleksandra Martynow | Subbing: I. B. Beres